President Donald Trump will undertake one of the most solemn duties facing the commander in chief on Wednesday when he will witness the dignified transfer for two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack in the Syrian desert.
The ritual at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware honors U.S. service members killed in action. Trump, who traveled to Dover several times in his first term, described it as “the toughest thing I have to do” as president.
The two guardsmen killed in Syria on Saturday were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, according to the U.S. Army. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment. The men have been hailed as heroes by the Iowa National Guard.
A U.S. civilian, Ayad Mansoor Sakat, identified as an interpreter from Macomb, Michigan, was also killed in the attack, alongside three other injured Iowa National Guard members, whose identities have yet to be released.
During the ceremony, transfer cases adorned with the American flag, containing the remains of the fallen soldiers, are transferred from military aircraft to an awaiting vehicle. This vehicle later transports them to the mortuary facility at the base for preparations regarding their final resting place.
Trump expressed deep mourning for the soldiers and stressed a promise for retaliation following their deaths. This tragic assault unfolds amidst renewed diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Syria, with Trump establishing rapport with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
In past terms, Trump has honored fallen soldiers at Dover for various military casualties, highlighting his commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by U.S. service members.
