HONORING MAJOR JEFFREY R. O'BRIEN

HONORING MAJOR JEFFREY R. O'BRIEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 45 (Wednesday, March 11, 2026) [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. ____________________