There are individuals whose very presence provides a sense of security, whether on a distant battlefield, in a high-stakes cybersecurity center, or on a quiet suburban street in Iowa. Jeff was exactly that person. A steadfast Army officer and a brilliant professional, he was, above all, a devoted husband and a father of three, for whom family was the ultimate north star.

In his professional life, Jeff embodied a rare duality.

As a Major in the 103rd Sustainment Command of the U.S. Army Reserve, he was a disciplined leader who earned respect through example rather than rank. In his civilian career as a Cybersecurity Operations Manager at Principal Financial Group, he was the expert who built complex digital defenses with both technical mastery and human patience.

For Jeff, work was never just a job; it was a service—protecting his country in both the digital and physical realms.

Yet, anyone who knew Jeff understood that his heart remained in Waukee, Iowa, with his beloved wife, Amy, and their three children: Katelyn, Mitchell, and Madelyn. He was the father who chased his kids around the backyard, dedicated every spare moment to their happiness, and even during his deployment in Kuwait, found a way to make his love felt every single day. As a passionate Chicago Cubs fan and a talented saxophone player, he brought humor and a zest for life to every community he touched.

To his friends and fellow soldiers, Jeff was 'the rock.' He was the man you could count on in the darkest hours, a leader who guided not with a badge, but with his heart. On March 1, 2026, during a drone strike in Kuwait, Jeff made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Now, it is our turn to be the rock for his family.

This fund is dedicated to supporting Amy O’Brien and their three children during this unimaginably difficult time. Our goal is to help secure the future and education of Katelyn, Mitchell, and Madelyn, honoring the same selflessness with which Jeff served others throughout his entire life.

Please consider supporting Jeff’s family with a donation of any size, and help us preserve the legacy of a man who gave everything to protect our world and those he loved.