A 19-year-old soldier from Carrollton, Texas, is being mourned across North Texas and on the floor of the United States Congress after she was killed during an Iranian strike on American forces in Jordan last week.
Army Private Isabella Gonzales was killed on Friday when Iranian forces struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, where she was stationed as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. mission against the Islamic State group.
She had been assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, based in Ansbach, Germany. A second soldier, 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, was killed the following day in the same operation.
Their deaths mark the 15th and 16th American service member fatalities since the war with Iran began on February 28.
Congressman Brandon Gill (R-TX), who represents the district where Gonzales grew up, took to the House floor to honor her life and service.
"Private Gonzales was killed in action last Friday during an Iranian strike on American forces in Jordan, where she stood in harm's way to defend this nation and the troops beside her," Gill said. "She had barely begun her adult life, yet she had already given everything to protect ours."
Commemorating Gonzales
Gonzales had graduated from Hebron High School in Carrollton just over a year ago, in the spring of 2025.
CBS reported that Lewisville ISD, which operates the school, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of one of its recent graduates.
"Not long ago, Isabella walked the halls of Hebron as a student, a classmate and a friend," the district said. "Her decision to serve after graduation speaks volumes of her character."
Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) also issued a statement, saying Gonzales represented "the very best of Texas" and offering prayers to her family and to the family of Lt. Feehan.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base. Following the Iranian attack, U.S. forces launched additional airstrikes against Iran at the president's direction.
For Gill and the community of Carrollton, the grief is personal. "This nation will not forget her sacrifice," he said.
