Nathan Barnes reported killed in Iraq

Another Utah soldier died in Iraq. Sgt. Nathan Barnes of American Fork died yesterday. He was hit by small arms fire.

The soldier's family says Sgt. Barnes was killed while on a combat mission with his Army infantry unit.

And while they are devastated with the news, they say they are extremely proud of his military service to his country.

Family and friends are setting up American flags throughout the neighborhood of Kevin and Donna Barnes. Their 23-year-old son, Sgt. Nathan Barnes, was killed in combat late yesterday in Iraq.

Yellow ribbons and signs are also on the family's home, as the community comes together to offer the Barnes family support. Nathan's father, Kevin, says, "He volunteered, believed in what he was doing, was joyful in his service to his country and people of Iraq."

Sgt. Barnes was a part of the 10th Mountain Division, a light infantry unit based at Fort Drum, New York. His father says his son always wanted to serve his country. He says, "Nathan had enlisted three years ago, had gone through basic training, was deployed in August of last year. His first year would have been up in August of this year. He was under that 90-day extension so he would have been home in roughly November."

And as his family grieves, they are hoping to create something positive from Nathan's death by starting a charitable trust fund to benefit someone else in need. "We will use that money for charities that we think Nathan would want us to put that money into. The family really doesn't want a lot of flowers and does not need the money, so we appreciate the support and kindness of everybody," said Kevin.

Those that want to donate to that fund can contact Zion's Bank.

Sgt. Barnes is survived by his parents, four brothers and a sister.

His family plans to hold his funeral in American Fork, in the next seven to 10 days.

From KSL 5