A GoFundMe set up for fallen U.S. soldier Declan Coady has raised more than $50,000, receiving hundreds of donations with messages of heartbreak and solidarity for the service member and his family.
Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, and three other U.S. military personnel were formally identified Tuesday as casualties stemming from the United States’ attacks on Iran that began early last Saturday and remain ongoing, in partnership with Israeli forces, leading to regional instability and countless questions about what spurred the initial onslaught and whether there is a proverbial “end game” to the conflict.
Coady, who was posthumously promoted from specialist, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as a 25B (Army Information Technology Specialist). According to the U.S. Army Reserve, his awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
As of 12:40 p.m. ET Wednesday, Coady’s GoFundMe had raised roughly $54,000 from 666 donations in the roughly 21 hours it had been active, with a goal of $75,000. The page calls Coady’s death “an unimaginable loss” for his family.
One individual named Travis Terrell who donated $50 said the following: "My heart truly goes out to Declan’s family and everyone who loved him. No family should ever have to experience a loss like this. You are in my thoughts, and Declan will not be forgotten."
The largest donation so far came from a man identified as Daniel Buroker, who gave the family $10,000.
Military.com reached out for comment to Marianne Crandall, a member of Coady’s extended family, described as the organizer of the fundtraiser.
A GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed to Military.com that the fundraiser for Coady's family is verified, adding, "Our Trust & Safety team is monitoring the platform for fundraisers for the other victims."
Other US Heroes Honored
Along with Coady, Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb.; and Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn., were all pronounced dead resulting from an unmanned aircraft system attack Sunday, March 1, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.
The incident remains under investigation, according to the Pentagon.
We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten - Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General U.S. Army Reserve Command, said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Army Reserve, we express our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. We remain steadfast in our commitment to honoring the legacy of our fallen and supporting their teammates and families during this difficult time,” Harter added.
Also on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the American soldier death toll has risen to six, following the recovery of the remains of two previously unaccounted-for troops from a facility struck early in the campaign.
Shock and Dismay to a Loving Family
The Coady fundraising page says the following:
Declan was more than a soldier—he was a son, a family member, a friend, and a light in the lives of those who knew him. He served his country with honor, courage, and dedication, embodying the very best of what it means to wear the uniform.
No family is ever prepared for the sudden loss of a child. During this incredibly difficult time, we are asking for support to help ease the financial burden facing the Coady family. Funds raised will assist with funeral and memorial expenses, travel costs, and other unexpected expenses as they navigate this heartbreaking time.
Coady told his father, Andrew, last week that he had been recommended for a promotion from specialist to sergeant, according to the Associated Press. The young soldier was one of the youngest in his class, but according to his father “was very good at what he did.”
The 20-year-old Coady reportedly trained as an IT specialist with the Army Reserves and was studying cybersecurity at Drake University in Des Moines, taking online classes while in Kuwait.
He wanted to become an officer, according to his father.
"I still don't fully think it's real," Keira Coady told the AP. "I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back."
Drake University issued the following statement late Wednesday morning:
"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 confirmed to be among the six U.S. service members killed in Kuwait on Sunday.
"He has bravely served in the U.S. Army Reserves since 2023 as an Information Technologies Specialist and had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. In moments like these, we must all come together to show much-needed love and compassion for the Coady family through this incredibly difficult time.”
