Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan as one of six Americans killed in Iranian drone strike
A Sacramento-based United States Army reservist is believed to be among six American service members killed in a drone strike carried out by Iranian forces at a military installation in Kuwait, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, served with the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Military officials said he was assigned to a fortified tactical operations center that came under attack Sunday when a projectile struck the site.
The incident represents the first known American fatalities linked to the escalating conflict involving Iran. Defense officials said Marzan was present at the location when the strike occurred and that final identification of his remains will be completed through standard procedures by a medical examiner.
News of Marzan’s death prompted condolences from California’s top leaders, who recognized his years of military service and the sacrifices made by his family.
“California mourns the loss of Chief Warrant Officer Three Marzan, a courageous Californian whose service to our nation was marked by honor and distinction,” Gov. Gavin Newsom and Acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis said in a joint statement. “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.”
State officials also announced that flags at the California State Capitol and the Capitol Annex Swing Space would remain lowered to half-staff in tribute to Marzan.
The Pentagon said five other American soldiers also lost their lives in the same attack. Four had been identified earlier as Capt. Cody Khork, 35; Sgt. Declan Coady, 20; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39; and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42. Officials later confirmed the sixth casualty as Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the location struck by the drone as a fortified tactical operations center supporting U.S. military operations in the region. Additional details about the strike and the broader military situation have not yet been released.
As investigations continue, the loss of Marzan marks a somber moment for the Sacramento region and for California’s military community, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by American service members deployed overseas.
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