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POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Today marks the solemn return of a local hero, as the remains of an area servicemember who lost his life in the Middle East are brought back home.
Army Reserve Capt. Cody Khork was among six U.S. servicemembers who tragically died in an air strike in Kuwait at the onset of Operation Epic Fury.
The 35-year-old was an alumnus of Florida Southern College, where he participated in the ROTC program, laying the foundation for his military career.
His father, James Khork, expressed his son’s unwavering dedication to his country.
“As a father, nothing is more devastating than losing a son,” he shared, adding, “He had a profound love for his troops and the army.”
According to friends, the captain’s patriotic passion was obvious in all aspects of his life. A.J. Jaffer recalled, “He asked my fiancé if he could wear a red, white, and blue bow tie and that, you know, just he lived and breathed the USA and that his, you know, honor and goal in life was to serve.”
Wednesday Capt. Khork will be honored as his remains return home to Polk County.
A law enforcement procession is planned from Lakeland Linder International Airport to Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Winter Haven.
Leaders with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said community members should expect delays along the route for approximately 2 hours. The procession is expected to start after 1 o’clock.