DOVER (Realist English). US President Donald Trump attended a dignified transfer ceremony on Saturday at Dover Air Force Base for six American soldiers killed during the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The solemn military ritual, which marks the return of the remains of US service members killed in action, brought together grieving relatives, senior officials and military personnel.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after the ceremony, Trump described the moment as deeply emotional.
“It’s a very sad day,” the president said, adding that he was glad to have paid tribute to the families of the fallen soldiers, whom he described as “great people, great parents, wives and family members.”
Trump and Vice President JD Vance attended the ceremony along with their spouses. A number of senior officials were also present, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Governors and senators from several states also took part in the event.
The six soldiers killed in action were identified as Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California; 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, Iowa. Coady was posthumously promoted from specialist.
All six served in the US Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines, Iowa. The unit is responsible for logistical operations, including supplying food, fuel, water and equipment to military forces.
According to US officials, the soldiers were killed in a drone strike that hit a command facility in Kuwait just one day after the United States and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran.
During the ceremony, Trump stood silently as flag-draped transfer cases carrying the remains of the soldiers were moved from a military aircraft to waiting vehicles that transported them to a mortuary facility on the base. The ritual lasted about half an hour and was observed quietly by the families of the fallen troops.
Lawmakers and military officials across the United States have paid tribute to the soldiers’ service. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a combat veteran, said the soldiers died while carrying out a mission to protect the country and its allies.
“Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid,” she said earlier this week.
Family members described the fallen soldiers as devoted parents, dedicated service members and respected leaders.
Nicole Amor’s husband said she had been scheduled to return home to her family within days before the attack.
Jeffrey O’Brien had served nearly 15 years in the Army Reserve, while Robert Marzan’s relatives remembered him as a strong leader and devoted father.
Declan Coady, the youngest of the group, was known among instructors for his commitment to military service and strong work ethic, according to his father.
The dignified transfer ceremony is considered one of the most solemn traditions of the US armed forces. Trump previously attended similar ceremonies during his presidency, including for service members killed in operations in Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria.