On the recordAugust 1, 2011
it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and heroic service of a young Coloradan, SGT Nathan R. Beyers. Sergeant Beyers died on July 7, 2011, when insurgents attacked his convoy with an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq. Sergeant Beyers was serving in support of Operation New Dawn. He was 24 years old. Sergeant Beyers loved the Army and he was proud to be serving our country. Born and raised in Littleton, CO, Sergeant Beyers graduated from ThunderRidge High School. He joined the Idaho National Guard a few years ago, and he was assigned to Bravo Company, 145th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. He is remembered by family, friends, and servicemembers as a brave soldier, dedicated husband, and proud father. Sergeant Beyers and his wife, Vanessa Mary Beyers, recently had their first child. Vanessa said that he died ``doing something he loved.'' Hundreds gathered at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver to honor and remember Sergeant Beyers. Sergeant Beyers' commanding officers immediately recognized his exceptional bravery and talent. He earned, among other decorations, 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. Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death follows from the fear of life.…
