2 Iowa National Guard Members Killed in Syria Return Home on Christmas Eve

2 Iowa National Guard Members Killed in Syria Return Home on Christmas Eve
The remains of Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, one of two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack in the Syrian desert, is moved during a dignified transfer at the Des Moines International Airport in Des Moines, Iowa, on Dec. 24, 2025. Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo
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DES MOINES, Iowa—The remains of two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack in the Syrian desert were welcomed back to Des Moines on Wednesday, marking a solemn Christmas Eve for their grieving families.

Several loved ones approached the caskets carrying Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and William Nathanial Howard, 29. The families huddled together, comforting one another and wiping away tears. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn looked on alongside senior leaders of the Iowa National Guard.