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One of the two Iowa Army National Guard members killed in a terrorist attack in Syria over the weekend has been identified as the son of a local police chief, officials said Sunday.
Meskwaki Nation Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn confirmed in a Facebook post that his son, Nate Howard, was among those killed in the attack near Palmyra.
The ambush occurred Saturday when a lone Islamic State gunman targeted a group of Iowa Army National Guard soldiers. Two U.S. soldiers were killed, along with a U.S. civilian interpreter, and three additional American soldiers were wounded, according to officials.
“Today two of our Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers were killed in action along with a Civilian Interpreter in Syria,” Bunn wrote. “My wife Misty and I had that visit from Army Commanders you never want to have. Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer. He loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out, no one left behind. Please pray for our Soldiers all around this cruel world. We will see you again son, until then we have if from here.”
Howard, a Marshalltown native, served in the Iowa Army National Guard for more than 11 years with B Troop, 1-113th Cavalry, according to the unit. Officials said he had hoped to complete 20 years of service. Inspired by his grandfather’s military service, Howard became the first person on his father’s side of the family to join the armed forces.
Outside of his military duties, Howard worked as a laser engraving specialist at Fisher Controls, an industrial equipment manufacturer based in Marshalltown. The unit said he enjoyed shooting, woodworking, and gaming in his free time.
Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt offered condolences to Howard’s family in a Facebook post, calling him “a son who did not come home.”
“Yesterday, we learned that two members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in a terrorist attack in Syria,” Schmidt said. “One of those service members was Nate Howard. An Iowan. A Guardsman. A son who did not come home. We also mourn the loss of the other Iowa National Guardsman who was killed. Their lives and their service matter.”
Schmidt said she had known Bunn for many years and expressed sympathy for his family.
“I am thankful for his friendship, and my heart is broken for Jeff, Misty, and their family. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to face,” she said.
Schmidt added that the deaths highlighted the personal cost of military service.
“This hits close to home. It reminds us that service is personal and that the cost is real,” she said. “These losses are not headlines. They are families, coworkers, and communities left carrying the weight.”