Nunn Leads Iowa Delegation to Honor Fallen Iowa Guardsmen

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03), a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, today led the Iowa delegation in introducing a resolution honoring the lives, service, and sacrifice of Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sergeant William "Nate" Howard. The two Iowa National Guardsmen were killed in an ambush by an ISIS-affiliated terrorist near Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025. The companion resolution is being led in the U.S. Senate by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

"Iowa lost two of our finest. Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar and Sergeant Nate Howard are heroes of the highest order," said Rep. Nunn . "In honoring them today, we speak with one voice to say their courage will not be forgotten. Their legacy will live on-not just in the hearts of their families and fellow Guardsmen, but in the history of this nation."

The resolution honors the lives of both fallen servicemembers and the interpreter who was killed, condemns the ISIS terrorist attack that claimed their lives, recognizes the three additional Iowa Guardsmen who were wounded in the attack, and extends the deepest condolences and unwavering support of Congress to the families, fellow servicemembers, and communities forever changed by this devastating loss.

"Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar and Sergeant Nate Howard are American heroes," said Senator Ernst . "As we take action to remember their legacy today, we commemorate their valor and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. Our Iowa National Guard members are a true testament to the selfless bravery it takes to put on the uniform and keep our homeland safe from the threat of radical Islamic terror. Americans owe them an immeasurable debt and stand with their families, loved ones, and recovering soldiers during this time."

"Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres-Tovar paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we owe them a debt that can never be repaid," said Senator Grassley . "Barbara and I are praying for their families and loved ones. Today, I'm joining Senator Ernst to introduce a resolution honoring these two remarkable young men. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and will be written in the Senate's history books forever."

"Iowa mourns the heartbreaking loss of Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, two brave members of our Iowa National Guard who gave their lives in service to our country." said Rep. Miller-Meeks . "Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication represent the very best of our state and our nation. We honor their memory, stand with their families, and commit to never forgetting the price they paid to protect our freedom."

"Sergeant Nate Howard and Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar are real Iowa heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our grateful nation. They bravely defended their fellow servicemembers from a terrorist attack and we all mourn their loss," said Rep. Feenstra . "I'm humbled to help lead a congressional resolution honoring these brave Iowans, recognizing their incredible courage, and condemning this vile terrorist attack on U.S. troops. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the injured soldiers and with the families and loved ones of Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres-Tovar. We will never forget their service and sacrifice on behalf of Iowa and the United States of America against evil and terror."

"The loss of Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar is a sobering reminder of the immense sacrifices our servicemembers make to defend our precious freedoms," said Rep. Hinson . "Mothers and fathers should never have to outlive their children. These young men will always be remembered as heroes, and we stand with their families in grief, honoring their lives, service, and enduring legacy."

Text of the resolution is available here .