More than a dozen Americans have died in the war with Iran since the U.S. and Israel launched their attacks on February 28, 2026, with a surprise, coordinated air campaign against multiple military and infrastructure sites. Among those killed was Army Reserve Captain Cody Khork, of Winter Haven, Florida, promoted posthumously to the rank of Major after his death.
“We lost the best human being that I’ve ever known. My best friend, best man, and brother gave his life defending our country overseas," said friend and college classmate Jaffer Abbas, in a statement obtained by Military.com. "Cody Khork has supported me and been there for me for over 16 years of my life and has been part of every major life event I’ve had. He has shaped me into the person that I am today.
Major Khork, 35, was killed when Iran used a drone to strike at U.S. forces in Kuwait in the first hours of the war. Through their heartbreak, Abbas and Khork's family are working with Khork's alma mater, Florida Southern College, to establish an ROTC scholarship in Khork's name. “This scholarship will change the lives of many cadets in honor of our best friend, Cody Khork, just like he impacted and changed the lives of everyone he came across.”
The school in Lakeland, Florida, has added the "Captain Cody A. Khork ’14 Endowed ROTC Scholarship" to its roster of giving campaigns to honor Khork's life of service and sacrifice.
“Major Khork exemplified the values of leadership, service, and honor that define cadets in Florida Southern’s ROTC Moccasin Battalion,” said Jeremy Martin, president of Florida Southern College, in a statement shared to Military.com. “Through this scholarship, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of ROTC cadets who feel called to serve our nation.”
LIFE OF SERVICE LED TO MILITARY CAREER
His biography, obtained by Military.com, details his military career path.
A Political Science major and member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Major Khork was known among his classmates, professors, and friends for his leadership, character, and unwavering commitment to serving others. Following his time at Florida Southern, he joined the United States Army, enlisting as a Field Artillery Fire Control Specialist in the National Guard in 2009. He was later commissioned as a military police officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. During his military career, he deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and
Poland in 2024.
Abbas says there's no one more deserving of the honor than his friend Cody, for being so selfless in their decade-plus friendship.
"We lived in multiple cities and states together and been through many adventures. He knows more about me than anyone else, and he was the first person to answer my call, even when I called in the middle of the night," said Abbas. "He’s helped me get through the hardest and lowest parts of my life and been there to celebrate the best."
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
The scholarship will go to a Florida Southern College student who embodies his leadership and compassion. The hope is that it will be awarded annually to selected ROTC cadets in their junior and senior years for room and board, and to supplement existing ROTC tuition scholarships provided by the U.S. Army. Recipients must be outstanding cadets, demonstrating strong commitment to military service, leadership within the Florida Southern ROTC unit, and exemplary character. Awards are renewable for up to two years, provided eligibility requirements are maintained.
“This endowed scholarship is a reflection of who Khork was," said Abbas. "He was the kind of person who would give his last dollar to someone in need. Something I witnessed countless times during the 7 years we lived together and the 16 years I am grateful to have had as his friend.”
To donate to the scholarship fund, benefactors can log onto the Florida Southern College "Make a Gift" webpage and choose the "Captain Cody A. Cork Scholarship."
Abbas says the scholarship is part of his commitment to his friend.
“Khork, we made a promise to you that your name would live on forever. You are our hero.”
