The somber return of two fallen Iowa National Guard soldiers cast a shadow over Christmas Eve in Des Moines. The remains of Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and another Guardsman killed in an attack in the Syrian desert, arrived home on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
A Solemn Homecoming at Des Moines Airport
A dignified transfer ceremony was held at the Des Moines International Airport to honor the soldiers. The solemn event, captured in photographs by The Associated Press, marked the final journey home for the servicemembers. The ceremony is a military ritual conducted with precision and reverence when the remains of fallen personnel are returned to U.S. soil.
Details of the Fatal Attack in Syria
The two soldiers lost their lives during a mission in the harsh Syrian desert. While specific operational details of the attack that claimed their lives were not immediately disclosed in the initial report, their deaths underscore the ongoing risks faced by U.S. military personnel deployed in the region. The Iowa National Guard confirmed the fatalities and the subsequent repatriation process.
Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar was identified as one of the deceased. The 25-year-old from Des Moines represents the profound personal cost of military service. The name of the second soldier was pending notification of next of kin at the time of the initial announcement.
A Community Mourns During the Holidays
The timing of the homecoming, on the evening before Christmas, added a layer of profound grief for the families and the broader Iowa community. The event serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by military families, even during times of celebration. The dignified transfer is the first step in a process that will be followed by funeral services and a period of mourning for the loved ones left behind.
The loss of these two Iowa National Guard members highlights the continued American military presence in Syria, often focused on counterterrorism operations and regional stability. Their sacrifice is now woven into the fabric of their home state's history, remembered on a day traditionally reserved for peace and family.
