Most Families of Troops Killed in Iran War's Deadliest Attack to Miss White House Event

Most families of the six U.S. soldiers killed in the deadliest attack of the Iran war will not attend a major White House event for Gold Star families hosted by President Donald Trump.

Only one family member of those killed in an Iranian drone strike on March 1 on Port Shuaiba in Kuwait confirmed to The Associated Press that they planned to attend Tuesday's reception with Trump and the first lady. The war, launched Feb. 28, has claimed the lives of 19 U.S. troops and wounded more than 800 others.

The annual gathering honors Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, which falls on the last weekend of September. This year’s reception honors nearly 40 fallen service members from conflicts dating to the Vietnam War, with remarks from Trump, a candle-lighting ceremony, and a musical performance.

However, families of those killed in the Port Shuaiba attack have expressed frustration over the lack of information from the Pentagon regarding the strike. Joey Amor, whose wife Master Sgt. Nicole M. Amor was among those killed, stated that questions remain about the events leading up to the attack and demanded transparency.

Troops who survived the attack have raised concerns about their deployment to a site lacking adequate air protection and considered a likely target. Wounded soldiers have also spoken of unheeded concerns about threats and perceived failures in the military medical system following the attack. The AP’s account of the March 1 attack is based on interviews with 13 soldiers.

The Army stated it had not yet briefed the families of those killed on the outcome of its investigation, completed in June, citing the need to redact sensitive information. The Pentagon declined to comment.

John Thompson, founder of Salute to the Fallen, an organization supporting veterans, noted that some families could not attend the White House event due to insufficient notice and inability to cover travel costs. While White House invitations were sent out about two weeks prior, some families reported confusion and a lack of details. At least two families stated they did not receive an invitation.

Some family members expressed gratitude for the administration's recognition of their loved ones' sacrifices, while others view the handling of the reception as indicative of a lack of respect for their loss. President Trump had previously described the war as a "little excursion" and "small potatoes."

Tina Marzan, widow of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, who died in the March 1 attack, said she and her two children were not invited, despite her previous request to federal officials not to be contacted. She expressed that they should have been included in such an event.

The White House stated it does not contact individuals who have requested not to be contacted. Donna Burhans, mother of Maj. Cody Khork, who was killed at Port Shuaiba, did not receive an invitation but said she would not have attended due to the pain involved, describing herself as a "big fan" of Trump.

Libby Klinner, spouse of Maj. Alex Klinner, an airman killed in an Iran-related combat operation, cited less than two weeks' notice as insufficient for arranging childcare and stated she had no interest in supporting an administration she believes has been reckless with service members' lives.