Two Idaho Army National Guardsmen with the 116th Cavalry Brigade were killed in action in Iraq Thursday and a third was seriously wounded when their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad.The Department of Defense confirmed early Saturday morning that Specialist Nick Newby, 20, of Coeur d'Alene (pictured left) and Specialist Nathan Beyers, 24, also of Coeur d'Alene (right), were killed in action Thursday by an improvised explosive device while on a convoy mission in Iraq.A third soldier, Staff Sergeant Jason Rzepa, sustained serious leg injuries in the IED strike. He has been stabilized and transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for further treatment/Rob Kauder, KXLY. More here.

From Kerri Thoreson's Facebook wall: "Flags at half mast at the Idaho Army National Guard Armory and in speaking with the officers there this morning I learned that the families of Spc Newby and Spc Beyers are enroute to Dover AFB to escort their sons home for burial. Cards or notes of condolences can be mailed to the families of each c/o Idaho Army National Guard, E. 5453 Seltice Way, Post Falls, Idaho 83854.