The Final Salute

01/01/2026

Welcome to 2026!

We know that as the new year rolls around that can bring many emotions from gratitude to relief that it is a new year. We are thankful for each of you!

In 2026 we have some big plans!

*Launch our website
* Civilian Unclaimed Burial (pending April)
* Veteran Unclaimed Service- Saturday October 3
*Host a fundraiser

Looking forward to continuing to serve our community in 2026 💛

12/28/2025

Visitation

December 28, 2025
02:00pm - 08:00pm
3:00 p.m. Chaplet of Divine Mercy
5:00 p.m. Rosary
Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home
5400 SW 9th Street
Des Moines, Iowa

Service

December 29, 2025
11:00am
Mass of Christian Burial
Our Lady of the Americas
1271 E. 9th Street
Des Moines. Iowa

Disposition

Iowa Veterans Cemetery
Adel, Iowa

Arrangements

Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home
5400 SW 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 285-3911

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to all of you!

We hope you are able to spend time with those you love. We are thinking of all the families with the empty chair at the table this season as well.

🇺🇸

12/25/2025

They are home.

Pray for the families as they walk through the funeral ceremonies.

Pray for the military officers that are walking beside the families during this time.

Pray for the funeral professionals that are working behind the scenes to be honorable and respectful.

Pray for the men and women who continue to serve our nation.

12/24/2025

This is a great visual of the route- please join if you are able.

TODAY | Wednesday, December 24th - 1:00 PM

The Blue Star Mothers of America - Iowa Chapter are asking the public to line Fluer Dr from the airport to I235 and all overpasses going east *as safety permits*. (Please stay on sidewalks and parking lots, not on streets or block intersections)
As the procession leaves the airport and turns north onto Fleur, the lead hearse will carry SSG Torres-Tovar and the 2nd hearse will carry SSG Howard. At the off-ramp of E6th the lead hearse, their es**rts & the DSM Patriot Guard honor es**rt for SSG Torres-Tovar will exit and proceed to Hamilton’s Funeral Home.
The 2nd hearse, its es**rt and the Marshalltown Patriot Guard honor es**rt will continue on I235 to I35, then HWY 30, continuing to HWY 14 then to Iowa Ave and proceeding to Mitchell Family Funeral Home.

We are asking all available Iowans to line the routes (where appropriate & lawful) while maintaining their personal safety and the safety of other motorists. American flags and signs of gratitude are encouraged.
As the procession passes by we ask that hats are removed and either placing your hand over your heart or saluting if applicable until the hearse, family and all es**rts have passed by.

Please see the map below.
RED - Both processions, families & es**rts will leave the DSM airport via McKinley Ave to Fleur Drive and onto I235
PURPLE - The procession for SSG Torres-Tovar, his family & es**rts will exit at E6th
BLUE - The procession for SSG Howard, his family and es**rts will continue on I235 eastbound to Hwy 30, then Hwy 14 to Iowa Ave in Marshalltown, IA

12/24/2025

Please see below for details

While respecting the privacy of the families during this difficult and solemn time, we are also encouraging all Iowans to honor the service, sacrifice and memories of these fallen heroes by lining the sides of Fluer Drive between the airport and 235 on ramp.
Please stand in solitude to show these families that we recognize their loss and are grateful for the service of their sons.
*Please maintain your safety by remaining on sidewalks and parking lots and NOT on street surfaces.

12/15/2025

Today, we pause to honor and speak the names of Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard and Sgt. Edgar Brian Torrestovar. Their courage and sacrifice will forever echo in our hearts, and may their names never fade from memory.
As you return home tonight, I ask that you hold their families in your thoughts and prayers. This holiday season will be an especially heavy burden for them, and they need all the love and strength we can send their way.

12/14/2025

Yesterday, wreaths were laid on headstones across the country bearing the names of the men and women who served our nation. 🇺🇸

Please share your photos below and let us know where you’re from.

12/14/2025

Today, we stand in solemn solidarity with the families of the two Iowans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We also ask for continued prayers for those who were injured and remain in critical condition.

During this holiday season, we hold the families of the fallen and the wounded close in our hearts as they grieve and face unimaginable loss. While words can never fully ease such sorrow, we honor their sacrifice and extend our deepest condolences, support, and prayers during this difficult time.