U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a former member of the Iowa National Guard, is leading an effort with the full Iowa congressional delegation to rename two Veterans Affairs facilities in honor of Staff Sergeants Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and William Nathaniel Howard. Both Guardsmen lost their lives while serving the country.
If enacted, the Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act would rename the VA clinic in Des Moines as the “Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic” and designate the Marshalltown community-based outpatient clinic as the “Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic.”
“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.”
Senator Grassley added, “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.”
Representative Nunn stated, “Iowa lost two of its own when Staff 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.”
Representative Feenstra commented, “Iowa and our nation mourn the loss of Staff Sergeant Nate Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar— real Iowa heroes who were killed by terrorists as they defended their fellow servicemembers 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 Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar and the men, women, and families of the Iowa National Guard, who exemplify the very best of our state.”
Representative Hinson said, “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,” adding that this act also honors “their families who stood beside them,” ensuring every veteran receiving care at these clinics does so “in a place that honors their sacrifices for generations to come.”
Rep.Miller-Meeks remarked: “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,” she said. “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 deep gratitude from a nation they served with distinction.”
Governor Reynolds commented: “Staff Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Torres-Tovar devoted their lives to serving our state and nation. Naming these VA clinics in their memory is a lasting tribute to their ultimate sacrifice,” she said.“Located in their home communities, these clinics serve veterans with compassion, dignity, and respect—and they will now stand as a reminder of the legacy our heroes left behind.”
Des Moines Mayor Connie Bosen noted: “Every day, brave men and women from communities across State of Iowa heed call serve protect country,” adding that naming central Iowa VAs after fallen guardsmen recognizes “their sacrifice.” She looks forward “to renaming Des Moines’ south side VA clinic” after SSG Edgar Torres-Tovar.
Marshalltown Mayor Mike Ladehoff stated: “It is entirely proper…to name new VA Clinic in Marshalltown for fallen hero SST Nathaniel Howard…By taking this step…it will be constant reminder…that freedom is not free…”
Kevin Huseboe from Marshall County Veteran Affairs emphasized SSGT William Nathan (Nate) Howard’s distinguished service: “Renaming clinic his honor would not only preserve memory…but also serve daily reminder…of values they stood for—service integrity selflessness…”
John Hall from Marshalltown Chamber echoed similar sentiments about honoring Nate Howard’s ideals.
Pat Sweeney from Polk County Veterans Affairs expressed support for naming both clinics after these Guardsmen.
Senator Ernst has personal connections through her military background; she escorted both soldiers’ remains back home alongside President Trump during dignified transfers at Dover Air Force Base—a detail reflecting her ongoing commitment recognized since becoming first woman from Iowa elected U.S Senate in 2014 (source). Her office provides constituent services statewide (source) including casework assistance (source) while participating actively on several Senate committees such as Armed Services (source).
The proposed renamings aim not only at honoring individual sacrifices but also at reminding future generations about costs associated with national service.
