Iowa police chief identifies son among National Guard members who died in Syria ambush

TAMA, IOWA: On Sunday, December 14, one of the two Army National Guard members who died in Saturday’s t*rrorist attack in Syria was identified as the son of a local police chief.

The ambush, carried out by an Islamic State gunman, targeted a group of Iowa Army National Guard soldiers. The attack also resulted in the death of one US civilian interpreter and left three additional US soldiers wounded.

Iowa police chief mourns son killed in Syria attack

One of the two Iowa Army National Guard members who died in the t*rrorist attack in Palmyra, Syria, was identified as Nate Howard, the son of Chief Jeffrey Bunn.

Bunn confirmed the loss in a Facebook post on Sunday evening, saying his family received a notification from Army commanders that no parent ever wants to receive.

In his statement, Bunn said that his son “paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer,” and described how Nate loved his work and embodied the motto of always being “the first in and the last out.” Nate had more than 11 years of service with the Iowa Army National Guard and had hoped to complete 20 years of military service. 

Inspired by his grandfather’s military service, officials said Howard became the first member of his father’s family to serve in the armed forces.

When he was not on duty, officials said Howard worked as a laser engraving specialist at Fisher Controls, an industrial equipment manufacturer based in Marshalltown.

According to his unit, he also enjoyed shooting, woodworking, and gaming.

Asking for prayers for service members worldwide, Bunn said, “Please pray for our Soldiers all around this cruel world. We will see you again son, until then we have it from here.”

Community, leaders rally behind fallen Iowa Guardsman Nate Howard

Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt expressed her condolences to Howard’s family in a Facebook post, referring to the guardsman as “a son who did not come home.”

People from across the community and beyond also shared messages of support. One post called for “Justice For Nate Howard.” 

Another questioned the deployment of American troops in Syria, writing, “This was a tragedy that should have never happened...why are we still in Syria...we need to let that God forsaken part of the world just collapse in on itself.” 

Another message echoed Howard’s father’s words, adding, “God Speed Nate, we got you from here.”

President Trump also addressed the tragic incident, offering his prayers and saying, “This was an ISIS attack on us and Syria. And again, we mourn the loss and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones.”

When asked by reporters whether the US would retaliate against ISIS, the president responded firmly, “Yes, we will retaliate.”

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