05/03/2026
Fallen Hero: Eagle Scout and Soldier Makes Ultimate Sacrifice. 🎖️
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Scouting is not all about badges. It is a lived experience that gives youth purpose and helps shape their direction in life. For Declan Coady, that journey led him to become an Eagle Scout with Troop 242 in Des Moines, IA, begin an Information Technology undergraduate degree at Drake University, and simultaneously enlist in the U.S. Army. 🛡️
Tonight, we honor the memory of SGT Declan Coady, a true hero and one of six Army Reservists who lost their lives in Kuwait during the second day of the conflict. 🕊️ Assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command out of Des Moines, Declan followed a path familiar to many Scouts, stepping forward to serve his country shortly after graduating from Valley High School. 🎓
Halfway through his degree program, Declan was mobilized with his unit to Kuwait in support of U.S. Central Command. It was there, on Sunday, that a drone attack struck the operations center where he was working. 🎖️ His military honors—including the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon—stand as a testament to his dedicated service.
Declan earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2020. For his Eagle Project, he constructed 12 Adirondack chairs for a local youth facility, creating lasting spaces for young people to gather and connect. 🪑 He shared this prestigious rank with his brother, Rowan, representing a deep family commitment to leadership and service. 🤝
Through Scouting, academics, and military service, Declan made a profound impact on his community in a short amount of time. He lived out the ideals of character and citizenship long before he ever wore a uniform, proving that a true hero is defined by the lives they touch and the courage they show in the face of duty. 🎗️
Message of Condolence 🙏
"We express our deepest sorrow over the untimely passing of Sergeant Declan Coady and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country and humanity will never be forgotten. As an Eagle Scout, the bravery and leadership he displayed serve as an enduring inspiration to future generations of Scouts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time." 🕯️
