Pfc. Aaron Thomas Nemelka, 19, was killed on November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood, Texas, during the mass shooting carried out by Army psychiatrist Major Nidal Hasan. Nemelka was among soldiers waiting at the Soldier Readiness Center for routine medical processing and was reported to be one of the first victims, killed instantly by gunfire. The attack left 13 people dead and more than 30 injured.
Born June 1, 1990, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Nemelka was the youngest of four children. He graduated from West Jordan High School in 2008, joined the Army in October 2008, and was scheduled for deployment to Afghanistan in January 2010. He enjoyed snowboarding, skateboarding, golf and music, and was remembered by his family for a gentle disposition and a strong sense of duty.
His funeral was held November 14, 2009, in West Jordan, Utah, where hundreds attended. Anyone who knew Aaron or was at Fort Hood that day with information is asked to come forward.