Nunn, Iowa Delegation Introduce Legislation to Rename VA Facilities After Fallen Guardsmen

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03), a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, today joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and the Iowa delegation to introduce legislation to rename two Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in honor of Iowa National Guard Staff Sergeants Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and William Nathaniel Howard who were killed in an ISIS-affiliated terrorist attack in Syria on December 13, 2025.

Once enacted, Rep. Nunn's Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act would rename the VA clinic in Des Moines as the "Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar Clinic" and redesignate the VA's community-based outpatient clinic in Marshalltown as the "Staff Sergeant William Nathanial Howard VA clinic".

"Iowa lost two of its own when Staff Sgts. Edgar Torres-Tovar and William Howard gave their lives in defense of our country," said Rep. Nunn. "They wore the uniform with honor, stood for something bigger than themselves, and represented the very best of the Iowa National Guard. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor will ensure their legacy endures as a permanent tribute to two Guardsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice."

"We owe Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard a debt we can never repay," said Sen. Ernst. "These brave Iowans paid the ultimate price while defending our nation's freedoms, and now, it is our duty to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. I'm honored to lead this effort and tell the stories of their service by designating places in their hometowns that will serve generations of Iowa veterans. The legacy of Iowa's heroes will continue to live on."

"We are forever indebted to Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar for their dedication and service, both to the people of Iowa and to the United States," said Sen. Grassley . "They represent the best of us, and that's why the entire Iowa congressional delegation supports this important measure. Placing their names on these two facilities will ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten, especially by their hometowns."

"Staff Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Torres-Tovar devoted their lives to serving our state and nation. Naming these VA clinics in their memory is a lasting tribute to their ultimate sacrifice," said Gov. Reynolds . "Located in their home communities, these clinics serve veterans with compassion, dignity, and respect-and they will now stand as a reminder of the legacy our heroes left behind."

"Iowa and our nation mourn the loss of Staff Sergeant Nate Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar-real Iowa heroes who were killed by terrorists as they defended their fellow servicemembers from an attack in Syria," said Rep. Feenstra. "I'm grateful to help introduce this legislation with the Iowa Delegation to rename two VA facilities in their honor to ensure their legacy of service endures, and their sacrifice is never forgotten. My thoughts remain with the Gold Star Families of Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar and the men, women, and families of the Iowa National Guard, who exemplify the very best of our state."

"Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar paid the ultimate sacrifice for our precious freedoms, and it's an honor to help ensure these VA facilities carry the names of Nate and Edgar, who gave everything for our country," said Rep. Hinson. "This is a tribute to not just their service, but their families who stood beside them, and every veteran who receives care here will do so in a place that honors their sacrifices for generations to come."

"As a 24-year Army veteran, I'm honored to join the Iowa Delegation in paying tribute to Staff Sgt Nathaniel 'Nate' Howard and Staff Sgt Edgar Torres-Tovar," said Rep. Miller-Meeks . "These brave Iowans made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor ensures their legacy lives on, a lasting reminder of their courage, commitment, and the deep gratitude of a nation they served with distinction."

"Every day, brave men and women from communities across the State of Iowa heed the call to serve and protect our country," said Connie Bosen, Mayor of the City of Des Moines. "The act of naming central Iowa VAs after two Iowa Guardsmen we were unfortunate to lose is just one way to recognize their sacrifice. I look forward to the renaming of Des Moines' south side VA clinic in memory of SSG Edgar Torres-Tovar."

"It is entirely proper and fitting to name the new VA Clinic in Marshalltown for our fallen hero, SST Nathaniel Howard of Marshall County," said Mike Ladehoff, Mayor of the City of Marshalltown. "By taking this step, it will be a constant reminder for decades to come that freedom is not free and the ultimate sacrifices that some have paid to protect and serve our great nation."

"SSGT William Nathan (Nate) Howard served with distinction in the Army National Guard, demonstrating unwavering dedication, courage, and compassion both in uniform and in civilian life. Their commitment to fellow service members and the community left a lasting impact that continues to inspire all who knew them," said Kevin Huseboe, Executive Director of Marshall County Veteran Affairs. " Renaming the clinic in his honor would not only preserve the memory of SSGT Howard but also serve as a daily reminder to patients, staff, and visitors of the values they stood for-service, integrity, and selflessness. It would be a fitting tribute to a life devoted to the well-being of others and a meaningful way to ensure their legacy endures."

"Staff Sergeant Nate Howard exemplified the highest ideals of service, sacrifice, and commitment to country. His loss is deeply felt across Marshalltown and throughout Iowa, as reflected in the many stories shared in his remembrance," said John Hall, President & CEO of Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce. "Naming the Marshalltown VA Clinic in his honor provides a permanent and meaningful tribute that will stand as a reminder to all who enter its doors of the cost of freedom and the courage of those who serve."

"Polk County Veteran Affairs supports the 'Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act' that would name the South Des Moines V.A. Medical Clinic after Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar and the Marshalltown V.A. Medical Clinic after Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard," said Pat Sweeney, Executive Director of Polk County Veterans Affairs.

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