DeSantis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Slain Winter Haven Soldier

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday ordered Florida and U.S. flags at the state Capitol and all state and local government buildings to be flown at half-staff Saturday in honor of U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Cody Khork, a Winter Haven soldier killed in Kuwait by Iranian drone strikes on March 1.

The order covers all state and local government buildings statewide. Flags at Treasure Coast courthouses, government offices, and public facilities in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties were lowered Saturday in Khork's memory.

Khork served in the U.S. Army since 2009. He served as a Multiple Launch Rocket System/Fire Directions Specialist before being commissioned as a Military Police Officer in 2014, according to a release from the governor's office.

"He is remembered not only for his service to our Nation and State but as a true American hero who exemplified the values of patriotism, leadership, and selfless service," DeSantis said in the release. "Our prayers go out to the family he leaves behind."

Khork was a resident of Winter Haven, a city in Polk County located roughly 90 miles northwest of the Treasure Coast.

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