[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 11, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MAJOR JEFFREY R. O'BRIEN

  Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, Waukee, IA, native MAJ Jeffrey O'Brien 
devoted his life to the defense of the United States for more than a 
decade. Today, I am mourning, alongside our entire Nation, his loss. 
His courageous decision to answer the call to serve and put our Nation 
before himself will never be forgotten.
  Major O'Brien was commissioned into the U.S. Army Reserves nearly 15 
years ago. He was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command based in 
Des Moines, IA. Major O'Brien deployed to the Middle East multiple 
times. His honorable service earned him several awards, including the 
Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior 
Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense 
Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army 
Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' Device.
  On March 1, 2026, Iranian forces launched a drone strike on an 
American tactical operations center in Kuwait's Port of Shuaiba, 
killing Major O'Brien and five other American servicemembers. These 
servicemembers died in support of a mission to protect fellow Americans 
from the duplicitous and evil regime of the Ayatollah, which has been 
responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans. Their sacrifice 
cannot be repaid and will not be forgotten.
  Major O'Brien is survived by his courageous wife Roxane and his 
beautiful children, as well as his parents Helen and Daniel of Coggon, 
IA; his brothers David and Gregory of Marion, IA; and his sister 
Natalie Navarro. He was a true son of Iowa. A lifelong Iowan, he 
graduated from Iowa State University in 2005 with a bachelor of science 
in computer engineering. He excelled in his career as an information 
systems engineer and has led ProCircular's Defensive Cyber Operations 
program since 2024. He was a true leader, most known for his 
compassion, uplifting humor, and calm guidance.
  On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deepest gratitude for 
Major O'Brien's extraordinary service and sacrifice and my most sincere 
condolences to his family.

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