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Marshalltown Today
By the People, for the People
Iowa Highway 30 Section to Be Named After Slain Soldier
Bill to honor Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard moves through state legislature
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Iowa legislature is moving forward with a bill to name a 5-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 30 in Marshalltown after Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, an Iowa National Guard soldier killed in Syria late last year. The bill has bipartisan support and is expected to pass before the legislative session ends.
Why it matters
Naming a highway section after a fallen soldier is a way for the community to honor his sacrifice and ensure his memory lives on. This gesture demonstrates the state's commitment to recognizing the service and sacrifice of its National Guard members.
The details
The 'Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard Highway' will cover a 5-mile stretch of Highway 30 through Sergeant Howard's hometown of Marshalltown. The bill is sponsored by Representative David Blom, who knew Howard from their time as students at the same high school. Blom says the naming will help ensure Howard's sacrifice is not forgotten by the community.
- The bill has won unanimous support in the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
- The bill is expected to gain full approval in the Iowa House and Senate before the 2026 legislative session ends.
The players
Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard
An Iowa National Guard soldier who was killed in Syria late last year.
Representative David Blom
A Marshalltown legislator who is sponsoring the bill to name a section of Highway 30 after Howard, his former high school classmate.
What they’re saying
“It feels like people move on and stop remembering in the way that they did during the time of the funeral, so in naming this section of the highway that goes through Marshalltown, we want a way to consciously remember that we can pass through our country and we have a free country here because of the sacrifice of the people that have gone before us.”
— Representative David Blom, Marshalltown Legislator (radioiowa.com)
“His parents and my parents went to Israel together and so just a lot of close family connections. We've been constantly trying to make sure we're still getting meals to them to let them know they're still remembered and haven't been forgotten. It's been really hard on the family. We've been working hard to make sure that we still support Arianna and Nate's brother as well, just making sure that we have the whole community wrapping around in constant support.”
— Representative David Blom, Marshalltown Legislator (radioiowa.com)
What’s next
The bill is expected to gain full approval in the Iowa House and Senate before the 2026 legislative session ends.
The takeaway
This highway naming is a meaningful way for the Marshalltown community and the state of Iowa to honor the service and sacrifice of one of their own National Guard members. It ensures Sergeant Howard's legacy will live on and reminds all who travel the road of the high price paid for our freedom.
