There is a proposal at the Geary County CVB to undertake a feasibility study on existing sports facilities in the community.

Geary County Commisioner Trish Giordano also sets with the CVB Board. She listened to the proposal, "and basically it's a feasibility study to look at what we have in our community and how we can expand on that." Giordano called it a great idea. "Because if we don't know what our potential is I don't know where we would be able to go from there."

There was a consensus to seek requests for qoutes from different companies for the project. The CVB has alredy discussed the idea with a company called Victus. This could be the first step in finding out if a new sports complex is needed. Officials could aso learn that just a few more facilities are needed, such as perhaps a few more pickleball courts, tennis courts or a soccer field.

There could be discussions on the topic with the community or potentially a survey. Any study could also apply to marketing of the community.&nbsp;

The topic will be brought back to the CVB board next month.&nbsp;

There was a general belief that due to the high cost of a sports complex any facilty like that would need to be funded and operated by a private entity.

Feasibility Study idea surfaces

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansans receiving food assistance can’t buy soda or candy with those dollars beginning in 2027, Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fns.usda.gov%2Fsnap%2Fwaivers%2Ffoodrestriction/1/0101019cbab54047-08a03f0a-e32d-46c2-9b36-524fa331e2bb-000000/0T9ZyQ1ireBQHHUS257jy1tmZiFh3-HIbXcpR_BLOjY=447" target="_blank">approved a waiver</a>&nbsp;for the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The state joins 21 other states in restricting candy and soda purchases with SNAP dollars, Kelly said in a news release. The Legislature passed a law last year requiring the administration to seek the waiver. Kelly vetoed the law but was overridden by GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate.

While the governor said she supports policies that incentivize healthy eating, Kelly encouraged the USDA to develop a strategy to implement such waivers that reduce “confusion and uncertainty” for retailers and recipients.

Kelly referred to confusion across the country about which products are considered candy and soda. Products people think of as candy may not meet the definition under the law, which has caused problems for retailers and recipients in other states. In Louisiana, for instance, soda made with&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2026/02/26/what-foods-are-forbidden-under-louisianas-new-snap-rules-take-our-quiz/" target="_blank">cane sugar is OK to purchase</a>, the Louisiana Illuminator reported.

The Kansas waiver goes into effect Feb. 15, 2027. Kelly’s news release said the state will use candy and soda definitions that are already set in the state’s food and sales tax laws:

Instituting the waiver requires four elements, including communication to retailers and recipients, as well as detailed evaluation, monitoring and compliance. The Kansas Department for Families and Children is seeking a contractor to help with implementation.

“Kansas is now a part of the MAHA (Make American Healthy Again) movement,” said Senate President Ty Masterson in a news release.

MAHA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html" target="_blank">a movement</a>&nbsp;led by U.S. Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the chronic disease epidemic and healthy eating habits.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the waiver approval was a “significant step toward ensuring taxpayer-funded food assistance programs prioritize nutrition and align with the original intent of the program.”

“I’m glad to see this waiver finally moving forward,” he said. “I’m all for helping someone who’s down on their luck but if taxpayer dollars are going toward food assistance, it only makes sense they should support real nutrition, not pop and candy.”

Kansans on food assistance can’t buy candy, soda beginning in February 2027

The Junction City Blue Jays beat the Dodge City Red Demons on Wednesday night at the Blue Jay Event Center at Junction City High School. The Blue Jays now advance to the substate championship game on Saturday.&nbsp;

Game recap Junction City 70, Dodge City 56

Dodge City won the opening tip and drilled a three-pointer to begin the game and take an early 3-0 lead. Junction City junior Khaliel Walker answered with a three-pointer on the other end, and the Blue Jays successful shooting night began. The teams played a high level first quarter, and Junction City led 15-12 after the first period.&nbsp;

In the second quarter, Junction City began the quarter with another three from Walker,&nbsp; and then a basket by senior Jackson Hollie gave JCHS a 20-15 lead. The Red Demons of Dodge City battled back with Ty Scheck and Nathan Schulte keeping them in the game. Junction City led 27-25 at halftime.&nbsp;

Third quarter action is when the Junction City Blue Jays locked in and showed their full potential. The Blue Jays turned defense into offense, with several transition layups, and three different players getting a chance for the traditional three-point play. Junction City's Lovell Autry forced three straight steals that turned into layups and eight straight points for the senior in his last ever home game. The Blue Jays outscored Dodge City 25-8 in the quarter, and JCHS led 52-33 at the end of the third quarter.&nbsp;

In the fourth quarter, Junction City cruised to victory, and won the game 70-56. For Junction City, the Blue Jays had five players in double digits. They were: Lovell Autry (19 points), Brody Boeckman (14 points), Khaliel Walker (13 points), Jackson Hollie (12 points), and Jet Thompson with 10 points.&nbsp;

The Blue Jays advance to the substate championship game on Saturday at Derby High School. Tip-off will be at 5:00 p.m. You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.&nbsp;

🏀 Blue Jay Boys roll past Dodge City in Sub-State Round One win

The Kansas Department of Transportation has begun the next phase of interchange improvements at the K-18/I-70 interchange.

