[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28631]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          AARON THOMAS NEMELKA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. MATHESON. Madam Speaker, Utah has lost a venerated hero with the 
passing of PFC. Aaron Thomas Nemelka of West Jordan, Utah.
  Private First Class Nemelka was killed while serving his country at 
Fort Hood, Texas. On November 5, 2009, a lone gunman opened fire and 
caused the death of 12 soldiers, 1 civilian, while 30 more Americans 
were wounded.
  Private First Class Nemelka is remembered for his dedication to both 
his family and his country. As a combat engineer in the 20th Infantry 
Battalion, 36th Engineering Brigade, he specialized in munitions 
diffusion.
  Aaron was set to deploy on his first tour of the Middle East in 
January 2010. He will forever be remembered for having sacrificed his 
life in the defense of our great nation. His selfless devotion to those 
around him is a great tribute to his spirit.
  Aaron grew up in West Jordan, Utah and was the youngest of four 
children. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and through his efforts was 
able to help better his community by always extending a hand of 
service. Aaron graduated from West Jordan High School in Utah in 2008 
and enlisted in the military shortly thereafter.
  Private First Class Aaron Nemelka was very young, and he served his 
country honorably and heroically. Please join me in taking a moment to 
honor this Utahn for his service to our country. My thoughts are with 
Aaron's family during this difficult time.

                          ____________________