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. The invitation is part of Senator Ernst’s efforts to honor Iowa National Guardsmen who have died in service 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 included in this year’s event: “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 the Iowa National Guard and took part in operations during the Global War on Terrorism. In December, she accompanied the remains of Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard back home and joined President Trump during their dignified transfer ceremonies.
She has also spoken about both men on the Senate floor and worked toward renaming two Iowa Veterans Affairs facilities after them.
Ernst operates as a senator from Iowa within the federal legislative branch according to her official website. She leads several committees including Small Business and Entrepreneurship as well as participating in Armed Services; Agriculture; Nutrition and Forestry; Homeland Security; and Governmental Affairs committees (source). Her office provides constituent services across all regions of Iowa (source), assisting with casework involving federal agencies (source). Elected in 2014 as both Iowa’s first female U.S. senator and first female combat veteran senator (source), she continues advocacy work supporting military families.
