Iowa Guard soldiers killed in Syria honored during annual Condition of Guard address

DES MOINES — It was with a heavy heart, just weeks since the deaths of two Iowa National Guard soldiers in Syria, that the Guard’s leader delivered the annual Condition of the Guard address to the Iowa Legislature on Thursday.

Staff Sgts. Edgar Torres-Tovar and William Howard, both of Iowa, were killed in action in Syria on Dec. 13.

Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn honored the soldiers during his Condition of the Guard address at the Iowa Capitol.

“We begin today with heavy hearts, reflecting on the profound loss of two of our finest soldiers,” Osborn said during his remarks, after a prayer was read by Deputy State Chaplain Lt. Col. Jeremy Taylor. Osborn said the loss of Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, have been felt across the Guard, the state of Iowa and the nation.

Torres-Tovar and Howard were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, and were deployed as part of the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Syria.

They were killed during a counterterrorism mission near Palmyra, Syria, when a lone gunman believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State opened fire on U.S. and partner forces. A U.S. civilian interpreter also was killed in the attack.

“Yet even in this time of sorrow, we have witnessed something powerful: the strength, the unity, and the compassion of the state of Iowa,” Osborn said. “And to the people of Iowa — from our largest cities to our smallest towns — you stood together. You lined the streets. You waved the American flag. You stood in silent, patriotic tribute as we brought our soldiers home to their final resting place. Your actions spoke volumes, reminding us all what it truly means to be an Iowan.”

Since the deaths of Torres-Tovar and Howard, Osborn has heard many people ask why Iowa soldiers are in Syria, he said during his remarks. He called it “a fair question,” and said he wanted to address it during his remarks.

“The National Guard is not a backup, not an auxiliary. The National Guard serves as an integral component of the United States military’s global mission to protect our nation, our allies, and our partners,” Osborn said. “The National Guard is no longer a strategic reserve to be utilized in times of the most extreme national emergencies. We are — and will continue to be — the primary combat reserve of the United States Army and the United States Air Force.”

Osborn said the Guard is a “critical partner” in national defense.

“Our soldiers and airmen train, deploy and fight alongside their active-duty counterparts every single day — not as a backup force, but as an essential part of the joint team,” he said. “Why is the Guard in Syria? The Iowa National Guard is in Syria, and many other locations around the world, because the National Guard is a critical piece of America. It is both a shield at home and a sword overseas — an indispensable pillar of national security.”

More than 1,800 Iowa soldiers are deployed across the Middle East, Osborn said. He said roughly 120 airmen are operating from multiple locations, providing air support for Operation Hawkeye Strike, which is being conducted in retaliation against ISIS for the attack that killed Torres-Tovar and Howard.

Cedar Rapids-area soldier honored

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Master Sgt. Charles Uthe, a member of the Air Guard’s 132nd Wing from Eastern Iowa, was honored during the address for providing first aid to a motorcycle crash victim.

According to Osborn, Uthe witnessed a serious motorcycle accident on U.S. Highway 151 and, using his medical training, stabilized and provided lifesaving care to the critically injured motorcyclist until emergency responders arrived.

“His quick action and calm leadership were instrumental in ensuring the motorcyclist was safely transported for critical medical treatment,” Osborn said. “Master Sgt. Uthe’s actions exemplify service before self and reflect the highest traditions of the Iowa Air National Guard.”

Reynolds also honors fallen Guard soldiers

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Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday also used her Condition of the State address to pay tribute to Torres-Tovar and Howard, calling their deaths a profound loss for the state.

Reynolds also provided an update on the three other Iowa Guard members who were wounded in the attack. One returned to duty after minor injuries, and two seriously injured soldiers have since been released from the hospital and are receiving outpatient care, Reynolds said.

“Both are doing extremely well and improving every day,” Reynolds said during her speech to lawmakers Tuesday.

“When I reflect on the evil that robbed our state of two exceptional young men and wounded three others, I’m aware that no words can right the wrongs of their deaths,” she said. “But know this: Their service lives on — in the family they cherished, in the communities they strengthened, and in the freedoms they helped preserve.”

Reynolds acknowledged Howard’s wife, parents and brother, who were seated in the House gallery for her address, offering prayers and pledging that “we will never forget Nate’s sacrifice" — noting that he joined the National Guard at age 17 and served more than 11 years.

She called Torres-Tovar “the pride of his parents and a role model to his siblings.” Reynolds said the Torres-Tovar family was gathered Tuesday night for a church service marking the 30th day since his death.

Reynolds pitches changes to county veterans services

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Reynolds in her address also outlined proposals to modernize Iowa’s county veterans services system.

Currently, each of Iowa’s 99 counties receives $10,000 annually to support local veterans service officers. Under the governor’s plan, state funding would be tied to outcomes and performance. Counties in the top third for Veterans Affairs compensation per capita would receive $15,000 annually. The middle third would receive $5,000, with a $5,000 bonus if compensation per capita increases by 5 percent. The bottom third would receive a $2,000 base, with a bonus of up to $3,000 if compensation per capita increases by 5 percent.

Reynolds also proposed creating a formal Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs training budget to support county veterans service officers and provide on-site training and assistance.

“Iowa is home to nearly 178,000 veterans,” Reynolds said. “Yet only one-third is receiving the benefits they earned, placing Iowa 44th in the nation for VA compensation. That’s not acceptable.”

“The goal is simple: more benefits reaching more veterans,” she said. “Let’s do more for the heroes who’ve done so much for us.”

Osborn told reporters Thursday after his address that he thinks Reynolds’ proposal is a good idea.

“There’s probably something there to look at and make sure we’re doing things properly for our veterans,” he said.

Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton contributed to this story.

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