Webster Student among Six U.S. Soldiers Killed in Drone Strike

Webster University student and Army Reserve Capt. Cody Khork died Sunday in a drone strike in Kuwait amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Khork, 35, was a Webster student pursuing his master’s in business and organizational security management online, according to a statement from John Buck, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students.

Khork was one of six U.S. soldiers killed when a drone struck Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on Sunday.

The Kuwaiti attack came a day after the United States and Israel launched war on Iran, with President Donald Trump declaring the strikes were intended to eliminate “imminent threats” from Iran and prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Khork, of Winter Haven, Florida, enlisted in the National Guard in 2009. He was commissioned as a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014.

“It is with profound sorrow and immense pride that we share these words about Cody, a man whose life was defined by devotion, character, and service,” Khork’s family wrote in a statement. “Cody was truly the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him and for everyone blessed to know him.”

Stacey Khork, his mother, wrote in a Facebook post Monday that the family is focused on making arrangements and processing the loss.

“In time, we will speak more about Cody, his life, and the service he was so proud to give to his country,” she wrote.

The university is offering counseling and support resources, including Protocall and Togetherall, to students worldwide.