In a deeply emotional scene on Christmas Eve 2025, the remains of two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in a deadly ISIS ambush in Syria returned to their home state, marking a heartbreaking holiday for their families and communities. Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, from Des Moines, and Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel “Nate” Howard, 29, from Marshalltown—both posthumously promoted—were honored in a dignified transfer ceremony at Des Moines International Airport. As wooden flag-draped caskets were carried by fellow Guardsmen in white gloves, loved ones mourned on the tarmac amid tears and embraces. Dozens of patriots lined the procession route with American flags on a mild December day, paying silent tribute as the hearses departed for funeral homes.

The soldiers, members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, were killed on December 13 in the Syrian desert alongside a U.S. civilian interpreter. Three others from their unit were wounded. This repatriation caps a period of national mourning, with President Trump attending an earlier dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base and promising strong retaliation against ISIS.

The Attack in Syria: A Deadly Ambush

The two soldiers died in an ISIS ambush on December 13 while serving in eastern Syria as part of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State. Hundreds of American troops remain deployed there to combat lingering threats.

A civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat from Michigan, was also killed and buried over the weekend. Three additional Iowa Guardsmen were injured—one treated on site, two evacuated and returned to the U.S. on December 20 in stable condition.

Defense officials described subsequent U.S. strikes as acts of “vengeance,” with President Trump vowing “very serious retaliation.”

Dignified Return: A Ceremony of Honor and Grief

An Iowa Air National Guard plane from Sioux City retrieved the remains from Delaware earlier in the week. On December 24, the aircraft landed in Des Moines, where Guardsmen—including Howard’s step-brother—escorted the caskets.

Families gathered on the tarmac for private moments of sorrow before police-escorted hearses carried the soldiers to funeral homes in Des Moines and Marshalltown.

Funerals are planned in the coming days, with details released by the Iowa National Guard.

Who Were the Fallen Soldiers?

Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, hailed from Des Moines and served proudly in the cavalry regiment.

Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel “Nate” Howard, 29, from Marshalltown, was known affectionately as Nate and left behind a grieving community.

Both received posthumous promotions to staff sergeant in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

Community and National Response: Tributes Pour In

Patriots lined the airport route with flags, standing in respect as the procession passed.

Iowa’s leaders, including congressional members, accompanied earlier stages of the repatriation. The Guard expressed profound sadness while honoring the soldiers’ commitment.

President Trump met families at Dover, underscoring national gratitude.

A Somber Christmas: Sacrifice Remembered

This Christmas Eve homecoming—no matter how honorable—brings little joy to families facing empty chairs during the holidays. The soldiers’ return allows for proper farewells, but the loss reverberates across Iowa and the nation.

As funerals approach, communities prepare to celebrate two heroes who gave everything in service overseas.

The Iowa National Guard continues supporting affected families and wounded members.

This tragedy highlights ongoing risks for U.S. forces combating terrorism abroad, even during festive seasons at home.