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

The families will be guests of Iowa's congressional delegation at the address.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The families of two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in Syria last December will attend President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday as guests of Iowa's congressional delegation. Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard were killed during an attack by an ISIS gunman in Syria in December 2025.

Why it matters

The attendance of the soldiers' families at the State of the Union is a symbolic gesture to honor their sacrifice and the service of all military members. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to counter terrorism in the Middle East and the human toll it has taken on Iowa families.

The details

Misty and Jeffrey Bunn, the mother and stepfather of Staff Sgt. Howard, will attend as guests of U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson. Arianna Howard, the widow of Staff Sgt. Howard, will be hosted by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Hugo Torres and Isabel Tovar, the parents of Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar, will attend as guests of U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn.

  • The two soldiers were killed in an attack by an ISIS gunman in Syria in December 2025.
  • President Trump's State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar

A 25-year-old Iowa National Guard soldier who was killed in Syria in December 2025.

Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard

A 29-year-old Iowa National Guard soldier who was killed in Syria in December 2025.

Misty and Jeffrey Bunn

The mother and stepfather of Staff Sgt. Howard.

Arianna Howard

The widow of Staff Sgt. Howard.

Hugo Torres and Isabel Tovar

The parents of Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar.

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What they’re saying

“Misty and Chief Jeff Bunn have sacrificed more than most of us can ever imagine, and it's truly an honor to have them as my guests at the State of the Union. When a family in our community is hurting, Iowa shows up. Tomorrow night is about honoring their son, Staff Sgt. Howard, and standing with his family—and with all military families who carry the cost of our freedoms every day.”

— U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (KCRG)

“Iowa stands with our heroes and their families! I'm humbled to host Arianna Howard as my guest for the State of the Union. After her husband, Iowa National Guardsman Nate Howard, made the ultimate sacrifice, it's an honor to remember his legacy and support our Gold Star families.”

— U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (KCRG)

“On Tuesday, as the President delivers the State of the Union, I will host Sgt. Torres-Tovar's parents in Washington to ensure their son's service is recognized at the highest level and that Iowa's gratitude is unmistakable.”

— U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (KCRG)

What’s next

Iowa lawmakers are also considering legislation to name part of Highway 30 in Marshalltown in honor of Staff Sgt. Howard. Supporters said the highway designation would permanently honor Howard's legacy and link his sacrifice to his hometown of Marshalltown.

The takeaway

The attendance of the families of the fallen Iowa National Guard soldiers at the State of the Union is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by military members and their loved ones in the ongoing fight against terrorism. It serves as a reminder of the human toll of these conflicts and the importance of honoring the service and memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.