Difficult Times for a Grieving Mother
Over a month after the loss of her son in the Iran war, Donna Burhans has established a routine to help her navigate her grief. Sitting alone in her home often overwhelms her with sadness, prompting her to step outside and take solitary walks around her family’s expansive 35-acre farm in Winter Haven, Florida. Engaging with the environment, she tends to her garden and converses aloud about her son, Cody Koch, to the animals that inhabit the property, including cows, horses, dogs, cats, and pigs.
Finding Solace in Conversation
“They’re good listeners,” Burhans, 67, remarked, reflecting on her interactions with the animals as a source of comfort. As she talks about Cody—whom she describes as a hero—the process of remembering him becomes a vital part of her healing journey. In her first interview since the tragic event, she shared, “I’m so proud of him. It just helps.”
The Circumstances of Cody’s Death
Cody Koch, 35, was one of 13 American soldiers who lost their lives during military operations against Iran while negotiations for peace were still ongoing. His life was cut short on March 1, the second day of the conflict, following a drone strike that targeted a Kuwaiti port. Tragically, he and five other Army reservists were killed in that attack.
A Lifelong Passion for Military Service
From an early age, Koch demonstrated a natural affinity for military life, influenced by his upbringing on a military base and his father’s background as a Marine. His mother recalls him being fascinated by air shows and often playing around helicopters. Known as “Twig” during his childhood due to his slender frame, he blended into the environment around him, even hiding behind telephone poles during paintball games.
A Legacy of Service
By the time of his passing, Koch had risen to the rank of captain in the Army Reserve, and he was posthumously promoted to major. Throughout his career, he undertook various deployments, including to Poland, Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and ultimately Kuwait. Burhans conveyed her pride in his military service, mentioning his aspirations of working for the Department of Defense and the love he shared with his fiancée before his untimely death.
Community Support in Grief
In the wake of this profound loss, community members have rallied to support the Burhans family. Local barbecue restaurants opened their doors to host events honoring Koch’s memory. Additionally, his alma mater, Florida Southern College in Lakeland, has established an ROTC scholarship in his name, fostering future generations of service members.
A Message to the President
Burhans remains steadfast in her beliefs about leadership during turbulent times. She expressed confidence in former President Donald Trump’s handling of the situation, asserting, “Mr. Trump knows what he’s doing.” At a solemn transfer ceremony in Dover, Delaware, where the remains of her son and five other soldiers were honored, she communicated her wishes to Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Burhans stated, “I wanted him to know that I don’t blame him,” underscoring her supportive stance amid personal tragedy. She emphasized the need to pursue military action against longstanding threats to national security, encouraging Trump to “finish it already.”
