DOD: Soldier from Rolesville killed in Afghanistan

Capt. Andrew Byers, of Rolesville, and Sgt. 1st Class Ryan A. Gloyer, 34, of Greenville, Pa., were killed while engaging enemy forces in the Kunduz province, officials said. The soldiers were assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colorado.

“He may not be our family, but all of the soldiers are our family, and they need to be remembered and honored,” said Jennifer Niesel, a Rolseville resident.

Niesel said her tears are for all the soldiers like Byers whose families are left to grieve. Her brother-in-law is currently deployed overseas.

Rolesville honored Byers’ memory and his military service with flags at town hall now flying at half staff and at the Veterans Memorial where his picture now stands.

“It’s shocking, not something that you would expect, and we have a pretty sizeable demographic of veterans and the military. (It) means a lot, and to have someone so you pass this way, it’s very sad,” said Robin Reif, Rolesville town clerk.

Byers’ duty station, Fort Carson, Colo., issued a statement that reads in part: "It is always hard to lose a part of our military family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Capt. Andrew D. Byers ... family and friends during this very difficult time."

Niesel said, like her brother-in-law, she is sure Captain Byers served with honor.

"It's an honor. He does it for me, and for his family, and my family, and even the people who don't care," Niesel said. "That's what honor is all about."