In December 2025, the remains of two Iowa National Guard members, Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and William Nathanial Howard, 29, were repatriated to Des Moines, Iowa, after they were killed in a deadly ambush in Syria. The ambush occurred on December 13, during an attack that also claimed the life of Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a U.S. civilian interpreter from Michigan. Their return home coincided with Christmas Eve, a poignant moment for their grieving families, as loved ones gathered at the airport for a solemn ceremony. The ceremony reflected the deep sadness felt by the families and the entire community. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn were among the leaders present to honor the fallen soldiers alongside senior leaders in the Iowa National Guard. As the caskets, draped in the American flag, were brought from the aircraft, white-gloved National Guard members carried them in a manner reminiscent of the ritual commonly seen at Dover Air Force Base. This ceremonial honor served as a tribute to their sacrifice. The families were given time to mourn privately on the tarmac before the caskets were placed into hearses, followed by a procession escorted by local law enforcement to funeral homes in Des Moines and Marshalltown. The public displayed their respect by lining the route, waving American flags in support. Funerals for the soldiers were scheduled to take place shortly after their arrival, providing a space for family and community to grieve together in the wake of their loss. This tragedy is part of the ongoing conflict involving hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria, fighting against ISIS as part of a coalition. In the wake of the ambush, President Donald Trump vowed “very serious retaliation,” leading to military strikes that were characterized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a “declaration of vengeance.” The loss of these service members underscores the dangers faced by those in combat zones and resonates deeply within their communities.