Deseret News | Remembering Nemelka

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Remembering Nemelka

Sad day | 2:02 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009

Sad that a Utah hero had to die at the hand of a terrorist raised up and trained in American terror camps, also known as Islamic mosques.

Anonymous | 2:32 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009

Let the misinformed, bigoted, and outright dangerous stereotypes begin--if this had been a Mormon doing the killing, would you say the LDS Churches are terror camps? Of course not. And tell me, "sad day," how many Muslims do you know personally? I would bet my life savings the answer is "none."

It seems this shooter | 2:56 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009

has become a study case in his own field of psychiatry/psychology through his actions.... not the first time a professional in that field exhibited highly unusual behavior; the 2 counselors I sought out during a divorce were divorced themselves... boy, were they whacked in their own lives; totally conflicted and at odds with their own advice !

Sad Day - I work with dozens of muslims (Dallas) and have never had a single issue of any kind with them - some really good people, embarassed by the radical actions of a few. (I'm not saying this man was radical muslim, just the overall exposure islam is getting here in the US since 9/11)

Comments continue below

pete t | 4:51 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009

I do not want to come across as an anti Muslim person, but it seems to me that there has to be some concern regarding the Fort Hood happening. It does seem that the person that did the atrocity was of that faith. One must wonder if it were a mental problem on his part , or an on going situation that must be looked into much more than it has been done by the military or the government.

Anonymous | 5:43 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009

I am sooo honored to has known Aaron! He was such a great friend. I am soo deeply sorry for the family! He was a great person who was always so nice and kind to me! His parents should be proud of him and that they did a great job raising him! He was such a gentleman! My thoughts and prayers are with the Nemelka family! God bless! I will miss him! Rest in Peace Aaron!

PolarCoug | 5:55 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009

May God hold Aaron in his tenderloving arms and bring peace and comfort to his family until they are reunited in Heaven.

j. reid | 8:37 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009

It broke my heart to hear that this young soldier had been shot. Our family is thinking of his loved ones at this sad time. We appreciate his desire and efforts to serve our country, even if it was for a brief time.

Taking a Toll | 10:54 p.m. Nov. 7, 2009

This war and the expansion of troops is taking a huge toll. PTSD as well as traumatic brain injuries are increasing. Soldiers who ought to be home are being sent back. Ask any ICU Nurse at any hospital just how long he/she can work before burnout occurs.Then multiply that by hundreds. . This is a terrible and sad reminder that the troops as well as the physicians back home are getting burned out. The psychiatric issues are too intense week after week, year after year. The worst part is that most Americans don't understand what we are doing in these countries. Heart goes out to the family of a NINETEEN year old. Why are youth this age recruited and sent when their brains can't even comprehend the risks? Brain studies have told the U.S. Govt. that these are a great age to recruit because of lack of comprehension. So govt. goes after this age while still in High School.To the family. Your son was very brave for his age. A terrible tragedy.Utah will mourn with you for your loss.I will mourn for all under 21 who enlist. War changes everyone

Re: Taking a Toll | 6:25 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009

As a servicemember who enlisted at the age of 18, I will forever regard an 18 year old enlistee in higher regard when compared to someone who sits behind a computer and criticizes them for their choice. You may now count me as someone who is immensely happy with my decision, and at 23 years old, is probably more successful than you can ever hope to be. Kind of odd, coming from someone who was supposedly poached out of High School with a brain that couldn't possibly comprehend my actions, wouldn't you say?

goodbye | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009

Goodbye to a good man. Amen.

sob | 9:28 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009

was this young man related to the former byu player, from i what i know that is a good family.

I salute | 11:30 a.m. Nov. 8, 2009

PFC Aaron Thomas Nemelka who made the decision to enlist in the military in this time of war. You exemplify the best of this country. Who could have imagined that your life would be taken while you were preparing to leave for the war from Fort Hood, that the horror of this war invaded your safe zone. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

RE: Taking a Toll | 2:24 p.m. Nov. 8, 2009

How old were the men who went and fought in WWI? How old was the "Greatest Generation of Men" who went and won WWII? Yes 18 years old is still young and and an 18 year has just begun in his journey of life but an 18 year old who enlists in the US Army is a man who has the capability of understanding his decisions. I did not enlist at 18 but am instead preparing myself and will commission at age 27. I will be proud to lead those 18 year old into combat. They have my respect and should have yours.

Anonymous | 12:47 p.m. Nov. 10, 2009

Aaron, thank you for your service. You're patriotism was not misguided. Your desire to serve your country means everything. You were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and sadly, you did. As a fellow Utahn ( Summit County) serving in Iraq, in you, I feel the loss of a brother. The quiet influence of strong men who complete the mission, despite whatever other concerns they have, political, religous or otherwise, cannot be understated. The actions of monsters like the disgraceful MAJ Hasan should shame ALL Americans.

Kelly Sego (NM) | 9:50 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009

As a member of the church my self, And as Someone who has served my community as a correctional officer in a state pen. I Would like to take the time to say to the Nemelka family and all the service men in the family, He is in an excellant place and he is now serving beside some very wonderfull people. I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. I will keep the Nemelka family and all of their service men in my prayers. Carpe Diam, Return with honor. We Love you all.

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13 photos

Keith Johnson, Deseret News

Ashlee Brewer, sister of Pfc. Aaron Thomas Nemelka, and her husband, Adrian, listen as her uncle reads a statement to the media during a press conference outside the Nemelka home in West Jordan Saturday. Pfc. Nemelka, 19, was killed Thursday in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.

Gallery (13 photos)