Norcal Man Is CA's First Soldier To Die In Iran War

SACRAMENTO — A U.S. Army Reserve soldier from Sacramento is believed to be the sixth servicemember killed over the weekend in a drone attack in Kuwait, according to authorities.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan was at the scene of the attack Sunday in Port Shuaiba and “is believed to be the individual who perished at the scene,” the U.S. Department of War said in a news release Wednesday, adding that his identification is pending completion by a medical examiner.

Marzan's sister described him on Facebook 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.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis released a statement Wednesday in which they said flags at the state Capitol would remain at half-staff in his honor.

“California mourns the loss of Chief Warrant Officer Three Marzan, a courageous Californian whose service to our nation was marked by honor and distinction,” the statement said.

“The sacrifices made by military families are immeasurable, and California stands in solidarity with them, united in grief and gratitude. Chief Warrant Officer Three Marzan’s steadfast commitment exemplifies the highest ideals of our state and our country.”

The Army Reserve declined to release images of or information about Marzan until his identification is complete, citing “respect to the family” in an email.

Also identified on Wednesday was Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.

Four soldiers were previously identified by the Pentagon on Tuesday.

They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

The other four soldiers identified were: Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa,; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska.

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of the deaths. Trump will attend the dignified transfers of the soldiers when they arrive in the U.S., the White House said Wednesday. The ritual honors service members killed in action.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.