Due to this progression of work, traffic has been reduced to one lane from exit 301 at Henry Drive (Marshall Field) to exit 303 at K-18 to continue construction and install safety barrier.

The lane reduction is being extended throughout this portion of the project and is expected to last through August, conditions permitting. Motorists should be aware that additional traffic changes will take place as work continues to progress.

King Construction, of Hesston, is the prime contractor for this $27.5 million interchange project and has scheduled the entire project to be completed in fall 2027.

Lane reduction extended at K-18/I-70 in Geary County

#6 seed Junction City Blue Jays host #11 Dodge City Red Demons tonight in Sub-state Round One action. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.&nbsp;

You can listen to the game live on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

You can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/D0usL0hgjzE">watch the game live by clicking here. </a>The video is provided by BlueJayMedia.&nbsp;

WATCH/LISTEN LIVE: SUBSTATE 🏀 Junction City Blue Jays host Dodge City Red Demons

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a alleged scam in Manhattan.

Just after 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 400 block of E. Poyntz Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Deparatment activity report.

 Goodwill reported an unknown suspect scammed an employee into using store funds to pay for a fraudulent business debt. 

The total estimated loss associated with this case is $1,191.80.

RCPD investigating alleged fraud at business in Manhattan

Numerous topics were addressed during the Geary USD 475 Board of Education meeting this week.

--Potential enrollment fees were a topic of discussion. No action was taken but they could supplement District finances. One suggestion called for a cap on fees for families. There was also some opposition because USD 475 is a low income public school system.

--During budget discussion by Board members there was one idea to have students help clean rooms. That didn't fly.

--There was discussion about possibly moving maintenance operations for the District back in house but no action occurred.

--A memorandum of understanding was approved between the City of Milford and USD 475. That City will assist with some expenses to help the District keep Milford Elementary School open.

--A Lincoln Elementary School playground equipment upgrade was approved.&nbsp;

--The BOE approved a $38,000 expenditure for TriCaster replacement&nbsp; to be used at JCHS for student broadcasts.

--There was discussion about eliminating the aTa Bus contract but the idea was postponed. That has been a $70,000 contract. One suggestion was for&nbsp; the District to provide $15,000. Some students use the service. There will be a discussion with aTa Bus.

USD 475 BOE news notes

For the eighth consecutive year, USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards has named Abilene a finalist for Best Historic Small Town, placing this Kansas community among the top historic destinations in the nation once again.

As the country prepares to celebrate America 250 in 2026, Abilene continues to stand out as a place where the American story is not just remembered, it is experienced.

“Being named a finalist year after year reflects the pride and partnership of our entire community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s story, Abilene offers an authentic place to experience the leadership, frontier spirit, and community values that define America.”

From the end of the Chisholm Trail to the hometown of a President who proudly claimed Abilene as his own, this community offers visitors a hands-on journey through America’s story.

Finalists are selected by a panel of travel experts, and the winner is determined by public vote. Voting began Monday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. CST and ends Monday, March 30 at 11:59 a.m. CDT. Supporters may vote once per day during the contest period. The Top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10Best readers, will be announced Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. Vote daily at AbileneKansas.org/votenow or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/57585/">10Best.com</a>.

America likes Abilene

Geary County Rural firefighters have reponded to 18 fires so far this year compared to 10 one year ago. That included the Stone Ridge house fire and an apartment building fire at the Bluffs Apartment complex.

A bid for air packs was approved at a cost of $697,586.29. They will serve firefighters for Geary County Rural Fire, Milford and Grandview Plaza.

March 16 is the date for the annual Storm Spotter Severe Weather Training meeting at the 4-H / Senior Center.

Geary County news notes

Budget discussion drew a great deal of attention at this week's Board of Education meeting in Junction City. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston said that they are looking at their overall expenses. "We're looking at the funding sources and any reductions that may be upon us and just covering all of our expenses. That would include facilities, staff and programs."

