Iowa Nationwide Guard member killed in Syria ISIS assault recognized

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One of many two Iowa Army National Guard members killed in Saturday’s terrorist assault in Syria has been recognized because the son of a neighborhood police chief.

Meskwaki Nation Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn confirmed in a Fb publish Sunday that his son, Nate Howard, was among the many victims.

The weekend ambush occurred in Palmyra when a lone Islamic State gunman focused a gaggle of Iowa Military Nationwide Guard troopers. The assault killed two American troopers, a U.S. civilian interpreter and wounded three further U.S. troopers.

"Right this moment two of our Iowa Military Nationwide Guard Troopers have been killed in motion together with a Civilian Interpreter in Syria," Bunn mentioned. "My spouse Misty and I had that go to from Military Commanders you by no means wish to have. Our son Nate was one of many Troopers that paid the final word sacrifice for all of us, to maintain us all safer. He beloved what he was doing and can be the primary in and final out, nobody left behind. Please pray for our Troopers throughout this merciless world. We are going to see you once more son, till then we now have if from right here."

IOWA NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS IDENTIFIED AS VICTIMS IN DEADLY SYRIA ISIS ATTACK

Nate Howard was killed in a terrorist assault carried out by an ISIS gunman on Dec. 13, 2025, in Syria. (Meskwaki Nation Police Division - Iowa)

In keeping with the Nationwide Guard’s B Troop, 1-113th Cavalry, the Marshalltown native served within the Iowa Military Nationwide Guard for greater than 11 years and had hoped to finish 20 years of service. Impressed by his grandfather’s service, he grew to become the primary individual from his father's facet of the household to hitch the armed forces , officers mentioned.

When off obligation, Howard labored at Fisher Controls, a Marshalltown-based industrial gear producer, as a laser engraving specialist, officers added. He additionally loved taking pictures, woodworking and gaming, in response to the unit.

Nate Howard (left) proudly served within the Iowa Military Nationwide Guard for over 11 years. (B TROOP 1-113th CAV)

Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt supplied her condolences to Howard’s household and referred to as the guardsman "a son who didn't come residence" in a Fb publish on Sunday.

"Yesterday, we realized that two members of the Iowa Nationwide Guard have been killed in a terrorist assault in Syria," Schmidt mentioned in a press release. "A type of service members was Nate Howard. An Iowan. A Guardsman. A son who didn't come residence. We additionally mourn the lack of the opposite Iowa Nationwide Guardsman who was killed. Their lives and their service matter."

"I've been mates with Jeff Bunn for a few years. Jeff serves because the Police Chief for the Meskwaki Nation Police Division, a group inside Tama County. I'm grateful for his friendship, and my coronary heart is damaged for Jeff, Misty, and their household. Shedding a toddler is one thing no guardian ought to ever need to face."

TRUMP VOWS 'VERY SERIOUS RETALIATION' AGAINST ISIS AFTER DEADLY SYRIA AMBUSH KILLS US SOLDIERS

One of many two Iowa Military Nationwide Guard members killed in Saturday's terrorist assault has been recognized as Nate Howard. (Tama County Sheriff's Workplace)

Schmidt mentioned the deaths underscored that the price of service is "actual," particularly in opposition to forces such as ISIS .

"This hits near residence. It reminds us that service is private and that the associated fee is actual," Schmidt added. "These losses will not be headlines. They're households, coworkers, and communities left carrying the load."

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"ISIS is evil. That's not political. That's actuality. Our service members are nonetheless standing in hurt’s manner as a result of that evil nonetheless exists. Acknowledging that issues, and so does remembering why they serve."

"I'm deeply grateful for the boys and women of our armed forces , and I consider we don't do sufficient for them. They settle for dangers most individuals by no means have to consider."

Individually, the State Middle Police Division and nonprofit Salute to the Fallen Basis echoed the identical sentiment in a Fb publish Sunday, saying their ideas and prayers are with Howard’s family and friends.

Fox Information Digital reached out to the Meskwaki Nation Police Division, Tama County Sheriff's Workplace and the B Troop, 1-113th Cavalry for extra info.