The Drake University community is reeling from the tragic loss of sophomore Sgt. Declan J. Coady, a 20-year-old Army Reserve information technology specialist and ROTC cadet killed in an Iranian drone strike at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait on March 1, 2026. Coady, from West Des Moines, Iowa, was among six U.S. service members— the first casualties in Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led response to escalating tensions with Iran. As universities across the United States grapple with supporting military-affiliated students amid global conflicts, Drake's response highlights the vital role higher education institutions play in honoring student veterans and providing grief resources.

Coady was pursuing degrees in information systems with minors in cybersecurity and computer science, balancing rigorous academics with military service while taking online classes during his deployment that began in August 2025. His death has sparked campus-wide mourning, postponed events, and calls for enhanced support for the roughly 1 million student veterans enrolled in U.S. colleges.

Sgt. Declan J. Coady embodied the spirit of service and scholarship. A 2023 graduate of Valley High School, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 242, showcasing leadership from a young age. Enrolling at Drake that fall, he quickly distinguished himself as a thoughtful student in Jorona Johnson's Blueprint for Success class, where he was remembered as 'a friendly face on campus [who] always offered a warm greeting.'

His academic pursuits in information systems and cybersecurity aligned perfectly with his Army role as an IT specialist. Posthumously promoted to sergeant, Coady had earned the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. Family described him as shy yet outgoing, a gamer who loved hiking, camping, and his cat Autumn—a young man with a 'bright future' who planned to transition to active duty and become an officer.

His sister Keira, a 2025 Drake alumna, shared, 'He was my younger brother... the nicest [person], always willing to do anything.' Just hours before the strike, he assured his family of his safety, sending updates amid the chaos.

Drake acted swiftly with a university-wide statement: 'We are heartbroken to learn that Declan Coady—a well-loved and highly dedicated Drake University student studying information systems, cybersecurity, and computer science—was killed while serving his country overseas.' Vice President and Dean of Students Jerry Parker emphasized unity: 'In moments like these, we must all come together to show much-needed love and compassion for the Coady family.'

The All In 24-Hour Giving Challenge was postponed to later spring, redirecting focus to grief support. Parker is coordinating with the family, collecting messages via the Provost’s office for weekly delivery. Counseling services were bolstered, and a campus vigil is under consideration to honor Coady’s service. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered flags at half-staff, calling him a 'young Iowan who heroically answered his nation’s call.'

Drake's Army ROTC, the Bulldog Company, is a cross-enrollment extension of Iowa State University's Cyclone Battalion, hosting about 100 cadets total with Drake contributing around 6-8. Cadets take leadership electives, physical training, labs, and field exercises at Camp Dodge, preparing for commissions as second lieutenants without initial service obligation for the first two years.

The program integrates Drake, Grand View, and Iowa State students, fostering bonds through shared training. Coady, a valued cadet, was praised by ROTC Instagram: 'He always had a smile... a joy to talk to, and an overall great person.' Despite exemption possibilities, he chose deployment, highlighting ROTC's role in producing leaders amid real-world risks.

Scholars like those pursuing cybersecurity often leverage ROTC scholarships, blending military discipline with tech skills crucial for higher ed jobs in defense and tech.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

The attack occurred during Operation Epic Fury, U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran following heightened tensions. Iranian drones targeted U.S. positions at civilian-adjacent Shuaiba Port near Camp Buehring, killing Coady and five others from the 103rd Sustainment Command. CENTCOM confirmed reconnaissance by smaller quadcopters preceded the strike.

This marks Iowa's third combat loss in the region recently, underscoring deployment risks for reservists balancing civilian studies.

With a tight-knit ROTC group, Coady's loss deeply affects peers. Drake's Veterans Affairs office, led by a dedicated certifying official, supports VA benefits certification. As a Yellow Ribbon Program member since 2009, it matches VA contributions for 100% tuition coverage, aiding post-9/11 GI Bill users.

• Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill for service after 9/11/2001
• Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill for active duty
• Chapter 1606: Reserve GI Bill
• Financial aid stacks with VA benefits

Drake's Military Friendly designation (7th year) and CHAMPS status ensure flexible policies, credit transfers via Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges.Drake Veterans Affairs

Over 1 million veterans and active-duty students attend U.S. colleges, comprising 6% of undergraduates. 62% are first-generation, facing unique transitions.

• 840,000 use GI Bill benefits annually
• 52% in undergraduate programs, 24% community colleges
• Post-9/11 vets: higher PTSD, readjustment challenges

ROTC adds 30,000+ cadets yearly, with deployments interrupting studies.

ROTC cadets face physical demands, injury risks, and deployment uncertainties. While first years are obligation-free, contracting brings service commitment. Universities like Drake provide academic flexibility, but global conflicts amplify risks, as seen with Coady.

Solutions include online courses (as Coady used), mental health support, and career advising for fields like cybersecurity.

Photo by Austin on Unsplash

A GoFundMe for funeral and family support exceeded $100,000 from 1,500+ donors. X posts trend with tributes: 'RIP Declan... whole life ahead.' Iowa Capitol honors, family shares loving memories.

Declan's legacy may inspire scholarships or memorials at Drake. Universities must expand grief counseling, peer networks, and policy advocacy for reservist protections. Explore higher ed career advice tailored for veterans transitioning to civilian roles. For jobs suiting skills like Coady's, visit higher ed jobs or university jobs. Share professor experiences at Rate My Professor.

In conclusion, tragedies like this remind us of student service members' sacrifices. AcademicJobs.com honors Sgt. Coady and supports military students pursuing education amid duty.