nothing will ruin a friendship for me faster than watching someone show up for their other friends in a way they donβt show up for me. you have the capacity, just not for our friendship? no thanks.
BREAKING: One of the U.S. service members killed in Syria has been identified as an Iowa police chief's son, Sgt. Nate Howard.
The second service member killed in action has been identified as Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar. Both were members of the Iowa National Guard.
Our entire National Guard family mourns the loss of Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, Iowa, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, Iowa-the Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers who were ambushed and killed in Syria. Their mission was in support of ongoing counter-ISIS / counter-terrorism operations in the region.
Our hearts are with their families, loved ones and the Iowa National Guard during this time of profound sorrow. We honor their courage and sacrifice, and we will never forget them or their service.
We are also thinking of and praying for the families of the civilian interpreter who was killed, and the three other Guardsmen who were wounded. May God place his healing hand upon them.
When a US service member is killed overseas, the deployed units will go on a communications blackout to prevent families from finding something out before official notification.
Being informed that your unit is on blackout is one of the absolute worst feelings. You know someone was hurt or killed but many times you donβt know who. You donβt know if it was your buddy, or someone you knew: you just know that back in the states a family is getting the worst possible news.
My heart is heavy for the families, friends, and Soldiers deployed. Keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.