This weekend, as our Nation gathered to celebrate the Army–Navy Game, a proud tradition honoring duty, discipline, and service, we were reminded just hours before kickoff that the Global War on Terrorism is not over.
According to government officials, two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed, and others wounded, in a cowardly ISIS ambush in Syria. These Americans, both uniformed and non-uniformed, were serving forward, in harm’s way, defending our Nation and our way of life. Whether in uniform or not, they stood shoulder to shoulder in service to country, bound by purpose, courage, and sacrifice.
The Iowa National Guard has confirmed the identities of the two service members killed in the attack. Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torrestovar, 25, of Grimes, both members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.
“Today, we honor the memory and sacrifice of Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torrestovar by sharing their names with a grateful state and nation,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. “They were dedicated professionals and cherished members of our Guard family who represented the best of Iowa. Our focus now is providing unwavering support to their families through this unimaginable time and ensuring the legacy of these two heroes is never forgotten.”
The Army–Navy Game is more than a rivalry. It is a solemn gathering of our Nation’s past, present, and future warfighters, alongside the citizens who stand behind them. Since ancient times, warrior cultures have brought warriors and citizens together to bear witness to service, sacrifice, and return. In that same spirit, this gathering reflects who we are as a people, and the blessed responsibility carried by those who choose to serve. Just before kickoff, news of this loss reminded us that service to our Nation, whether in uniform or not, is real, costly, and known intimately by we blessed few, in sacrifice for the many.
On that field stood some of the future leaders of our Armed Forces, young men and women who have freely chosen to serve during a time of war. They stood before our Nation’s current and former leadership, before veterans, families, and citizens, embodying a solemn truth. Service is not symbolic. It is lived, it is demanding, and it carries real risk.
Today, our Nation’s sons and daughters, mothers and fathers remain deployed across the globe. Uniformed and non-uniformed alike continue to answer the call, often far from home, often unseen, always with courage and fidelity.
During this blessed holiday season, I humbly ask that you keep the families who suffered this profound loss in your hearts, your thoughts, and your prayers. May they feel the gratitude of a Nation, the embrace of a grateful people, and the assurance that their loved ones’ sacrifice is neither forgotten nor taken lightly.
We honor the fallen.
We stand with their families.
We remain steadfast in remembrance and resolve.
Gracias, and Godspeed,
Michael “Rod” Rodríguez
President and CEO
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation