Former U.S. President Donald Trump paid his respects on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, as the remains of two Iowa National Guardsmen and a civilian interpreter killed in Syria were returned to American soil.
A Solemn Ceremony for Fallen Iowans
The somber event, known as a dignified transfer, marked the return of Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar. The two soldiers, along with a civilian interpreter whose name has not been publicly released by authorities, lost their lives while serving on a mission in Syria. The specific details surrounding the incident that led to their deaths have not been disclosed by the Department of Defense.
Trump attended the ceremony, which is a military ritual conducted when fallen service members' remains are repatriated to the United States. The event is typically held at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware or another U.S. airfield, and is characterized by its precise, respectful handling of the transfer cases by a carry team.
Service and Sacrifice Remembered
The Iowa National Guard released photographs of the two sergeants, honoring their service. The images showed the young men in their military uniforms, representing the face of the sacrifice made by citizen-soldiers from communities across the United States. Their deaths are a stark reminder of the ongoing risks faced by American personnel deployed in conflict zones, even in regions where large-scale combat operations have diminished.
The interpreter's inclusion in the ceremony underscores the vital and often dangerous role played by local allies and contracted personnel in overseas missions. These individuals frequently work alongside U.S. forces, providing critical linguistic and cultural support, and face significant threats.
A Nation's Gratitude and Grief
The presence of a former commander-in-chief at such a ceremony highlights the enduring political and national significance attached to the repatriation of fallen troops. It serves as a moment of collective mourning and a public acknowledgment of the cost of military service. The families of the deceased now begin the painful journey of laying their loved ones to rest in their home state of Iowa.
While the political landscape continues to evolve, the tradition of honoring those who die in service to the nation remains a unifying and solemn duty. The loss of Sgts. Howard and Torres-Tovar, and their interpreter colleague, will be deeply felt by their unit, the Iowa National Guard, and their home communities.
