250 Iowa National Guard troops returned home after a Middle East deployment marked by two soldier deaths, prompting plans to honor them with VA clinic names.

On February 11, 2026, about 250 Iowa National Guard soldiers returned home after a nine- to ten-month deployment in the Middle East, part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Homecoming ceremonies were held in Sioux City and Des Moines, honoring their service and sacrifice. The mission, which aimed to degrade ISIS capabilities in Iraq and Syria, concluded following a December 13, 2025, attack in Syria that killed two Iowa National Guard soldiers, Staff Sergeants Edgar Torres-Tovar and William Nathaniel Howard. Iowa’s congressional delegation is now backing legislation to name VA clinics in Des Moines and Marshalltown after the fallen soldiers, ensuring their legacies are preserved.