Friend, 

Over the weekend, I had the solemn honor of attending the dignified transfer of our fallen servicemembers who gave their lives during Operation Epic Fury, including Iowa’s Sgt. Declan J. Coady, Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien, and Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert Marzan, whose family resides in Iowa.

My heart is shattered for our state and for the family, friends, and fellow servicemembers enduring such unimaginable loss. Our servicemembers face some of the most dangerous threats long before most Americans ever see them, standing guard abroad so families at home can live in peace. While their work often goes unseen, the safety they provide is invaluable.

We will carry on the legacies of Declan, Jeffrey, and Robert to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. Below, read more about the lives of these fallen service members—their character, their passions, and the families they leave behind. 





Sincerely,

Memorializing Iowa’s Fallen Soldiers

Sgt. Declan J. Coady of West Des Moines was just two months away from turning 21. A Drake University computer science student with his whole life ahead of him, Declan chose to serve our country in the Army Reserve with the 103rd Sustainment Command. When his unit redeployed, he took his classes online so he could continue serving alongside them.

Declan loved his job and was completely devoted to protecting his country—his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. He makes Iowa and our entire nation proud. God bless him, his family, and all our military heroes.❤️🇺🇸

Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien—who was killed in Kuwait while serving our country—received many distinguished honors for his service. His family describes Jeff as the “…sweetest blue-eyed, farm kid you’d ever know,” and was someone who “…always put others ahead of himself.”

He leaves behind a wife and three children. Jeff was a son, grandson, the oldest of three brothers, a nephew, and was raised on a farm near Monti, IA. He loved listening to 80s and 90s rock music, was a dedicated Cubs fan, and earned a degree in computer science at ISU. ❤️🇺🇸

Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan was in the final two months of his deployment when he was tragically killed by a drone strike in Kuwait. A longtime Des Moines resident with more than 30 years of service, Robert was known to his family as a “gentle giant”—a loving uncle, devoted husband and father, baby brother, cousin, and best friend to many.

He was an outstanding mentor to young servicemembers, and was even known for going out of his way to help them map out their futures and life plans on a big whiteboard. His family had been planning a celebration for both his 55th birthday and the end of his military service when he returned home. 

My heart aches for his family and loved ones. His legacy will endure the test of time. Matt and I continue to pray for our Gold and Blue Star families and for our servicemembers serving overseas. ❤️🇺🇸

Team Hinson in IA-02

My team stopped by the Key West Early Childhood Center to see the great work they’re doing for young kids and their families in Dubuque. Those early years matter so much, and it’s clear how much the staff care about helping kids get off to a strong start.

The team also visited the Dubuque Food Pantry for a meeting with the Executive Director and tour the facility. We are so grateful for the folks there who are working every day to ensure families in our community have food and support when they need it most.