Hawaii lawmakers react after Ewa Beach soldier killed in Jordan

News admin July 20, 2026 0 Comments

Hawaii lawmakers react after Ewa Beach soldier killed in Jordan

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A 25-year-old man from Ewa Beach was identified as one of the two soldiers killed in Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks Friday.

The U.S. Military Monday announced Tyler James Feehan and Isabella Gonazales, 19, of Carrolton Texas were killed in the attacks on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan Friday.

They are the first U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the war began.

Governor Josh Green ordered the United States flag and the Hawaii state flag to be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaii National Guard, through sunset on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in honor of Feehan.

“First Lieutenant Feehan served our nation with courage and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Governor Green said in statement. “Jaime and I extend our deepest condolences to his ʻohana, friends and fellow service members. His death is a painful reminder of the human cost of war. Hawaii mourns alongside them and will always remember his bravery and selfless service.”

Hawaii’s Congressional delegates also issued statements.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of ʻEwa Beach, who gave his life while serving our country.” Senator Brian Schatz said. “My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and fellow soldiers as they grieve this unimaginable loss. May his memory be a blessing.”

“Today, my thoughts and aloha are with 1^st Lt Feehan’s family, and the families of all the brave servicemembers killed and injured in this war.“ said Senator Mazie Hirono. ”As we honor their service and sacrifice, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to bring an end to this war.”

“The loss of any of our service members is tragic, but of one of our own ‘ohana is especially deep,” said U.S. Representative Ed Case. “I extend my deepest sympathies to Lt Feehan’s family with our Hawaii’s lasting gratitude for his service to our country.”

“This tragedy strikes especially close to home because Tyler was one of Hawaiʻi’s own, from ʻEwa Beach. Today, our ʻohana and the entire nation mourn Tyler and Isabella, two young Americans taken far too soon while serving our country.” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda. “We hold their families, friends, and fellow servicemembers close in our hearts. Every life lost is one too many, and we must keep fighting to end this war and bring our troops home safely.”

Feehan was a first lieutenant and will be posthumously promoted to the rank of captain. He’ll also be awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Hearth, and Combat Action Badge medals. He was assigned out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command.

Gonzales was a private with the 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command in Ansbach, Germany.

The military said Gonzales died on Friday and Feehan died the following day.