Iowa National Guard member killed in Syria ISIS attack identified

One of the two Iowa Army National Guard members killed in a terrorist attack in Syria on Saturday has been identified as the son of a local police chief.

Meskwaki National Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn confirmed in a Facebook post on Sunday that his son Nate Howard was among the victims.

The weekend ambush occurred in Palmyra, when a lone Islamic State gunman targeted a group of Iowa National Guard soldiers. Two American soldiers and a US civilian translator were killed and three US soldiers were injured in the attack.

“Today, two of our Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers and a Civilian Interpreter were killed in action in Syria,” Bunn said. he said. “My wife Misty and I had the visit from the Army Commanders you never want to see. Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us to keep us all safe. He loved what he did and would be first in and last out, no one left behind. Please pray for our Soldiers all over this cruel world. We’ll see you again son, until then we’ll move on from here.”

IOWA NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS IDENTIFIED AS VICTIMS IN DEADLY ISIS ATTACK IN SYRIA

Troop B of the National Guard, 1-113. The Marshalltown native served more than 11 years in the Iowa Army National Guard and was hoping to complete 20 years of service, according to the Cavalry. Inspired by his grandfather’s service, he was the first in his paternal family to join the armed forces, authorities said.

While off duty, Howard worked as a laser engraver for Marshalltown-based industrial equipment manufacturer Fisher Controls, authorities added. He also enjoyed shooting, woodworking and playing games, according to the unit.

Nate Howard (left) proudly served in the Iowa Army National Guard for more than 11 years. (B TROOP 1-113. CAV)

Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt expressed his condolences to Howard’s family in a Facebook post Sunday, calling the guard “a son who didn’t come home.”

“Yesterday, we learned that two Iowa National Guard members were killed in a terrorist attack in Syria,” Schmidt said in a statement. he said. “One of those soldiers was Nate Howard. An Iowan. A Guardsman. A son who did not come home. We also mourn the loss of the other Iowa National Guardsman who was killed. Their lives and service mattered.”

“I have been friends with Jeff Bunn for many years. Jeff serves as the Chief of Police for the Meskwaki National Police Department, a community in Tama County. I am grateful for his friendship and my heart is broken for Jeff, Misty, and their families. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to face.”

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One of the two Iowa Army National Guard members killed in Saturday’s terrorist attack has been identified as Nate Howard. (Tama County Sheriff’s Office)

Schmidt said the deaths underscore the “real” cost of service, especially against forces like ISIS.

“This is very relevant to us. It reminds us that service is personal and the cost is real,” Schmidt added. “These losses don’t make the headlines. These are the losses of families, of colleagues, and of the communities that continue to bear the burden.”

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“ISIS is evil. It’s not political. It’s the truth. Our soldiers are still in danger because that evil still exists. It’s also important to acknowledge that and remember why they serve.”

“I am deeply grateful to the men and women in our armed forces, and I believe we do not do enough for them. They accept risks that most people do not have to consider.”

Separately, the State Capitol Police Department and the nonprofit Salute to the Fallen Foundation echoed the same sentiment in a Facebook post Sunday, saying their thoughts and prayers were with Howard’s friends and family.

For more information, contact Fox News Digital, Meskwaki National Police Department, Tama County Sheriff’s Office and Troop B, 1-113. He contacted the Cavalry.