'My baby brother': Sister honors slain soldier Robert Marzan as ‘strong leader’ amid Iran war death

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M Marzan, a US Army Reserve member from Sacramento, was among six American service members killed in a drone strike on a command center in Kuwait amid the escalating conflict involving Iran.

As tributes poured in following his death, Marzan’s family remembered him as a devoted husband, father and brother, with his sister sharing an emotional message honoring what she described as her “baby brother.”

Officials said the attack occurred on March 1 in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, a day after the United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region.

Family mourns ‘baby brother’

Robert Marzan’s sister, Elizabeth Marzan, paid tribute to him in a Facebook post, describing him as a strong leader and devoted family member.

“My baby brother, you are loved and I will hold onto all our memories and cherish them always in my heart,” Elizabeth Marzan wrote. Marzan’s family remembered him as a loving husband, father and brother.

Marzan is survived by his wife and family.

California Gov Gavin Newsom and acting Gov Eleni Kounalakis also offered condolences to his wife and family in a joint statement. “California mourns the loss of Chief Warrant Officer Three Marzan, a courageous Californian whose service to our nation was marked by honor and distinction. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife and family during this time of profound sorrow. The sacrifices made by military families are immeasurable, and California stands in solidarity with them, united in grief and gratitude. Chief Warrant Officer Three Marzan’s steadfast commitment exemplifies the highest ideals of our state and our country.”

Six US service members killed

According to the Pentagon, Marzan, 54, was stationed at a command center in Port Shuaiba when a drone struck the facility, killing six Army Reserve members assigned to logistics operations.

The Pentagon said Marzan is believed to have “perished at the scene,” though a medical examiner will confirm his identification.

Marzan served with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), a US Army Reserve unit based in Des Moines, responsible for ensuring troops overseas receive food, fuel, water, ammunition and equipment.

The Pentagon also identified Maj Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, as another soldier killed in the strike.

The four previously identified victims were Sgt Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa; Sgt 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, and Sgt 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska.

The soldiers were working at a logistics command center when the drone strike hit the facility.