Eggleston noted that they want to ensure that they have everything they need in place for the 2026-2027 and even the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school years.&nbsp;

The Board heard that 2&nbsp; to 3 million&nbsp; dollars in cuts might be necessary next year. Eggleston added that they're, "seeing where we can make cuts so that ultimately we're not impacting what's most important, that's supporting our students."&nbsp;

JC Post asked if a reduction in force is necessary? Eggleston is not certain yet. "We'll see what happens with attrition, and that's through retirements and resignations. That could very easily take care of everything for us." That will be done in the spring.

At this point no final decisions have been made.

Some of the information presented to the BOE:

--Impact aid received last&nbsp; year totaled $16 million and $23 million in 2024.

--It cost $2.7 million to give raises last year including health insurance for everyone.

--The high school bonds can be paid off in full in 2031.

--Ideas from the Board included having administrators look at the building level for possible cuts.

School district faces future budget challenges

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.

For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a>

Salina high school students hold walkout to protest ICE

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Israel, American bases and countries around the region Thursday, while warning the U.S. would “bitterly regret”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-iran-middle-east-ship-sinking-69191dde43154c5176a8aeacc9128748">torpedoing an Iranian warship</a>&nbsp;and calling for “Trump’s blood.” Tehran’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">expanding retaliatory strikes</a>&nbsp;and increasing shows of defiance came even as Israel hammered it for a sixth day.

The war has escalated each day, expanding well beyond the Gulf. On Thursday, Azerbaijan accused Iran of attacking it with drones — though Tehran denied launching them. A day earlier, the U.S. said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-iran-middle-east-ship-sinking-69191dde43154c5176a8aeacc9128748">it sank an Iranian frigate</a>&nbsp;in the waters off Sri Lanka.

All the while, Israel and the U.S. have battered Iran with nationwide strikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-04-2026-e1c316da4ce809407122590a6872aa85">targeting their military capabilities and security forces</a>. Iran’s attacks have targeted their Arab neighbors, disrupted oil supplies and snarled global air travel.

In launching the war Saturday, the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal and nuclear program. Leaders have also suggested that toppling the government is a goal — and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of strikes. But the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, and the conflict increasingly appeared to be open-ended.

The war has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. It has disrupted the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarled international shipping and stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.

Israel announced multiple incoming missile attacks and air sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and Gulf countries also reported coming under fire.

In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, a drone was shot down near the Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces, and shrapnel fell to the ground, authorities said. Six people were wounded.

Qatar evacuated residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha as a temporary precaution and later reported a missile attack on the city. Saudi Arabia said it destroyed a drone in its province bordering Jordan.

The Israeli military said it launched attacks in Lebanon on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group — which attacked Israel in the opening days of the war — and that a wave of strikes on Iran had hit long-range ballistic missile launch sites and other targets.

A drone crashed Thursday near the airport in Nakhchivan, a region of Azerbaijan bordering the north of Iran that is separated from the rest of the country by Armenia. Another drone fell near a school and two civilians were injured, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Azerbaijan called it an attack, but Iran’s general staff of the armed forces denied it had launched a drone toward the country. The denial comes as Iran has repeatedly denied targeting oil infrastructure and other civilian targets during the war, despite its drone and missile fire hitting those sites.

A tanker apparently came under attack off the coast of Kuwait early Thursday, expanding the area where commercial shipping was in danger, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center run by the British military. It said there was an explosion but did not offer a cause.

Since the war began Saturday, ships have been attacked in the Gulf of Oman and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">Strait of Hormuz</a>, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped. That&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-supply-chain-disruption-8f262bb210710b7509221a3dccf787c9">has caused oil prices to soar</a>&nbsp;— though they briefly came down Wednesday, before resuming their climb Thursday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. Navy of committing an “an atrocity at sea” for sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, killing at least 87 Iranian sailors.

“Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret (the) precedent it has set,” he said on social media.

Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli later called on state television for the shedding of both Israeli and “Trump’s blood.”

The statement represented a rare call for violence by an ayatollah, which is one of the highest ranks within the clergy of Shiite Islam. There are dozens in Iran.

Iranian warship was sunk on way home from multinational exercises

The Iranian ship sunk by the U.S. Navy was returning from participating in an exercise hosted by the Indian navy that the U.S. also participated in.

Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members were rescued, while its navy recovered at least 87 bodies.

Araghchi said it had been carrying “almost 130” crew.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Wednesday that an American submarine had sunk the ship with a torpedo.

Sri Lanka’s media minister and government spokesman, Nalinda Jayatissa, told parliament Thursday that another Iranian ship had arrived in its waters. Jayatissa did not provide further details about the ship or the number of people on board.

