Florida lawmakers are reacting to the news Tuesday night that a Polk County soldier was among four Americans killed in the war with Iran over the weekend.
Army Reserve Capt. Cody Khork, 35, died Sunday in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack that is under investigation, the Department of War said on Tuesday.
“Ann and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, and extend the endless gratitude of our state and nation for which he made the ultimate sacrifice to protect,” Sen. Rick Scott said in a statement on X. “We pray that God wrap his family in his loving embrace and mercy.”
Sen. Ashley Moody also wrote a statement on X that said, “Justin and I are praying for the Khork family tonight. Captain Cody A. Khork of Winter Haven gave his life in service to our nation. Florida stands with his family as we honor his sacrifice.”
Officials hailed Khork for his military service, which had included several military deployments.
“We are grateful for his service to our country and will always remember and honor his sacrifice. He bravely served for the last 15 years, including at posts across the globe in Saudi Arabia, Cuba, and Poland. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and fellow soldiers,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried in a statement. “In order to ensure our service members return safely home to their loved ones, Congress and the administration must act immediately to ensure clear objectives in the region and transparency to the American people as we move through this conflict.”
According to WFLA, Khork was a Winter Haven native but recently lived in Lakeland.
“Friends remember Cody as someone who was easygoing, always smiling, and the kind of person who looked out for the people around him — the type of friend who made it feel like no time had passed when you ran into him around town,” the city of Winter Haven said on Meta. “Winter Haven will remember Captain Khork with gratitude and honor.”
