A new ROTC scholarship at Florida Southern College is honoring the legacy of Cody Khork. The endowed scholarship will support cadets pursuing military service and help cover room and board each year for an outstanding junior or senior ROTC student.
Captain Khork was one of six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who lost their lives on March 1 in Kuwait while supporting military operations overseas.
Captain Khork was a graduate of Lake Region High School (2008) and Florida Southern College (2014). He enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 and later commissioned as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. During his service, he deployed to Saudi Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay in 2021, and Poland in 2024.
Throughout his military career, Captain Khork received numerous medals and honors recognizing his service, leadership, and commitment to others.
Jeremy P. Martin, president of Florida Southern College, said the scholarship was created after a close friend of Cody Khork, Abbas Jaffer, approached the college about finding a meaningful way to honor his legacy.
The community response has been overwhelming. Within just 72 hours of quietly announcing the scholarship fund, more than 150 donors stepped forward to contribute. The family said the scholarship will ensure Khork’s story and continue to inspire the next generation of leaders. More information about contributing to the fund is available on the Florida Southern College website.
A memorial for Khork is being planned for later in March.
