Fil-Am soldier among slain US troops honored
LOS ANGELES—Filipino American Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan and five other US Army Reserve soldiers killed in the war in the Middle East were honored on Saturday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
President Donald Trump joined grieving families at the dignified transfer for the six soldiers, who were killed when a drone strike hit the command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1, a day after the United States and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran.
The dignified transfer, a ritual that returns the remains of US service members killed in action, is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander in chief.
The transfer vans contained the remains of Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California; Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; 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.
“It’s a very sad day,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he returned to Florida on Saturday afternoon, saying he was “glad we paid our respects.” He said the relatives of the deceased are “great people, great parents, wives, family,” adding that the “parents were so proud.”
Tribute by Fil-Ams
Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance were present for the transfer.
The president saluted as each flag-draped transfer case was carried from the military aircraft to awaiting transfer vehicles, which would take them to a mortuary facility to prepare them for their final resting place.
The families were largely silent as they observed the ritual, which lasted about a half hour.
Meanwhile, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) paid tribute to Marzan for making “the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.”
“We honor his heritage with deep respect as we remember his life, his service and his family’s grief. For Filipino Americans, military service is a legacy of patriotism and sacrifice—a testament to the longstanding contributions of our community to the United States.” NaFFAA, the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions and umbrella organizations, said in a statement.
“Pahinga ka na, kababayan (Rest, our countryman). May your courage, commitment and kindness be remembered, and may our community find strength and solidarity in this painful moment.”
NaFFAA also acknowledged the loss of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a black belt in Filipino martial arts, “whose discipline and service reflect the deep contributions Filipino Americans make to this country—in both military service and our rich culture.”
‘Courageous Californian’
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis offered condolences to Marzan’s wife and family in a statement on Wednesday, saying flags at the state Capitol will remain at half-staff in his honor.
They described him as “a courageous Californian whose service to our nation was marked by honor and distinction.”
Marzan’s sister described him in a Facebook post as a “strong leader” and loving husband, father and brother.
“My baby brother, you are loved and I will hold onto all our memories and cherish them always in my heart,” Elizabeth Marzan wrote.
Marzan’s niece, Irene Mary, shared on Facebook that her uncle was “just two months away from coming back home, this was his last deployment after serving in the Army for over 30 years.”
“I don’t understand this unimaginable devastation and deep pain as I struggle to share this. I don’t understand,” she wrote.
Irene Mary described Marzan as a “loving and fun uncle, grandma’s baby, a devoted husband, protective and loving father, baby brother, cousin and best friend to many.”
The six members of the Army Reserve, who were killed by a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, were all from the 103rd Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa, which provides food, water, fuel, ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.
“These soldiers engaged in the most noble mission: protecting their fellow Americans and keeping our homeland secure,” Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a combat veteran, said earlier this week after the six were identified. “Our nation owes them an incredible debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.”
Call for peace
Meanwhile President Marcos departed for New York on Sunday to attend meetings at the United Nations headquarters on March 9-10 and to add his voice to the call for peace in the Middle East.
Mr. Marcos left Villamor Air Base at 10:22 a.m., accompanied by first lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.
“The President will offer a voice from our region, from developing countries, and call for restraint, respect for international law including the UN charter and humanitarian law and for all concerned to return to the negotiating table for peace,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Angelica Escalona said.
Marcos is also scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss developments in the Middle East. —WITH REPORTS FROM DEXTER CABALZA AND AP
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