The Noah Tietjens family is grieving the sudden loss of their beloved son, husband, and father, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, a 42-year-old U.S. Army Reserve soldier from Bellevue, Nebraska.
He was killed on Sunday, March 1, 2026, when an Iranian drone struck a military operations center at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait.
This attack happened amid escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, in what the military calls Operation Epic Fury.
Noah enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. He served with honor during two previous deployments to Kuwait in 2009 and 2019.
Over his career, he earned several awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and others recognizing his dedication and service.
The Pentagon identified Noah as one of four Army Reserve soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, who died in the drone attack. The incident is under investigation.
Nebraska leaders quickly honored Noah’s sacrifice. Gov. Jim Pillen ordered flags to fly at half-staff across the state and shared a heartfelt statement:
“Suzanne and I are deeply saddened to learn of Sgt. Tietjens’ death. We are holding the Tietjens family close in our hearts during this unbelievably difficult time and will keep them in our prayers. Noah stepped up to serve and defend the American people from foreign enemies around the world – a sacrifice we must never forget.”
Other officials, including U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, and Rep. Don Bacon, expressed their condolences, praising Noah’s courage and commitment.
Noah graduated from Bellevue West High School, and his roots run deep in Nebraska, with some family members in Ord. He leaves behind his devoted wife, his young son Dylan, his parents, including his mother, Glenda Wetzel Tietjens, and siblings.
In the wake of the tragedy, the family has asked for privacy as they process their grief. Noah’s mother, Glenda, posted a simple message:
“Just to let everyone know our son Noah Tietjens was killed in Kuwait yesterday. We have no information at this time. When we learn more we will let you know. We just ask for some time to wrap our head around all of this! Thanks!”
Via Facebook
Friends and the community have stepped up to support the family. Martial Arts International helped set up a GoFundMe focused on a college fund for Dylan, Noah’s greatest pride.
The page describes Noah as a man of courage, discipline, and deep love for his family. It highlights his kindness, generosity, and quiet leadership, noting that he always put others first.
The fund, which has already raised $18,000, aims to honor his legacy by supporting Dylan’s future education. Donations are instead of flowers, offering a way for people to provide lasting help during this painful time.
Noah was remembered as a committed husband and father who lived with integrity and strength. His service protected freedoms far from home, and now his family faces life without him.
The outpouring of prayers and support from Nebraska and beyond shows how deeply his life touched others. As the family mourns, they hold onto memories of a man who served with honor and loved fiercely.
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