U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) has invited Arianna Howard, the wife of fallen Iowa National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Nate Howard, to attend President Trump’s State of the Union address as her guest. The invitation is part of Ernst’s efforts to honor the memory and service of Iowa National Guardsmen who have died in the line of duty and to support Gold Star families.
“I am humbled to host Arianna Howard, who has sacrificed so much for our nation, at the State of the Union,” said Senator Ernst. “After her husband, Iowa National Guardsman Nate Howard, and his fellow servicemember, Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar, paid the ultimate price while serving our nation, our entire state has steadfastly stood with these heroes and their families. As a former member of the Iowa National Guard, it is my honor to support our military families, while bringing their stories and their loved ones’ legacies to the highest levels. We must ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Arianna Howard expressed gratitude for being able to attend: “Nate was always a hero to me, and I hope he is remembered by those who loved him and even people he never met for his heroic service. After President Trump led the way in recognizing his sacrifice and standing up for our family’s loss, attending the State of the Union address is a special honor,” she said. “I’m thankful to Senator Ernst for this opportunity so we can make sure his story continues to be told and that his legacy is never forgotten.”
Senator Ernst previously served in both the Iowa National Guard and during the Global War on Terrorism. In December, she escorted home the remains of Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard alongside President Trump during a dignified transfer ceremony. She also spoke about their contributions on the Senate floor and recently led an effort among Iowa lawmakers to rename two Veterans Affairs facilities in their honor.
Ernst represents all Iowans in Washington as a member of several key committees including Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; as well as Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs according to her official website. Her office provides constituent services across Iowa such as casework assistance with federal agencies (source). Elected in 2014 as both Iowa’s first female U.S. senator and first female combat veteran in that chamber (source), she continues her focus on veterans’ issues.
