With great sadness we pass along word that Josh Byers, the older brother of Bleach members Jared and Milam Byers, was killed on Tuesday while serving our country in Iraq. Byers was a unit leader in the Fox Troop, serving on the front lines.

Staff members at Tooth & Nail Records, the band's label, have told stories of how both Jared and Milam held their brother in the highest esteem, in awe of his passion for his calling to serve the U.S. "Their eyes would light up with delight at the mere mention of his name," according to T&N's Amanda MacKinnon.

In a bit of tragic timing, the band had been talking to Tooth & Nail's art staff the night prior to his death, about dedicating their next album to Josh, complete with a photo of him in the Middle East. Obviously, his death has come as a terrible, unexpected loss to his entire family.

After many fans had contacted the band asking what they could do, the band responded that what the family needs more than anything else right now is prayer. They ask that we all pray for their entire family -- including mom and dad Lloyd and Mary Byers, and Josh's wife Kim -- during this terribly difficult time.

Bleach's other three members have decided to perform the dates that they are committed to throughout the summer, but in a more "intimate, acoustic type of show in honor of Josh." The band cites Josh's huge support and appreciation of the band as their motivation for continuing with their ministry right now.