Gold Star Family Demands Army Release Internal Probe Into Deadly Kuwait Drone Strike
A Gold Star family is pressing the U.S. Army to disclose findings from an investigation into a March 1 drone strike in Kuwait that killed Capt. Cody Khork.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The family of Army Reserve Capt. Cody Khork is demanding that the U.S. Army release the full internal investigation regarding a fatal drone attack in Kuwait. Khork, who had recently returned from a deployment in Poland, was serving as a deputy force protection officer at Camp Arifjan when he was killed.
In February, Khork and a small group of specialists were relocated to a tactical operations center at the Port of Shuaiba as part of preparations for Operation Epic Fury. On March 1, the first day of the Iran war, an Iranian Shahed drone struck the facility, resulting in the deaths of Khork and five other American service members.
Family members claim that survivors and other personnel on the ground reported that Khork had advised his superior, identified as Barnes, to keep the unit in a bunker even during lulls in the fighting. Barnes has not responded to multiple requests for comment, and a spokesperson for the 103rd Sustainment Command has referred all inquiries to the Pentagon.
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Stacey Khork, the captain’s mother, expressed deep frustration over the lack of transparency, stating that her son died unnecessarily. She emphasized that while he was a patriot and a hero, the family is seeking the same level of accountability and atonement that the justice system provides in cases of murder.
In response to the ongoing pressure, the U.S. Army issued a statement affirming its commitment to transparency and the privacy of Gold Star families. Officials noted that they are currently scheduling briefings for the primary next of kin regarding the official findings and will not comment on specific details or leaked portions of the report until those meetings are complete.
The Khork family continues to honor Cody’s memory at their home, which is decorated with his military memorabilia, and through regular visits to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Jim Khork stated that they are determined to speak for their son, who can no longer advocate for himself.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
