Paul followed in his brother Casey's footsteps and enlisted in the Army Reserves. He joined the Army, like his brother, to get money for college, but soon learned there was a greater cause at stake and was proud to represent his country. His unit was to go to Iraq in the summer. Paul was a specialist with the United States Army Reserves 482nd Transportation Company. He had a love for adventure and wrestling, but the military was his main focus. The Byers family attended the Schleswig United Church of Christ. Casey who was a member of the Iowa National Guard, died in Iraq the previous week and to say goodbye, Paul wrote a letter he had planned to read at his brother's funeral. In it he wrote, "I would say, 'Yes, Casey, I'm exactly like you' and I stand here today proud to say that." Paul died after he was hit by a pickup just days before his brother's funeral at age 19.
Paul followed in his brother Casey's footsteps and enlisted in the Army Reserves. He joined the Army, like his brother, to get money for college, but soon learned there was a greater cause at stake and was proud to represent his country. His unit was to go to Iraq in the summer. Paul was a specialist with the United States Army Reserves 482nd Transportation Company. He had a love for adventure and wrestling, but the military was his main focus. The Byers family attended the Schleswig United Church of Christ. Casey who was a member of the Iowa National Guard, died in Iraq the previous week and to say goodbye, Paul wrote a letter he had planned to read at his brother's funeral. In it he wrote, "I would say, 'Yes, Casey, I'm exactly like you' and I stand here today proud to say that." Paul died after he was hit by a pickup just days before his brother's funeral at age 19.
