Friend, 

Hearts are heavy across Iowa and America after the tragic loss of two of our Iowa National Guardsmen, Sgt. William Nathaniel “Nate” Howard of Marshalltown and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar of Des Moines. Iowa families got the call that no loved one should ever have to receive.

On Wednesday, I had the solemn honor of attending the dignified transfer of our fallen heroes and met the families of the fallen. In moments like these, words fall short. No words can fully capture the weight of that moment or the depth of gratitude we owe these heroes and their families. I told the ​mothers we should never have to outlive their children. Their sacrifice is a powerful reminder that freedom is never free.

My heart is just absolutely broken for these Gold Star families – and their service, too, is also deeply felt. They are the backbone of our soldiers.

Matt and I are mourning with them, and we join Iowans and Americans across the country in asking our Lord to hold close the families of the fallen, watch over our troops, and bless all military families.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to honor their sacrifice to our country. Today and always, we carry their legacy forward by honoring their service, supporting their loved ones, and recommitting ourselves to the values they gave everything to defend.

Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar represent the very best of Iowa and will forever be remembered as heroes. I hope you will all join me in covering their families in prayer this holiday season. This is not going to be the Christmas they expected, and their families need our prayers and support right now.

Sincerely,