Iowa's Brave Guardsmen Lost in Syria

In a tragic turn of events, two soldiers from the Iowa National Guard lost their lives in Syria. These brave individuals were part of a larger group deployed to the Middle East. Their mission was to fight against ISIS and other terrorist groups. The soldiers were identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, from Marshalltown. The attack also claimed the life of an American civilian and injured three others. The soldiers were engaged in a critical meeting as part of their duties when the attack occurred. This loss has deeply affected the Iowa National Guard and the entire state. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her grief and offered condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. She urged all Iowans to come together and support the families during this difficult time. She also asked for prayers for the injured soldiers.Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, shared his sorrow over the loss. He emphasized that the priority now is to support the families of the fallen and wounded soldiers. The entire Iowa National Guard stands united in grief and support. About 1, 800 soldiers from the Iowa Army National Guard's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, were deployed to the Middle East in late May 2025. This deployment was part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by our soldiers. It is a call to reflect on the importance of their mission and the impact on their families and communities.