Nebraska and Iowa lawmakers share thoughts, offer prayers following dignified transfer

U.S. and state leaders joined the families of the six fallen soldiers during the dignified transfer in Delaware on Saturday.The dignified transfer honored the soldiers who died in Kuwait on Mar. 1, including Nebraska native Sgt. First Class Noah Tietjens, as well as Iowa natives Sgt. Declan Coady and Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien.Multiple Nebraska and Iowa lawmakers attended the ceremony at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.Following the dignified transfer, Sen. Pete Ricketts spoke with KETV, saying he felt the families were thankful for the support from local and federal leaders.”The Tietjens family really gave the ultimate sacrifice when Noah was killed in Kuwait, and we owe a debt to all of our members of the armed forces who protect us. Especially those whose families make that sacrifice,” Ricketts said.Representative Don Bacon was not in attendance. He said this time belongs to the families.”This is about the families, and if they want us nearby or if they don’t want us nearby, you keep your distance and you respect the family,” Bacon said.However, he still stressed the importance of honoring those who died.”They gave their lives for our country,” Bacon said. “The country called on them and they answered the call, and they made the ultimate sacrifice.””We need to do what we can to show them that we understand the sacrifices they’re making and that we as a nation are grateful for those sacrifices,” Ricketts said.Bacon also highlighted the need to remember these soldiers now and in the future.”I think it’s a big fear that people will forget about the loss and the sacrifice, and we just need to reassure them,” Bacon said, “Not just now, but years from now.”Statement from Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer:“The Dignified Transfer honors the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Sgt. First Class Noah Tietjens answered the call of duty, and these service members’ legacies will never be forgotten. I continue to pray for their families during this incredibly difficult time,” Fischer said.Statement from Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen:”The death of Sgt. (First Class) Tietjens is a difficult loss, one felt deeply by Nebraska. He had multiple deployments and was a decorated soldier who was admired by members of his community. Noah will be sorely missed by his friends and family,” said Pillen.Statement from Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra:”It is a solemn honor to attend the dignified transfer of these brave servicemembers who were killed by an Iranian drone strike on March 1st. Our state and our nation grieve their loss, including Army Reserve Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien and Sgt. Declan J. Coady. In this moment, we must stand together in support for their families and loved ones as they are reunited. I continue to pray for the safety and success of our servicemembers who are engaged in the Middle East,” said Feenstra.Statement from Rep. Ashley Hinson:”My heart is shattered for our state and for the family, friends, and fellow servicemembers enduring such unimaginable loss. The sacrifices made by Iowa’s Sgt. Declan J. Coady and Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien will never be forgotten, and it is my solemn honor to attend the dignified transfer of our fallen heroes. We are praying for those grieving and for every American in uniform defending our freedoms far from home. We join Iowans and Americans across the country in asking our Lord to hold close the families of the fallen, watch over our troops, and bless all military families,” said Hinson.Statement from Rep. Zach Nunn:”As a fellow combat veteran, my mission is to receive six of our fallen brothers and sister who rendered the ultimate sacrifice. All are from Fort Des Moines, and two are sons of Iowa: Sergeant Declan Coady and Major Jeffrey O’Brien,” Nunn said.Statement from Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst:”With a heavy heart, it was an honor to pay my respects to these six heroes,” said Ernst. “While our state and 103rd Sustainment Command family are grieving this loss, especially of Sgt. Declan Coady, Maj. Jeffrey O’Brein, and Chief Robert Marzan, Iowans will continue showing up and supporting our fellow Iowans during this time. Now that these brave servicemembers have been returned to the homeland and reunited with their families, we will ensure the legacy of their noble mission and selfless sacrifice lives on.”Statement from Sen. Chuck Grassley:“The heroism of these brave service members will be remembered forever. Today’s transfer of remains allowed the families of the deceased, the President of the United States, military leaders and Members of Congress from across the country to solemnly honor the service and sacrifice of Maj. O’Brien and Sgt. Coady alongside their fallen soldiers. The prayers of a grateful nation are with the family and friends of those we’ve lost from the 103rd Sustainment Command,” Grassley said.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |