Hundreds gather to remember Coeur d’Alene soldiers

Hundreds of friends, family and service members gathered in a Coeur d’Alene church today for the memorial of two young soldiers killed recently in Iraq. Sgt. Nathan R. Beyers, 24, and Spc. Nicholas W. Newby, 20, of Coeur d’Alene, were remembered as being dedicated servicemen who always upheld the Soldier’s Creed. “They always placed the mission first and never accepted defeat,” said Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart. Beyers and Newby, who were assigned to 145th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Cavalry Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Post Falls, Idaho, were killed by an improvised explosive device on July 7 in Baghdad. “Those two are like brothers,” said Sgt. Joseph Rozewicz. “They loved to hang out a lot, play pranks on each other. They’re both … my biggest heroes.” Beyers was remembered as a dedicated family man who cared deeply for his wife and was thrilled about the recent birth of their baby. “He loved his family so much,” he said. “That’s all he talked about.” Newby, an avid musician, was mischievous, energetic and driven, said Spc. Tristan Nielsen. “We always helped each other out,” he said. “He was good for advice and he was also an extremely motivated person. Sometimes so motivated it was obnoxious.” Beyers enlisted in Jan. 2006 as a mechanic and has received several awards, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge. Newby enlisted in Nov. 2008, also as a mechanic. His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal and Combat Action Medal.