WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Six U.S. soldiers who were killed during the ongoing Iran war were returned to the United States over the weekend, including a Florida Army Reserve captain remembered by those closest to him as a compassionate leader and loyal friend.
The dignified transfer took place at Dover Air Force Base, where the remains of the fallen service members were brought home from the Middle East. Among them was 35-year-old Army Reserve Captain Cody Khork of Winter Haven.
Friends and fellow soldiers say Khork’s impact extended far beyond his military service.
Winfred Lee Ross, a close friend and fellow soldier who served with Khork, described him as someone who embodied leadership both in and out of uniform.
“He was so much more than a soldier,” Ross said. “He was a true leader. He was a true commander.”
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Khork enlisted in the United States Army National Guard in 2009 and went on to serve in several overseas assignments, including deployments to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, and Poland. During his career, he earned multiple awards and honors for his service.
But Ross says it was Khork’s character—not just his achievements—that inspired those around him.
“A compassionate leader, an empathic leader—someone who made tough decisions from the heart,” Ross said. “There is no doubt in my mind that he could have made two-star general at the least.”
The two first met years ago while stationed at Fort Bliss. From the beginning, Ross says, the pair formed an unbreakable bond.
“When you saw me, you saw him. When you saw him, you saw me,” Ross said.
Photos from their time together show the pair laughing, playing games, and sharing adventures—moments Ross now treasures. In one memory, he recalls them laughing uncontrollably during a moment neither of them could later explain.
“We were just cracking up,” Ross said. “To this day we can’t remember what was so funny.”
Ross described Khork as intelligent, quirky, and deeply passionate about his interests outside the military. He loved reading and was a self-proclaimed anime fan—especially the series One Piece.
To Ross, Khork has now become a hero in the truest sense.
“My brother has turned into a real superhero in my eyes,” he said. “At the end of the day, my heart will always fly half-staff for him.”
Ross says he hopes Khork’s story—and the light he brought to others—will never be forgotten. He also says that he hopes everyone prays for Khork’s family.