Story perspectives

20-Year-Old Sgt. Declan Coady Killed in Iranian Strike

3/11/2026

Center

Sgt. Coady Remembered

Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa, was killed in an Iranian strike supporting Operation Epic Fury.
He had been in Kuwait and was scheduled to return home in May.
Hours before his death, he reassured his family with safety updates.
U.S. President Donald Trump attended a service for Coady and five other fallen soldiers.
Coady was posthumously promoted to sergeant after a recent recommendation.

Left

Hegseth's Controversial Spending

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved over $93 billion in September 2025 spending.
The purchases include $9 million for seafood and $15.1 million for ribeye steak.
Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury announced an investigation into Hegseth's expenditures.
Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) labeled Hegseth a 'grifter' for prioritizing luxury over essential services.
The spending coincides with operations in Iran, where U.S. forces reportedly used $5.6 billion in munitions in the first two days.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. launched Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, marking a significant military engagement in the Middle East that cost over $800 billion and resulted in numerous casualties. The operation's aftermath has intensified scrutiny over military spending, highlighted by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's controversial $93 billion budget, raising critical questions about military priorities and the welfare of service members.

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Sgt. Coady Remembered

Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa, was killed in an Iranian strike supporting Operation Epic Fury.
He had been in Kuwait and was scheduled to return home in May.
Hours before his death, he reassured his family with safety updates.
U.S. President Donald Trump attended a service for Coady and five other fallen soldiers.
Coady was posthumously promoted to sergeant after a recent recommendation.

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