Key Takeaways:
- Two Iowa National Guard soldiers, Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, were killed in Syria on December 13
- The soldiers were shot and killed by a lone ISIS gunman while deployed in Palmyra, Syria
- The remains of the soldiers arrived in Iowa on Christmas Eve and were greeted with a solemn honorable transfer ceremony
- Funeral services for the soldiers are scheduled for this weekend, with visitations and funerals taking place in Marshalltown and Des Moines
- The soldiers were posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant and are the first Iowa National Guard soldiers to be killed in action since 2011
Introduction to the Tragedy
The Iowa National Guard recently suffered a devastating loss with the deaths of two of its soldiers, Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, who were killed in action in Syria on December 13. The soldiers were shot and killed by a lone ISIS gunman while deployed in Palmyra, Syria. The news of their deaths sent shockwaves throughout the state of Iowa, and their families, friends, and fellow soldiers are still coming to terms with the loss. The soldiers were posthumously promoted to the rank of staff sergeant, a testament to their bravery and dedication to their country.
The Return of the Fallen Soldiers
The remains of Staff Sgt. Howard and Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar arrived in Iowa on Christmas Eve, marking a somber and emotional moment for the state. The soldiers’ flag-draped caskets were carried off a KC-135 plane from the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, which had transported them from Dover Air Force Base. The ceremony was attended by Gov. Kim Reynolds, Sen. Joni Ernst, and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, who stood in line with leaders from the Iowa National Guard to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families, and the state’s gratitude for their service.
The Honorable Transfer Ceremony
The honorable transfer ceremony was a solemn and dignified affair, with fellow Guard members carrying the caskets off the plane and placing them in hearses for processions to Marshalltown and south Des Moines. The ceremony was attended by the soldiers’ families, who were given a moment to approach the caskets and say their final goodbyes. The families held each other, wiped away tears, and leaned over to embrace the caskets that held their loved ones. The ceremony was a powerful tribute to the soldiers’ memory, and a testament to the bond between the soldiers and their families.
The Procession and Funeral Services
The processions for the soldiers were escorted by the State Patrol and Des Moines Police Department, and were met by Iowans who stood along the streets to greet them. The funeral services for the soldiers are scheduled for this weekend, with a visitation and funeral for Staff Sgt. Howard taking place on Saturday in Marshalltown, and a visitation for Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar taking place on Sunday in Des Moines, followed by a funeral and burial on Monday. The services are open to the public, and are expected to be attended by hundreds of people who want to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The attack that claimed the lives of Staff Sgt. Howard and Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar also injured three other Iowa Guard members, two of whom are back in the U.S. for further treatment and are in stable condition. The third soldier was treated in Syria and returned to duty. A civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat, was also killed in the attack. The incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers deployed in combat zones, and the sacrifices they make to protect their country and its interests.
Conclusion and Reflection
The deaths of Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar are a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. The outpouring of support and condolences from the people of Iowa and beyond is a testament to the respect and gratitude that the nation has for its soldiers. As the state of Iowa comes together to mourn the loss of its fallen soldiers, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of honoring and supporting those who serve their country, and to remember the sacrifices they make to protect their fellow citizens. The legacy of Staff Sgt. Howard and Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar will live on, and their memory will continue to inspire and motivate others to serve their country with courage and distinction.
