Ord community honors Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens

By Lonny Walton

ORD, Neb. (KSNB) — Residents in Ord are honoring Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, one of the first soldiers killed in Operation Epic Fury, with flags, flowers and ribbons placed around his parents’ homes. Tiejens most recently lived in Bellevue but grew up in Ord.

Carol Philbrick’s son grew up with Tietjens, said the news was difficult for those who knew him.

“When we found out he was gone, it broke our hearts,” Philbrick said. “He was just a young man who was very dedicated to what he put his heart into. He was very excited and loved martial arts.”

Community members said the family is expected to be in Delaware when his remains arrive in the United States.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, a Bellevue soldier killed in Kuwait during the U.S. attack on Iran over the weekend, is being remembered by fellow soldiers as a dedicated servicemember who rose quickly through the ranks of the Army Reserve.

“They [Tietjens family] knew that they were going to be back in Delaware when he arrived in the states,” said Christy Oestereich, a community member. “And she knew that was going to be a hard time.”

Megan Cargill said Tietjens’ mother, Glenda, reached out to her after the news broke.

“Glenda had reached out to me, and I was taken back by what she was telling me,” Cargill said. “And all I could do is offer what I could at the moment.”

Residents said they have been actively coordinating tributes and deliveries to the family.

“We tied ribbons and put them around the courthouse,” said Mary Sevenker.

“Whatever people want, we will put it together and deliver it,” Oestereich said. “We’ve delivered flowers, wind chimes, and more.”

Philbrick called on the broader community to remember Tietjens.

“We all need to stand together and never forget what patriotism is all about,” Philbrick said.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Tietjens’ family.