Last modified: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:40 AM EST Michael Beltran, a National Guard member who did two tours in the Middle East and survived a roadside bomb attack in Iraq, died over the weekend at his home in Attleboro. (Staff file photo by Tom Maguire) Attleboro veterans agent picking up the sword for a fallen comrade BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - The city's veterans agent is offering to take a fallen soldier's place in his National Guard unit. Spc. Michael Beltran, who had served two tours in the Middle East, including a tour in Iraq, died Nov. 2 at his home. Beltran was a member of a Framingham-based unit and still had time remaining on his military obligation, according to Veterans Agent Peter Rego whose office worked with Beltran to obtain medical treatment and employment counseling following the 23-year-old veteran's return from Iraq. Close friends Rego told more than 200 mourners at a funeral service Monday morning that the two had become close friends, and had even talked of serving in the same unit together. "I believe that Michael still has an obligation to the U.S. Army National Guard," Rego said in a eulogy. "I would like to fulfill that obligation for my fallen comrade. My brother has fallen and I will be honored to carry his sword." Rego, a former sergeant, left the Army in 2003. He said he has contacted the Guard about serving, but has not yet received confirmation. Rego said he would be able to continue working as a city employee while in the Guard. A military honor guard and a contingent from the Masons also turned out for Beltran's funeral. Family and friends spoke during the funeral service of the young man's humor, his devotion to family and perpetual search for belonging. Beltran took up Judaism as a teenager, a faith he continued to observe until his death. He also became the youngest Bay State resident to become a full member of the Masons. "Belonging was something that was very important to Michael," said his rabbi, Elise Wechterman.