Mich. native nominated to be next U.S. ambassador to Russia

MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) - Muskegon native John Beyrle (BY'-er-lee), who has been the U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria since 2005, has been nominated by President Bush to become the next U.S. ambassador to Russia.

The White House announced Wednesday that Beyrle's nomination has been forwarded to the Senate for its approval.

The Muskegon Chronicle reports that the 55-year-old career diplomat is a graduate of Mona Shores High School and Grand Valley State University.

Beyrle's father, Joseph, is believed to be the only soldier to have fought for both the United States and the former Soviet Union during World War II.

Bush earlier nominated the current U.S. ambassador to Russia, William Burns, for a high-ranking job at the State Department.