Over 200 Iowa National Guard Soldiers Returning Home

Troops were part of counter-terrorism mission in Iraq and Syria since 2025.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:19pm

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More than 200 Iowa National Guard Soldiers are set to return home to eastern Iowa from the Middle East in the coming weeks. The troops were part of over 1,800 deployed since May 2025 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, a counter-terrorism effort in Iraq and Syria. About 200 soldiers have already returned from the mission, with a welcome home ceremony planned for Thursday in Cedar Rapids.

Why it matters

The return of these National Guard members is an important milestone for Iowa families and communities who have supported their loved ones during this lengthy deployment. The loss of two Iowa soldiers during the mission also underscores the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

The details

A welcome home ceremony will take place at the Iowa Army Guard Armory on Thursday at 1 p.m. in Cedar Rapids. Roughly 60 soldiers are set to arrive at the Eastern Iowa Airport just after noon. Family, friends, community leaders and Iowa National Guard leaders will gather to recognize the soldiers. Another ceremony for about 140 troops set to return will be announced in the coming days.

  • The troops were deployed since May 2025 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
  • About 200 soldiers have already returned from the mission.
  • The welcome home ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 1, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The players

Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar

A 25-year-old Iowa National Guard Soldier who was killed in December by an ISIS gunman as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard

A 29-year-old Iowa National Guard Soldier who was killed in December by an ISIS gunman as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.

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What’s next

Another ceremony for about 140 troops set to return will be announced in the coming days.

The takeaway

The return of these Iowa National Guard members is a significant moment for their families and communities, though the loss of two soldiers during the mission underscores the sacrifices made by service members and their loved ones.