WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- Sen. Joni Ernst issued the following press release:

To honor the lives and legacies of the Iowa National Guardsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice and stand with Gold Star families, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is hosting Arianna Howard, the wife of fallen Staff Sgt. Nate Howard, as her guest for President Trump's State of the Union.

This is part of Senator Ernst's ongoing commitment (https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-the-legacy-of-these-heroes-will-never-be-forgotten) to ensure Staff Sgt. Howard's legacy is never forgotten.

"I am humbled to host Arianna Howard, who has sacrificed so much for our nation, at the State of the Union," said Senator Ernst. "After her husband, Iowa National Guard...