Israel says it hits more Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

Among the 80 targets in Lebanon that the Israel military said it hit over the past 24 hours were “several command centers” used by Hezbollah in Beirut. It showed video footage of a building being hit, but provided no further details.

Another eight people were killed in Lebanon, including two in a building struck by the Israeli military in the Beddawi refugee camp in the coastal city of Tripoli on Thursday and three on a coastal highway, authorities said. The Israeli military did not immediately say who it targeted in the strikes.

U.S. and Israeli military officials say launches from Iran have declined as their attacks have taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. Israel’s Homefront Command announced it was easing restrictions that closed workplaces nationwide, which could reopen Thursday if there is a shelter nearby. Schools would remain closed.

At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, the country’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Thursday. Eleven people have died in Israel.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Six U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;have been killed, including a major whose identity was released Wednesday.

Rising reported from Bangkok, Becatoros from Athens, Greece, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, Lebanon, Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Aida Sultanova in Baku, Azerbaijan, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Giovanna Dell’Orto in Miami contributed to this report.

Iran launches new attacks and calls for ‘Trump's blood’

SHAWNEE COUNTY– One person died in an apartment fire in&nbsp; Topeka.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire located at 715 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

 Crews reported on arrival that there was heavy smoke coming from the multi-family apartment complex. Firefighters began an aggressive interior attack on the fire from within the structure. Firefighters rescued several residents from the structure. Four people were transported to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units are displaced by the fire.

&nbsp;The preliminary cause of the fire was determined to be an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Thursday.

One dead, 4 hospitalized after Kansas apartment fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Textron Aviation team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russell W. “Russ” Meyer Jr., the longtime chairman and CEO, and Chairman Emeritus, of Cessna Aircraft Company.

Mr. Meyer was an aviation legend, leading Cessna for nearly 30 years and overseeing the development and launch of Citation business jets. He played a key role in stabilizing the industry through the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, and earned top aviation awards including two Collier Trophies, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

He believed in using aviation to help others, founding the&nbsp;<a href="https://airlift.txtav.com/">Special Olympics Airlift</a>&nbsp;— which has transported athletes to the Games for forty years — and supporting workforce development by starting Wichita's 21st Street Training Program to create career opportunities for underserved residents. His passion for youth development extended to many important charitable organizations and causes.

“Russ was a remarkable human being and one of the most respected leaders I have ever known. I held Russ in the highest regard, not only for his extraordinary business acumen, but for the integrity, humility and genuine care he showed for people at every stage of his life. He led with conviction, compassion and an unwavering belief that leadership carries a responsibility to serve something greater than oneself,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of the entire Textron Aviation team, I extend my deepest condolences to Russ’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. I was truly privileged to know Russ as a colleague, a mentor and a friend.”

Russ leaves an enduring legacy of innovation, advocacy and service. He shaped our company, our industry and the Wichita, Kansas, community in ways that will be felt for generations to come.&nbsp; For more on the li

Aviation legend, former Cessna CEO has died

SEDGWICK COUNTY -&nbsp;A 33-year-old man died after a shooting Tuesday afternoon at an apartment building in Wichita.

Just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a reported shooting at 916 N. Broadway. Officers arrived and found 33-year-old Lee Banks inside the apartment building with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body. 

Officers performed life-saving measures until EMS arrived. EMS transported Banks to a local hospital in serious condition.

Officers detained a 37-year-old man at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates the men got into a physical altercation prior to the shooting. Banks later died from his injuries.

Investigators interviewed the 37-year-old man and later released him. Investigators will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.

Police release Kansas suspect after deadly fight at apartment 

By&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matthew-lee">MATTHEW LEE</a> Associated Press

The State Department says that charter flights for American citizens stranded in the Middle East since the start of military operations against Iran have begun.

The department said Wednesday that one plane has left the Middle East to bring Americans home.

It did not say where the flight originated from or where it was going, although the department has said it is arranging charter aircraft from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

It has said Americans wanting to leave those countries should register online at mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake or contact the State Department’s 24/7 Task Force at +1-202-501-4444.

US begins charter flights for stranded Americans wanting to leave the Middle East

KIOWA COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office detention officer Monday afternoon for child sex crimes.

On Monday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m., KBI agents arrested Dustin Dean Chartier, 36, of Greensburg, at the Kiowa County Courthouse, according to a media release from the KBI.

 Chartier was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, lewd and lascivious behavior, and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.

