Joni Ernst: “Waukee, IA, native MAJ Jeffrey O'Brien devoted his life to the defense of the United States for more than a decade.…”

“Waukee, IA, native MAJ Jeffrey O'Brien devoted his life to the defense of the United States for more than a decade. Today, I am mourning, alongside our entire Nation, his loss. His courageous decision to answer the call to serve and put our Nation before himself will never be forgotten. Major O'Brien was commissioned into the U.S. Army Reserves nearly 15 years ago. He was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, IA. Major O'Brien deployed to the Middle East multiple times. His honorable service earned him several awards, including the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 'M' Device. On March 1, 2026, Iranian forces launched a drone strike on an American tactical operations center in Kuwait's Port of Shuaiba, killing Major O'Brien and five other American servicemembers. These servicemembers died in support of a mission to protect fellow Americans from the duplicitous and evil regime of the Ayatollah, which has been responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans. Their sacrifice cannot be repaid and will not be forgotten.”