Howard

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Veterans’ health care facilities in the hometowns of two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in action last year in Syria will be named in their honor.

The Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Des Moines will be named the “Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic,” and the community-based outpatient clinic in Marshalltown will be named the “Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic” under legislation introduced by Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst.

Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, were killed in action Dec. 13 during a counterterrorism mission near Palmyra, Syria, when a lone gunman believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State opened fire on U.S. and partner forces.

“We owe Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard a debt we can never repay,” Ernst, a former Iowa National Guard officer, said in a statement to The Gazette. “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.”

A U.S. civilian interpreter also was killed in the attack, and three other Iowa National Guard members were wounded.

Torres-Tovar and Howard were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, and were deployed as part of the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Syria.

Ernst’s office said the legislation could be introduced as early as Wednesday. Iowa’s entire Congressional delegation is joining Ernst in honoring Torres-Tovar and Howard.

The legislation proposing to name the Iowa VA facilities in honor of Torres-Tovar and Howard is titled the “Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act,” and contains some biological information about the soldiers.

For example, the bill notes that Torres-Tovar was a Dowling Catholic High School graduate and the first member of his family to serve in the military, and that Howard enlisted in the Iowa National Guard while still 17 years old and a senior at Marshalltown High School.

“I’m honored to lead this effort and tell the stories of (Howard’s and Torres-Tovar’s) service by designating places in their hometowns that will serve generations of Iowa veterans,” Ernst said. “The legacy of Iowa’s heroes will continue to live on.”

Iowa’s delegation previously honored Howard and Torres-Tovar with Congressional resolutions.

Howard and Torres-Tovar both were awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Combat Action Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device for heroic service in combat.

“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.”

In a press release issued by Sen. Ernst’s office Wednesday, several other local leaders and members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation weighed in on the proposal and offered their unanimous support for the renaming efforts.

“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. 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,” said Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa).

“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. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa). “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.”

“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. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa). “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. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa). “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. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa). “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.”

“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. Kim Reynolds (R-Iowa). “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.”

“It is entirely proper and fitting to name the new VA Clinic in Marshalltown for our fallen hero, SSgt. William 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.”

“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.”