An Iowa police chief has posted a heartbreaking post identifying his son as one of the three Iowa Army National Guard soldiers killed in an ISIS attack in Syria.
“My wife Misty and I had that visit from Army Commanders you never want to have,” wrote Meskwaki Nation Police Department Chief Jeffrey Bunn in a statement on Facebook on Saturday.
“Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer.
Nate Howard (left), pictured with comrades in a Facebook photo posted in April, died in an attack on US troops in Syria on Saturday. B TROOP 1-113th CAV/Facebook
Howard was a true hero, says his police-chief dad, who posted this online photo of his son. Meskwaki Nation Police Department – Iowa/Facebook“He loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out, no one left behind,” the shattered dad wrote. “Please pray for our Soldiers all around this cruel world. We will see you again son, until then we have it from here.”
Bunn’s son Nate Howard, another soldier and a civilian interpreter were killed in a desert ambush while on patrol. Three other soldiers were wounded, and two are receiving treatment in hospitals in Lebanon.
Howard poses in a photo posted by his troop on Facebook. B TROOP 1-113th CAV/FacebookIn a press conference Sunday morning, Iowa Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn said the attack was carried out by a “lone ISIS gunman” who was later killed by partner forces.
“At the time of the attack, US personnel were conducting a key leader engagement. Their mission was in support of ongoing counter-ISIS and counter-terrorism efforts in the region,” Osborn said.
On social media, Howard was remembered as creative and dedicated. In a previous post meant to profile soldiers in his troop, Howard said his ultimate goal was “20 years of service and a retirement he’s proud of.” He served 11 years before the attack.
Howard (left) poses with a buddy. B TROOP 1-113th CAV/Facebook“Above all, SGT Howard wants his battle buddies to know he’s always there—whether to help or simply listen,” his profile said.
According to the post, Howard enjoyed hunting and playing video games and was married.
Bunn has three other sons, including another who is also serving in the Iowa Army National Guard, according to his bio of the police department website. The dad moved to the Meskwaki Nation in 2019 but raised his four boys in Marshalltown, Iowa.
