U.S. Army Reserve Major Cody Khork, who was killed in the line of duty serving his country in the Middle East, returns home to Polk County today.
Major Cody Khork’s casket is scheduled to arrive at the Lakeland airport ahead of his memorial service. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, sometime around 1:00pm, partnering agencies will escort his remains from the Lakeland Linder International Airport to Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Winter Haven.
This map illustrates the route:
Local law enforcement advised that traffic along this route will be stopped and/or congested for approximately two hours from the time the procession leaves the airport and arrives in Winter Haven.
“Thank you in advance for your patience and respect as we bring Major Khork home for his memorial service,” the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.
Major Cody Khork has been promoted posthumously.
He died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack while supporting Operation Epic Fury according to the Department of War.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office will live broadcast the procession and arrival to the funeral home on the PCSO Facebook page.
“Our entire community joins the Khork family in mourning the loss of CPT Cody A. Khork of Winter Haven, who was killed while serving our nation during Operation Epic Fury,” Congressman Scott Franklin said at the time the death was announced. “Capt. Khork, an Army Reserve officer assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, died March 1 in Kuwait during an attack on a U.S. command center. Five other American service members were also killed in the attack. They answered the call to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.”
“Please join me in lifting up their families, friends and fellow soldiers in prayer during this difficult time,” Rep. Franklin said. “We will never forget their sacrifice.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis also said they were saddened to learn that Army Captain Cody Khork, from Polk County, was killed in the line of duty as part of Operation Epic Fury. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and his fellow soldiers,” stated the DeSantis family.
