HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR JEFFREY "JEFF" O'BRIEN

On 2026-08-20, Representative Zachary Nunn (R-IA-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR JEFFREY "JEFF" O'BRIEN" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR JEFFREY "JEFF" O'BRIEN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 134 (Thursday, August 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E793-E794] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR JEFFREY ``JEFF'' O'BRIEN ______ HON. ZACHARY NUNN of iowa in the house of representatives Thursday, August 20, 2026 Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Major Jeffrey ``Jeff'' O'Brien of Waukee, Iowa, who was killed on March 1, 2026, in an Iranian drone strike while deployed to Kuwait with the 103rd Sustainment Command. Jeff was 45 years old, and he left behind a life defined by service to his country, devotion to his family, and a deep and quiet faith. Jeff was born on October 13, 1980, and grew up on a farm near Coggon, Iowa, the oldest of three brothers. He was a star athlete, served his church and community, and played saxophone in the jazz and pop bands. He was also a lifelong Cubs fan who, through every tough season but one, could always fall back on the same line: ``Well, there's always next year.'' After graduating from North-Linn High School in 1999, Jeff followed his interests to Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in Computer Engineering and built a career in cybersecurity. Ames is also where he met Roxane, the love of his life, whom he married in 2009. Together they spent the next sixteen years building a life and raising their three children, Samira, Nicolete, and Conor. For all Jeff accomplished, nothing made him prouder than being a husband and dad. He coached Conor in track, cheered Niki on at her gymnastics meets, and became a proud music and theater dad to Sarni, who followed in his footsteps and picked up the saxophone. Whether the O'Briens were traveling, exploring the outdoors, or simply together at home, Jeff's favorite place in the world was at Roxane's side and among his kids. Jeff brought that same devotion to the U.S. Army Reserve. After completing Federal Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, he was commissioned as a Signal Corps officer in 2012 and later served as an Information Systems Engineer. He deployed to Kuwait in 2019 and rose to the rank of Major with the 103rd Sustainment Command. His service earned the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Jeff dedicated his life to protecting others: through his work in cybersecurity, his service in uniform, and simply by being the husband, father, and friend people could count on. As [[Page E794]] someone who has served far from my own family, I know the quiet weight a soldier carries when duty calls him thousands of miles from home. Jeff carried it without complaint, and even half a world away, he never stopped finding ways to care for the people he loved. Jeff is survived by his wife, Roxane; his children, Samira, Nicolete, and Conor; his parents, Dan and Helen; his brothers, David and Greg; and the many relatives, friends, and fellow soldiers who will carry his memory forward. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Major Jeffrey O'Brien--a devoted husband, father, soldier, and proud Iowan who gave his life in service to our Nation--and in keeping the O'Brien family and the families of every soldier lost in that attack in our prayers. Iowa will never forget his sacrifice. ____________________