U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, along with the entire Iowa congressional delegation, has introduced legislation to honor two Iowa National Guardsmen killed in a terrorist attack in Syria. The proposed Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act would rename two Department of Veterans Affairs clinics after Sergeant Nate Howard of Marshalltown and Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar of Des Moines.
If enacted, the VA clinic in Des Moines will become the “Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic,” while the Marshalltown community-based outpatient clinic will be named the “Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic.”
Feenstra said, “Iowa and our nation mourn the loss of Sergeant Nate Howard and Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar— real Iowa heroes who were killed by terrorists as they defended their fellow service members from an attack in Syria. I’m grateful to help introduce this legislation with the Iowa Delegation to rename two VA facilities in their honor to ensure their legacy of service endures, and their sacrifice is never forgotten. My thoughts remain with the Gold Star Families of Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres-Tovar and the men, women, and families of the Iowa National Guard, who exemplify the very best of our state.”
Rep. Nunn stated, “Iowa lost two of its own when Sgts. Edgar Torres-Tovar and William Howard gave their lives in defense of our country. They wore the uniform with honor, stood for something bigger than themselves, and represented the very best of the Iowa National Guard. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor will ensure their legacy endures as a permanent tribute to two Guardsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Rep. Hinson added, “Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar paid the ultimate sacrifice for our precious freedoms, and it’s an honor to help ensure these VA facilities carry the names of Nate and Edgar, who gave everything for our country. This is a tribute to not just their service, but their families who stood beside them, and every veteran who receives care here will do so in a place that honors their sacrifices for generations to come.”
“As a 24-year Army veteran, I’m honored to join the Iowa Delegation in paying tribute to Staff Sgt Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Howard and Staff Sgt Edgar Torres-Tovar,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “These brave Iowans made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor ensures their legacy lives on, a lasting reminder of their courage, commitment, and the deep gratitude of a nation they served with distinction.”
Senator Ernst commented: “We owe Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard a debt we can never repay. These brave Iowans paid the ultimate price while defending our nation’s freedoms, and now, it is our duty to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. I’m honored to lead this effort and tell the stories of their service by designating places in their hometowns that will serve generations of Iowa veterans. The legacy of Iowa’s heroes will continue to live on.”
Senator Grassley also expressed support: “We are forever indebted to Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar for their dedication and service, both to the people of Iowa and to the United States. They represent the best of us, and that’s why the entire Iowa congressional delegation supports this important measure. Placing their names on these two facilities will ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten, especially by their hometowns.”
Randy Feenstra has been serving as U.S. Representative for Iowa’s 4th District since 2021 after succeeding Steve King; he previously served in the Iowa Senate from 2009 until his election to Congress. He was born in Hull, Iowaand currently resides there. Feenstra graduated from Dordt University with a Bachelor’s degree.
