The remains of two Iowa National Guard members, killed in a Syrian desert attack, were repatriated to Des Moines on Wednesday, marking a poignant Christmas Eve for their grieving families.
The solemn ceremony saw loved ones approach the caskets of Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, and William Nathanial Howard, 29, huddling together for comfort and wiping away tears. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn observed alongside senior leaders of the Iowa National Guard.