A resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of United States Army Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and United States Army Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, who were killed in action in Palmyra, Syria, in a targeted assault against United States service members on December 13, 2025.

This resolution serves to honor the memory, service, and sacrifice of United States Army Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and United States Army Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar . Both soldiers, assigned to the Iowa Army National Guard, were tragically killed in a targeted terrorist assault near Palmyra, Syria, on December 13, 2025, while conducting a counter-terrorism engagement. The attack, believed to be perpetrated by an individual affiliated with the Islamic State, also resulted in the death of a United States civilian interpreter and injuries to three other Iowa National Guard soldiers. The Senate extends its deepest sympathies, gratitude, and support to the families of Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres-Tovar, as well as all others affected by this horrific attack. It honors the bravery and professionalism of the National Guard members and partner forces who responded under fire, and expresses profound gratitude for the swift actions of personnel who engaged the attacker. The resolution unequivocally condemns the terrorist assault and recognizes that National Guard members embody the highest ideals of duty, courage, and selfless service, requesting that an enrolled copy be transmitted to the families of the fallen soldiers.