Full Breakdown
Iowa National Guard Members Killed in Syria Honored in Somber Homecoming
12/25/2025, 4:00:21 AM
Honorable Transfer of Fallen Soldiers
On December 24, 2025, the remains of two Iowa National Guard members, Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown, were returned to Iowa following their deaths in a December 13 attack in Syria. The soldiers were killed by a lone gunman during an ambush on a convoy of American and Syrian forces in Palmyra, Syria. Their remains were received in a dignified transfer at the Des Moines International Airport, attended by family members, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, and U.S. Representative Zach Nunn, among others.
The transfer ceremony was marked by solemnity, as military personnel carried the flag-draped caskets from a KC-135 aircraft. The families of the fallen soldiers were given a moment to mourn before the caskets were placed in hearses for a procession to funeral homes in Des Moines and Marshalltown. The event drew hundreds of community members who lined the streets to pay their respects, many holding American flags.
Background on the Attack
The attack that claimed the lives of Torres-Tovar and Howard also resulted in the death of Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a U.S. civilian interpreter from Michigan. The incident occurred when a gunman opened fire during a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials, leading to a chaotic confrontation that left the attackers dead. This incident marks a significant loss for the Iowa National Guard, as these soldiers are the first from the state to die in combat since 2011.
Official Statements and Responses
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Osborn, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, expressed condolences, stating, “They were dedicated professionals and cherished members of our Guard family who represented the best of Iowa.” Following the attack, President Donald Trump vowed “very serious retaliation,” which led to U.S. military airstrikes targeting Islamic State positions in Syria on December 19, described by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a “declaration of vengeance.”
Criticism and Opposition
While the military response was framed as necessary for national security, some critics have raised concerns about the ongoing military presence in Syria and the risks faced by deployed personnel. The broader implications of these military actions continue to be debated, particularly regarding the effectiveness of U.S. strategies in the region.
What's Next
Funeral services for both soldiers are scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Howard's visitation will take place on December 27 in Marshalltown, while Torres-Tovar's visitation is set for December 28 in Des Moines, followed by their respective funerals. The Iowa National Guard has committed to supporting the families of the fallen soldiers during this difficult time, ensuring their legacies are honored and remembered.
The tragic loss of Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard underscores the sacrifices made by service members in the ongoing fight against terrorism and the impact of such losses on their families and communities.
