Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, a 39-year-old mother of two from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, was killed in Kuwait by a drone strike days before she was due to return home, officials said. The strike also killed five other U.S. service members.
Her husband, Joey Amor, described the moment with heartbreak: “She was almost home. You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts.”
Amor served with the Army Reserve’s 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition to U.S. forces. She had previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 and transferred from the National Guard to the Army Reserve in 2006. Her awards included the Army Commendation Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.
Joey Amor said that about a week before the attack, Nicole had been moved into a shipping container–style building without protective defenses after units dispersed, fearing an attack on the base. He last spoke with her two hours before her death; they exchanged messages about long shifts and a minor fall she had the previous night. She did not respond that morning.
Outside the military, Nicole was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa with her teenage son and rollerblading and biking with their fourth-grade daughter. Joey recalled her generosity: “If you needed anything, she would just take care of it for you. She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”
Her death occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following campaigns involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran. The attack also killed Capt. Cody Khork of Florida, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens of Nebraska, and Sgt. Declan Coady of Iowa, among others.
Joey Amor has shared memories of their family life on social media, including a post last November: “Even while you are on the other side of the world, you found a way to make my birthday special. I love you!” Nicole Amor’s family and community mourn her loss as they adjust to life without her presence.