Fil-Am Robert Marzan honored during return of troops killed in Kuwait

LOS ANGELES – Filipino American Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan and five other US Army Reserve soldiers killed in the war in the Middle East were honored Saturday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

President Donald Trump joined grieving families at the dignified transfer for the six soldiers, who were killed when a drone strike hit the command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, one day after the US and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran.

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Transfer vans containing the remains of US Army Reserve soldiers Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California; Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

“It’s a very sad day,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he returned to Florida later Saturday afternoon, saying that he was “glad we paid our respects.” He said the relatives of the deceased are “great people, great parents, wives, family” and said that the “parents were so proud.”

The dignified transfer, a ritual that returns the remains of US service members killed in action, is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander in chief.

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Door attendants U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christina Jiminez and Senior Airman Awng Dingrin secure the doors of the transfer vans containing the remains of six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Those killed in Kuwait were Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California; Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; ; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa.

Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance were present for the transfer.

The president saluted as each flag-draped transfer case was carried from the military aircraft to awaiting transfer vehicles, which would take them to a mortuary facility to prepare them for their final resting place. The families were largely silent as they observed the ritual, which lasted about a half hour.

From right, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine say a prayer before a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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‘Ultimate sacrifice’

Meanwhile, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) paid tribute to Marzan for making “the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.”

“We honor his heritage with deep respect as we remember his life, his service and his family’s grief. For Filipino Americans, military service is a legacy of patriotism and sacrifice – a testament to the longstanding contributions of our community to the United States.” NaFFAA, the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions and umbrella organizations, said in a statement.

“Pahinga ka na, kababayan — may your courage, commitment, and kindness be remembered, and may our community find strength and solidarity in this painful moment.”

NaFFAA also acknowledged the loss of Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a black belt in Filipino martial arts, “whose discipline and service reflect the deep contributions Filipino Americans make to this country – in both military service and our rich culture.”

‘Courageous Californian’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis offered condolences to Marzan’s wife and family in a statement Wednesday, saying flags at the state Capitol will remain at half-staff in his honor.

They described him as “a courageous Californian whose service to our nation was marked by honor and distinction.”

Marzan’s sister described him in a Facebook post as a “strong leader” and loving husband, father and brother.

“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 niece, Irene Mary, shared on Facebook that her uncle was “just two months away from coming back home, this was his last deployment after serving in the Army for over 30 years.”

“I don’t understand this unimaginable devastation and deep pain as I struggle to share this. I don’t understand,” she wrote.

Irene Mary described Marzan as a “loving and fun uncle, grandma’s baby, a devoted husband, protective and loving father, baby brother, cousin and best friend to many.”

The six members of the Army Reserve, who were killed by a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, were all from the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.

“These soldiers engaged in the most noble mission: protecting their fellow Americans and keeping our homeland secure,” Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a combat veteran, said earlier this week after the six were identified. “Our nation owes them an incredible debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.” (With AP report)

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