Zachary Nunn: “Today, the Iowa delegation, myself, along with Representative Hinson, Representative Miller-Meeks, and Representative…”

“Today, the Iowa delegation, myself, along with Representative Hinson, Representative Miller-Meeks, and Representative Feenstra, and other members of the floor, including those who have served in uniform and those who support those in uniform, rise today to honor two brave Iowans, Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, of Marshalltown, Iowa, who this week gave their lives in service of our country. On December 13, while serving with the Iowa National Guard in Syria, Edgar and Nate were killed by an ISIS terrorist attack. Three other guardsmen were wounded, and a U.S. interpreter was also killed. This was the first combat loss of American troops in Syria in over 5 years, and every American grieves alongside the families of the fallen. Edgar was just 25 years old. He was the first in his family to answer the call to service. He was full of energy, known for putting service before self, and just months from coming home. Nate was 29. He was a man of faith, a loving husband, and a guardsman with over a decade of service. He led by example--first in, last out, never leave a brother behind. They were young men. They could have chosen easier paths, but instead they chose service to our Nation. They stood their post when it mattered most. They carried the weight of our Nation's safety on their shoulders, and they did so with courage, humility, and honor.”