Story perspectives

Iowa National Guard Honors Fallen Soldiers Killed in Syria

12/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 24, 2025, the remains of Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar (Iowa National Guard) and Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard (Iowa National Guard) returned to Des Moines after being killed by an ISIS gunman in Syria, marking the Iowa National Guard's first fatalities in action since 2011.
Their bodies were honored with a solemn transfer at the Iowa Air National Guard base, attended by family members and state officials.
Funeral services are scheduled for this weekend, with public visitation and burial arrangements in Marshalltown and Des Moines.
Three other Iowa National Guard soldiers were injured in the attack.
Two received treatment in the U.S. and one returned to duty.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. military's withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 marked a pivotal shift in foreign policy, following extensive National Guard deployments post-9/11. Over 3,000 Iowa National Guard soldiers served in Iraq and Afghanistan, reflecting their critical role in the Global War on Terror. The recent deaths of two soldiers in Syria underscore the ongoing risks faced by U.S. forces in combating terrorism, particularly against groups like ISIS.

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Story summary

On December 24, 2025, the remains of Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar (Iowa National Guard) and Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard (Iowa National Guard) returned to Des Moines after being killed by an ISIS gunman in Syria, marking the Iowa National Guard's first fatalities in action since 2011.
Their bodies were honored with a solemn transfer at the Iowa Air National Guard base, attended by family members and state officials.
Funeral services are scheduled for this weekend, with public visitation and burial arrangements in Marshalltown and Des Moines.
Three other Iowa National Guard soldiers were injured in the attack.
Two received treatment in the U.S. and one returned to duty.

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