WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Flags shall be flown at half-staff Saturday from dawn to sundown on the Florida State Capitol and in any respect native and state buildings in Winter Haven to honor U.S. Military Capt. Cody Khork, a Polk County servicemember killed March 1 in Kuwait whereas supporting army operations abroad.
In a memorandum issued Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis directed U.S. and Florida flags be lowered from dawn to sundown on the State Capitol in Tallahassee and in any respect native and state buildings, installations and grounds all through Winter Haven.
The order comes almost three weeks after Khork was killed.
Khork, 35, served within the U.S. Military since 2009 and was commissioned as a Army Police officer in 2014. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of main. Throughout his army profession, he deployed abroad a number of occasions and obtained quite a few honors recognizing his service.
He’s being remembered in Polk County as a hometown hero, with neighborhood members lately gathering to honor his return and pay their respects.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister mentioned that companies have been “privileged to help in making certain his return is carried out with the dignity, respect, and gratitude he deserves,” including that Khork made the last word sacrifice in service to the nation.
🇺🇸Standing with our companions to honor U.S. Military Reserve Main Cody Khork as he’s introduced house to Polk County.
Main Khork made the last word sacrifice whereas serving our nation within the Center East, and we’re privileged to help in making certain his return is carried out with the… pic.twitter.com/0Ri7pxEKfS
— Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) March 20, 2026
DeSantis described Khork as an American hero who exemplified patriotism, management and selfless service, and prolonged condolences to his household.
