Washington soldier killed in Afghanistan

A soldier from Washington state was among two from Fort Lewis who died in Afghanistan on Thursday, the Department of Defense confirmed this morning.

Aaron S. Aamot, 22, of Custer, died in Jelewar, Afghanistan, of wounds when enemy forces attacked the vehicle he was driving with an explosive device.

Also killed was Gary L. Gooch Jr., 22, of Ocala, Florida.

According to The Bellingham Herald, Custer, the fifth of eight siblings, joined the military shortly after graduating high school had been serving in Afghanistan since mid-July. He was home on leave in October.

"I'm pretty heartbroken, but I'm proud of his service," older brother Matt Aamot, who also served in the military, told the Herald. "We weren't in a combat zone, but I served in Bosnia in 1996. Aaron was trying to do same thing we were doing there: bring folks peace and freedom they'd never experienced. So that comforts me a little bit."

His awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Expert Infantryman Badge, the DOD said.

A memorial service is being planned for this week.

The two soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis.