Gov. Kim Reynolds used her Condition of the State address to honor two Iowa National Guard soldiers who were killed in Syria in December, saying they made “the greatest sacrifice.”
Staff Sgts. William Nathaniel “Nate” Howard, 29, Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and a civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Michigan, were killed in Palmyra, Syria on Dec. 13 by an attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead.
“Our fallen soldiers served their state and their country with honor,” Reynolds said. “As respected leaders, they were models of courage, commitment and character. And as Americans who answered the call when freedom required it, they showed us the greatest love a person can give — by laying down their life for their friends.”
Howard, of Marshalltown, and Torres-Tovar, of Des Moines, were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.
Howard and Torres-Tovar are the first Iowa Army National Guard members to die in combat since Terryl L. Pasker was killed in Afghanistan in July 2011.
Reynolds praised Howard for his “dedication to the mission,” noting that Howard joined the National Guard at age 17 and served more than 11 years.
“Above all, Staff Sgt. Howard — Nate to his family and friends — was a loyal son and brother, and a loving husband,” Reynolds said. “He cherished those closest to him with tenderness, humor and a sincere heart.”
Reynolds turned to the House gallery, where Howard’s wife, parents and brother were seated.
“I want you to know that you remain in our prayers, and we will never forget Nate’s sacrifice,” she said.
She called Torres-Tovar “the pride of his parents and a role model to his siblings.”
“He was certain that his purpose in life was to serve his country, and he enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from high school,” Reynolds said. “He was the first in his family to wear the uniform. And in the words of his father Hugo, he was their hero, and now he is a hero to all of us.”
Reynolds said the Torres-Tovar family was gathered Tuesday night for a church service marking the 30th day since his death.
Three other Iowa National Guard members were wounded in the attack, one with minor injuries and two with serious injuries. Reynolds promised “we have not forgotten” them.
She detailed how Airmen from the 185th Air Refueling Wing Medical Group, based in Sioux City, took charge of the wounded soldiers’ treatment and evacuation.
“Tonight, I’m pleased to share some good news,” she said. “Both soldiers have been discharged from the hospital and are now being treated in an outpatient facility. Both are doing extremely well and improving every day. I think I speak for everyone here tonight when I say: We can’t wait to welcome you both home.”
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Reynolds honors slain Iowa National Guard soldiers in annual address
Reporting by Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
