Families of Iowa Soldiers Killed in Syria to Attend State of the Union

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The families of two Iowa soldiers killed in action in Syria in December are expected to attend the upcoming State of the Union address. Staff Sergeants Edgar Torres-Tovar of Des Moines and Williams Nathaniel Howard of Marshalltown were killed in an attack believed to have been carried out by an individual with ties to the Islamic State. Their relatives will join Iowa's congressional delegation for the high-profile event.

Why it matters

The inclusion of the families of the fallen soldiers at the State of the Union highlights the human toll of ongoing conflicts and the continued sacrifice of military service members from Iowa and across the country. Their presence is a solemn reminder of the real-world consequences of global instability and terrorism.

The details

Staff Sergeants Torres-Tovar and Howard were killed in action in Syria in December. Officials said the attack that claimed their lives was carried out by a lone suspect believed to have ties to the Islamic State. The families of the two service members will now join Iowa's congressional delegation for the State of the Union address, where they are expected to be recognized and honored.

• The attack that killed Staff Sergeants Torres-Tovar and Howard occurred in December 2025.
• The families will attend the State of the Union address on February 25, 2026.