One of the two Iowa Army National Guard members who tragically lost their lives in Saturday’s terrorist attack in Syria has been identified as the son of a local police chief.

Jeffrey Bunn, the Chief of Police for the Meskwaki Nation, shared via a Facebook post on Sunday that his son, Nate Howard, was one of the fallen soldiers.

The ambush unfolded over the weekend in Palmyra when a solitary gunman affiliated with the Islamic State opened fire on a contingent of Iowa Army National Guard troops. This attack resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a U.S. civilian interpreter, while also injuring three additional U.S. soldiers.

“Today, we mourn the loss of two of our brave Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers and a Civilian Interpreter in Syria,” Bunn expressed. “My wife Misty and I received the dreaded visit from Army Commanders, delivering the news no parent wants to hear. Our son Nate was among those who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, striving to make the world safer. He was passionate about his mission, always leading the charge and ensuring no one was left behind. We ask for prayers for all our Soldiers across this harsh world. We will meet again, son; until then, we will carry on from here.”

Nate Howard lost his life in a terrorist attack orchestrated by an ISIS gunman on December 13, 2025, in Syria. (Meskwaki Nation Police Department – Iowa)

According to the National Guard’s B Troop, 1-113th Cavalry, the Marshalltown native served in the Iowa Army National Guard for more than 11 years and had hoped to complete 20 years of service. Inspired by his grandfather’s service, he became the first person from his father’s side of the family to join the armed forces, officials said.

When off duty, Howard worked at Fisher Controls, a Marshalltown-based industrial equipment manufacturer, as a laser engraving specialist, officials added. He also enjoyed shooting, woodworking and gaming, according to the unit. 

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

Tama County Sheriff Casey Schmidt offered her condolences to Howard’s family and called the guardsman “a son who did not come home” in a Facebook post on Sunday.

“Yesterday, we learned that two members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in a terrorist attack in Syria,” Schmidt said in a statement. “One of those service members 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 their service matter.”

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

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 underscored that the cost of service is “real,” especially against forces such as ISIS. 

“This hits close to home. It reminds us that service is personal and that the cost is real,” Schmidt added. “These losses are not headlines. They are families, coworkers, and communities left carrying the weight.”

“ISIS is evil. That is not political. That is reality. Our service members are still standing in harm’s way because that evil still exists. Acknowledging that matters, and so does remembering why they serve.”

“I am deeply thankful for the men and women of our armed forces, and I believe we do not do enough for them. They accept risks most people never have to think about.”

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

Fox News Digital reached out to the Meskwaki Nation Police Department, Tama County Sheriff’s Office and the B Troop, 1-113th Cavalry for more information.