Hinson Announces Gold Star Family of Staff Sgt. William Nate Howard as State of the Union Guests
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) announced that Misty Bunn, the mother of Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel “Nate” Howard, and her husband, Jeff Bunn, Chief of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department and Nate’s stepfather, will attend the State of the Union as her guests on February 24, 2026. Staff Sgt. Howard was tragically killed in an ISIS attack in Syria, a loss deeply felt across Iowa.
"Chief Jeff and Misty Bunn have sacrificed more than most of us can ever imagine, and it’s truly an honor to have them as my guests at the State of the Union. When a family in our community is hurting, Iowa shows up. Tonight is about honoring their son, Staff Sgt. Howard, and standing with his family—and with all military families who carry the cost of our freedoms every day." – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson
Background:
Jeff and Misty Bunn are the proud parents of four sons, including Staff Sergeant Nate Howard who served in the Iowa National Guard and Staff Sergeant James Roelsgard, who currently serves in the Iowa National Guard.
Jeff has devoted his life to public safety, beginning his career as a firefighter and EMT before transitioning to law enforcement and, most recently, serving as Chief of the Meskwaki Nation Police Department, where his passion for helping others and strengthening community shines every day. Jeff and Misty are proud Christians and are deeply committed to upholding a legacy of service that their family has long embraced.
In Congress, Hinson has been a strong advocate for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families, working to expand access to the quality care and resources they deserve. She was proud to support a 4.5 percent pay raise for all servicemembers in Fiscal Year 2025 federal funding and has championed veterans’ mental health and quality of life.
Earlier this month, Hinson joined the Iowa congressional delegation in introducing legislation to rename two Iowa Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities in honor of Staff Sgts. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and William Nathaniel Howard.
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