[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12660]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                       Sergeant Nathan R. Beyers

  Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, 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. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'' Sergeant 
Beyers's service was in keeping with this sentiment: by selflessly 
putting country first, he lived life to the fullest. He lived with a 
sense of the highest honorable purpose.
  Mr. President, I stand with Colorado and people nationwide in 
profound gratitude for Sergeant Beyers's tremendous sacrifice. He 
served proudly and honorably in Iraq when his country needed him most. 
We are humbled by his service and his sacrifice. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in extending heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Sergeant 
Beyers's family.

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