WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The remains of U.S. Army Reserve Major Cody Khork returned home to Polk County on Wednesday.

What You Need To Know

    • The remains of U.S. Army Reserve Major Cody Khork returned home to Polk County on Wednesday
    • Khork, who is from Winter Haven, was promoted from captain to major posthumously
    • He was killed while fighting in the Iran war during a retaliatory attack in Kuwait a day after the U.S. and Israel launched the initial strikes on Iran

Khork, who is from Winter Haven, was promoted from captain to major posthumously.

He was killed while fighting in the Iran war during a retaliatory attack in Kuwait a day after the U.S. and Israel launched the initial strikes on Iran.

Khork’s remains arrived at Lakeland Linder International Airport on Wednesday afternoon around 1 p.m., Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.

It was a somber day for all who watched the procession pass by. Several people said they were especially moved, including veterans and military families who said this loss hits close to home.

“Doesn’t even have to have a connection… this is just a sad, sad way to end,” said Lakeland resident Donna Guardado.

Donna said she felt a shared sense of sadness after learning about Khork’s death just weeks ago. She and her husband, Charlie, made sure to be among the first to arrive outside Florida Southern College for the procession. The stop was requested by Khork’s family, as he graduated from the college in 2014.

“We just want to honor him, and his family and his friends,” she said.

Donna said being there made her think of her own son, TJ, an Air Force veteran. He was one of the linemen selected to help raise the flag outside Florida Southern — a moment, he says, was especially meaningful to share with his daughters.

“It’s important to me to show respect to anyone, especially someone who lost their life for our country,” TJ said.

The Guardado’s joined hundreds of people who lined streets across Polk County, paying their respects as the procession made its way through.

Law enforcement escorted Khork from Lakeland to Oak Ridge Funeral Home in Winter Haven. He will remain there until he is laid to rest at Bushnell National Cemetery.

In the meantime, Donna said support for the family should not end today.

“To be supportive to the family, especially those still living, and show how much we appreciate their son, their brother, their sister — what that means to us,” she said.

A final journey, marked by honor, gratitude and remembrance.

Khork will be buried this weekend, officials said. Deputies will remain with him until then