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A wave of grief has swept across Iowa following the devastating loss of a young soldier overseas — a tragedy that comes just weeks after the state mourned two other members of the Iowa National Guard.
Declan Coady, a 20-year-old Army reservist from West Des Moines and a sophomore at Drake University, was killed in action on Sunday, March 1. He lost his life during an Iranian strike on Camp Buehring, a U.S. military base in Kuwait. His death marks another painful chapter for Iowa families with loved ones serving in the Middle East.
Friends, classmates, fellow service members, and community leaders have expressed their sorrow, remembering Declan as a dedicated student and a courageous soldier who answered the call to serve his country at such a young age. His passing has deeply impacted the West Des Moines community, where he was known not only for his commitment to duty but also for his kindness and determination.
Country music star Ronnie Dunn shared an emotional message upon hearing the news. In a heartfelt statement, Dunn said, “Our hearts are incredibly heavy today. Declan was a brave young man who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We mourn his loss and send our deepest condolences to the Coady family, his friends, and the entire West Des Moines community during this unimaginable time.”
As Iowa continues to grapple with repeated losses among its service members, many are coming together to honor Declan’s memory — recognizing his sacrifice and standing in solidarity with his family during an extraordinarily difficult time.