My Weekly Column: Remembering Iowa’s Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day

Memorial Day is one of the most solemn days on our calendar. Across Iowa, families travel to cemeteries and veterans’ memorials to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In towns across America, flags are placed beside headstones, prayers are offered, and we pause to remember those we lost in defense of our nation.

Our country is home to the most talented and dedicated military forces in the world — brave men and women who took an oath and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation. They understand the risks and challenges of service and, despite them, choose a life dedicated to protecting others. America is safer because of their courage and commitment to defending our homeland against threats.

Iowa has always been a tight-knit community, and we proudly carry on the tradition of honoring military service and remembrance. Our state has long recognized Memorial Day as not just the beginning of summer, but as a sacred time to honor those who never had the chance to return home.

This year, we remember four brave Iowans who lost their lives in service to our great country: Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard of Marshalltown, Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar of Des Moines, Maj. Jeffrey R. O’Brien of Waukee, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady of Des Moines. These servicemembers selflessly answered the call to defend our freedom. Their courage, patriotism, and dedication to duty will never be forgotten, and our prayers remain with their families and loved ones. 

Earlier this year, I had the honor of joining my colleagues in the Iowa delegation in introducing legislation to rename two Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in honor of Iowa National Guard Staff Sergeants Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and William Nathaniel Howard, who were killed in an ISIS terrorist attack in Syria. 

I also had the opportunity to attend a moment of silence on the House Floor honoring fallen servicemembers, including Iowa’s Sgt. Coady and Maj. O’Brien. I grieve alongside their families and all Gold Star families who have lost a loved one. I continue to pray for the safety of our brave troops still serving in the Middle East. During this incredibly difficult time, we must stand together in support of their loved ones.

Memorial Day is a reminder that we have a continued responsibility to support those who serve and those who support them at home. Supporting our troops, veterans, and military families remains a top priority.

The House of Representatives has advanced legislation this year to improve veterans’ healthcare and benefits. I proudly supported the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to help improve veterans’ healthcare and expand access to benefits. 

We have also worked to expand mental health services, reduce bureaucratic red tape at the VA, improve claims processing, and support veteran-owned small businesses that strengthen our main streets. In 2022, the House of Representatives passed my amendment to the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 ensuring that any veteran who calls 988 for help will have rapid, post-crisis follow-up care through the Veterans Crisis Line.

Less than one percent of Americans currently serve in uniform, and only about six percent of our population are veterans. This small but extraordinary group carries the burden of defending our freedoms for all of us. On Memorial Day, we honor those who gave everything for our country — and we recommit ourselves to supporting the servicemembers, veterans, and families who continue to sacrifice in defense of our nation.