In December 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of sex abuse of a minor by a detention officer in 2021. Chartier was placed on administrative leave during the KBI investigation. While investigating the initial allegation, a second victim disclosed another sex abuse incident, prompting the KBI to open an additional investigation. The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office was fully cooperative with the investigation.

Following his arrest Chartier was booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Two child victims report sex abuse involving Kan. jail deputy 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/hannah-fingerhut">HANNAH FINGERHUT</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/konstantin-toropin">KONSTANTIN TOROPIN</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rebecca-boone">REBECCA BOONE</a>

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The last two names of the six U.S. soldiers killed in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Kuwait attack</a>&nbsp;were released Wednesday by the Pentagon, and they are from California and Iowa.

The soldiers identified Wednesday were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.

The Pentagon said Marzan was at the scene when a drone strike hit the command center in Kuwait and is “believed to be the individual who perished at the scene,” according to the statement. A medical examiner will confirm identification, the Pentagon said.

Four soldiers were previously identified by the Pentagon on Tuesday.

They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-04-2026-e1c316da4ce809407122590a6872aa85">military campaign against Iran</a>. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

O’Brien was promoted to major in August 2024, according to a Facebook post, which shows him alongside two young children.

The signal officer and information systems engineer in the Army Reserve was a manager of defensive cyber operations at an Iowa-based cybersecurity company, according to his LinkedIn. He had a career spanning two decades in information and cybersecurity.

The other four soldiers identified were: Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa,; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska.

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of the deaths. Trump will attend the dignified transfers of the soldiers when they arrive in the U.S., the White House said Wednesday. The ritual honors service members killed in action.

Coady had been checking in with his family from Kuwait every hour or two after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c">U.S. and Israel launched</a>&nbsp;their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">military campaign against Iran</a>, even as Iran launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">retaliatory strikes</a>.

When he didn’t respond to messages Sunday, “most of us started to wonder,” Coady’s father, Andrew, told The Associated Press. “Your gut starts to get a feeling.”

Amor was just days away from returning to her husband and children.

“She was almost home,” her husband, Joey Amor, said Tuesday. “You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first — it hurts.”

Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from the peppers and tomatoes she grew with her son, a high school senior. She enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.

A week before the drone attack, Amor was moved off-base to a shipping container-style building that had no defenses, her husband said.

“They were in fear that the base they were on was going to get attacked and they felt it was safer in smaller groups in separate places,” he said.

Childhood friend Natalie Caruso wrote on Facebook that she was “absolutely heartbroken” about Amor’s death.

“Nicole was always up for an adventure and she had such a contagious laugh!” Caruso wrote Wednesday.

Coady recently told his father he had been recommended for a promotion from specialist to sergeant, a rank he received posthumously.

He was among the youngest people in his class, trained to troubleshoot military computer systems, but he impressed his instructors, Andrew Coady said Tuesday.

“He trained hard, he worked hard, his physical fitness was important to him. He loved being a soldier,” Coady said. “He was also one of the most kindest people you would ever meet, and he would do anything and everything for anyone.”

Coady, an Eagle Scout, was close to his family and often called, even if for only a few minutes. He was studying cybersecurity at Drake University in Des Moines, and he wanted to become an officer.

“I still don’t fully think it’s real,” his sister Keira Coady said. “I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back.”

Khork was very patriotic and wanted to serve in the military from childhood, his family said in a statement Tuesday.

He enlisted in the Army Reserve and joined Florida Southern College’s ROTC program.

“That commitment helped shape the course of his life and reflected the deep sense of duty that was always at the core of who he was,” his mother, Donna Burhans; father, James Khork; and stepmother, Stacey Khork; said in a statement.

Khork, who loved history, had a degree in political science.

His family described him as “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.”

Abbas Jaffer posted Monday on Facebook about his friend of 16 years.

“My best friend, best man, and brother gave his life defending our country overseas,” Jaffer said.

Tietjens, who came from a military family, previously served alongside his father in Kuwait. When he returned home in February 2010, he reunited with his overjoyed wife in a local church’s gym.

“I thought he was going to be the last person in, because he hates all this (hoopla),” his wife, Michelle Tietjens, told the Lincoln Journal Star at the time.

Tietjens’ cousin Kaylyn Golike asked for prayers, especially for Tietjens’ 12-year-old son, wife and parents, as they navigate “unimaginable loss.”

“We lost a brave soldier this weekend and many hearts are broken,” Golike wrote on Facebook Tuesday.

Tietjens earned a black belt in Philippine Combatives and Taekwondo and was “an instructor who gave his time, discipline, and leadership to others,” the Philippine Martial Arts Alliance said on Facebook.

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