The body of Army Reserve Maj. Cody A. Khork, a 35-year-old Winter Haven servicemember killed in an unmanned aircraft system attack in Kuwait, will return to Polk County on Wednesday. Khork’s remains are expected to arrive at Lakeland Linder International Airport around 1 p.m., followed by a law enforcement and military procession to Winter Haven. He was one of six service members killed at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during Operation Epic Fury.
“This man is a hero, and he died in order that we can live in a free and democratic society. He did what was asked of him and his country,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. Khork was recently promoted posthumously from Captain to Major, a recognition his family says reflects his service, leadership and commitment to the nation. His soon-to-be fiancée, Meghan, who was also deployed to the Middle East, escorted his body back to the United States.
Judd said deputies will remain with Khork continuously from the time his plane touches down until he is laid to rest. “From the time he arrives in Polk County until we take him to Bushnell, he will not be by himself. 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, there will be a deputy standing guard, because it’s the right thing. We are proud of him,” said Judd. The procession will travel from the airport to Oak Ridge Funeral Home on Havendale Boulevard.
Khork was a 2008 graduate of Lake Region High School and later attended Florida Southern College through ROTC, serving as a Military Police officer in the Army Reserve. During his military career, he served in multiple international deployments, including Cuba in 2020, South Korea in 2022, Poland in 2024, and Kuwait in 2025. He also participated in training missions in Saudi Arabia and Mongolia, contributing to international cooperation and military readiness.
The procession route will travel from the airport south to West Pipkin Road, then north on Harden Boulevard, west to Beacon Road and north on Cleveland Heights Boulevard. It will continue around Lake Hollingsworth to South Ingraham Avenue, then north to Memorial Boulevard and west toward Winter Haven. Authorities say traffic along the route will be stopped or heavily congested for about two hours, and the community is encouraged to line the streets to pay respects.
Khork’s service has been recognized with numerous military honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, multiple Army Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals. He was killed alongside five other service members in the unmanned aircraft system attack, including Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa.
Visitation for Major Khork is planned for Saturday from 11 a.m. until noon at the Winter Haven Worship Center, followed by funeral services after noon. Major Cody Khork will be buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on Monday with military honors.