Iowa Police Chief Mourns Son Killed in ISIS Attack
The police chief in Iowa has shared a touching post revealing that his son was among three members of the Iowa Army National Guard who lost their lives in an ISIS attack in Syria.
“My wife, Misty, and I received news from an Army commander that no parent wants to hear,” Meskwaki Police Chief Jeffrey Vann expressed on social media. “Our son Nate was one of those brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us all.”
He continued, “Nate loved what he did and was committed to his duty, ensuring no one was left behind. Please keep all our soldiers in your thoughts as they navigate this harsh world. Until we meet again, son, we will hold strong.”
Nate Howard, along with another soldier and a civilian interpreter, was tragically killed during a patrol in a desert ambush. Three additional soldiers sustained injuries, with two receiving treatment in a hospital in Lebanon.
During a press conference on Sunday morning, Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn from the Iowa Army National Guard stated that the attack had been executed by a “lone ISIS gunman,” who was subsequently neutralized by affiliated forces.
Maj. Gen. Osborn commented, “At the time of the ambush, U.S. military personnel were engaged in crucial leadership efforts as part of ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism initiatives in the area.”
On platforms like social media, Howard was commemorated as a dedicated and imaginative individual. Previously, he had shared aspirations to profile his unit’s soldiers, with a goal to “serve for 20 years and retire with pride.” He had completed 11 years of service before the incident.
A profile on Howard noted his desire to support his fellow soldiers, stating, “More than anything, Sergeant Howard wants his comrades to know he’s there to help or just listen.” In addition, Howard enjoyed activities like hunting and playing video games, and he was married.
Jeffrey Vann has three other sons who are also part of the Iowa Army National Guard. His family journey began when he immigrated to the Meskwaki Nation in 2019, raising his sons in Marshalltown, Iowa.
