Florida Congressman Scott Franklin (R) released a statement mourning the death and honoring Winter Haven-born U.S. Army Captain Cody A. Khork, who was killed alongside 5 other servicemen after Iranian drones struck a U.S. Army base in Kuwait, in the opening days of "Operation Epic Fury."
“Our entire community joins the Khork family in mourning the loss of CPT Cody A. Khork of Winter Haven, who was killed while serving our nation during Operation Epic Fury,” Franklin shared on X. “Capt. Khork, an Army Reserve officer assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, died March 1 in Kuwait during an attack on a U.S. command center. Five other American service members were also killed in the attack. They answered the call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also released a statement regarding the other Army Reserve service members who were killed in the Kuwait drone strike.
“We fight to win, and we don't waste time or lives. As the president warned, an effort of this scope will include casualties. War is hell and always will be," Hegseth commented. "A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far and those injured. The absolute best of America. May we prosecute the remainder of this operation in a manner that honors them.”
Florida Congresswoman María Elvira-Salazar (R) responded to Secretary Hegseth's comments in an X post, writing, “The courage of our fallen service members will never be forgotten."
She urged that the rest of the"Operation Epic Fury" should continue with "strength and resolve" as America stands with the "Iranian people in their pursuit of freedom."
