An LDS soldier from Utah was among the 13 people slain during a Nov. 5 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas.
U.S. Army Pfc. Aaron Thomas Nemelka, 19, of West Jordan, Utah, was killed in the mass shooting outside a military processing center. His sacrifice and service were honored by President Barack Obama at a Nov. 10 memorial service at Fort Hood.
"Pfc. Aaron Nemelka was an Eagle Scout who just recently signed up to do one of the most dangerous jobs in the service — defuse bombs — so that he could help save lives," said President Obama, as quoted in an Associated Press report. "He was proudly carrying on a tradition of military service that runs deep within his family."
Indeed, Pfc. Nemelka's time in uniform was a nod to his family's legacy of military service. Many of his relatives, including both grandfathers, served in the armed forces.
"He felt it was his duty to stand with them in defense of our country," his obituary read. "He was very proud to represent his family, his church, the state of Utah and the United States of America.
A graduate of West Jordan High School, the soldier is being remembered as a young man who made friends easily and enjoyed sports, music and the outdoors. He was an avid fan of University of Utah athletics.
"Aaron had a simple trust in God and faith in his Savior Jesus Christ," the obituary added.
He is survived by his parents, Michael and Teena Nemelka and three siblings.
Funeral services were scheduled for Nov. 14 at the West Jordan Utah River Stake Center, with internment at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park.
