BEYERS, NATHAN

Nathan R. Beyers was born April 17,1987 in Littleton Colorado and graduated in 2006 from Thunder Ridge High School in Highlands Ranch. Nathan joined the Idaho National Guard and moved to Coeur d’Alene with his wife Vanessa and newborn daughter who was born on November 11, 2010.  

SGT Byers was assigned to the Bravo Company, 145th Brigade Support Battalion as a Mechanic and later deployed in September 2010 as a Rhino Platoon member in support of Operation New Dawn.  

According to Vanessa, Nathan was proud of his job and serving our country. We just had our first child and Nathan had a chance to visit us when he was home on leave in January. I told him I knew he was going to be a wonderful father. He died doing something he loved and was such a brave person. We are going to miss him. 

Nathan was dedicated to serving his country, to serving others, and especially dedicated to his wife and baby girl. He loved golfing, camping, fishing, and bow hunting. His boyish smile and laughter will be missed by all. 

According to Nathan’s Uncle, Jack Beyers, he was much too young, but he died doing what he loved. He was a giver, and he gave his life for his country. He was fighting the good fight. He loved the Army. He loved the military.  

Jack further stated that Nathan answered President John F. Kennedy’s question: Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. And he did just that. He answered it when he enlisted, again when he left his family to serve, and one final time when he gave his life on July 7. He is Jack’s hero. 

SGT Beyers was killed in action as the result of wounds suffered from an Improvised Explosive Device attack on his convoy. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SGT Nathan Byers for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.