Hinson Joins Iowa Delegation to Honor Fallen Iowa National Guardsmen by Renaming VA Clinics
Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) 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, the Iowa National Guardsmen who were killed by an ISIS terrorist in Syria in December.
The Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act would rename the VA clinic in Des Moines to the ‘‘Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar VA Clinic’’ and the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department in Marshalltown would now be known as the ‘‘Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard VA Clinic.”
"Staff Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar paid the ultimate sacrifice for our precious freedoms, and it’s an honor to help ensure these VA facilities carry the names of Nate and Edgar, who gave everything for our country. This is a tribute to not just their service, but their families who stood beside them, and every veteran who receives care here will do so in a place that honors their sacrifices for generations to come." – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson
“We owe Staff Sgts. Torres-Tovar and Howard a debt we can never repay. These brave Iowans paid the ultimate price while defending our nation’s freedoms, and now, it is our duty to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. I’m honored to lead this effort and tell the stories of their service by designating places in their hometowns that will serve generations of Iowa veterans. The legacy of Iowa’s heroes will continue to live on.” – Senator Joni Ernst
“We are forever indebted to Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar for their dedication and service, both to the people of Iowa and to the United States. They represent the best of us, and that’s why the entire Iowa congressional delegation supports this important measure. Placing their names on these two facilities will ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten, especially by their hometowns.” – Senator Chuck Grassley
“Iowa lost two of its own when Staff Sgts. Edgar Torres-Tovar and William Howard gave their lives in defense of our country. They wore the uniform with honor, stood for something bigger than themselves, and represented the very best of the Iowa National Guard. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor will ensure their legacy endures as a permanent tribute to two Guardsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice.” – Congressman Zach Nunn
“Iowa and our nation mourn the loss of Staff Sergeant Nate Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar—real Iowa heroes who were killed by terrorists as they defended their fellow servicemembers from an attack in Syria. I’m grateful to help introduce this legislation with the Iowa Delegation to rename two VA facilities in their honor to ensure their legacy of service endures, and their sacrifice is never forgotten. My thoughts remain with the Gold Star Families of Staff Sergeant Howard and Staff Sergeant Torres-Tovar and the men, women, and families of the Iowa National Guard, who exemplify the very best of our state.” – Congressman Randy Feenstra
“As a 24-year Army veteran, I’m honored to join the Iowa Delegation in paying tribute to Staff Sgt Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Howard and Staff Sgt Edgar Torres-Tovar. These brave Iowans made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Renaming these VA facilities in their honor ensures their legacy lives on, a lasting reminder of their courage, commitment, and the deep gratitude of a nation they served with distinction.” – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Statements from Governor Reynolds, local mayors, and officials in the surrounding communities can be found here.
Hinson joined President Donald Trump for the dignified transfer of remains as they were returned to their families. She also spoke on the House floor to honor the fallen servicemembers and joined the Iowa delegation in support of a resolution paying tribute to our fallen heroes.
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