Feenstra Helps Lead Legislation Honoring Fallen Iowa National Guardsmen with Renaming Veterans Affairs Clinics

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull), alongside the full Iowa delegation, helped lead legislation, The Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act, to honor the lives and service of Sergeant Nate Howard of Marshalltown and Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar of Des Moines, who were killed in a terrorist attack in Syria. The legislation would rename two U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in their memory. 

The VA clinic in Des Moines, will be renamed as the ‘‘Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic’’ and the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department in Marshalltown will be named the ‘‘Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic.”

“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,” said Rep. Feenstra. “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.”

“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.” said Rep. Nunn.

"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,” said Rep. Hinson. “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.”

“We owe Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard a debt we can never repay,” said Sen. Ernst. “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.”

“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,” said Sen. Grassley.

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