Soldier from Whatcom County is killed in Afghanistan

A Custer, Whatcom County, man was one of two Fort Lewis soldiers killed Thursday in Afghanistan when the Stryker vehicle he was driving went over a buried explosive, according to his family.

Spc. Aaron Aamot, 22, was in the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, part of the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division based at Fort Lewis.

He'd been in Afghanistan since mid-July on his first deployment.

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

Aamot grew up in Custer and joined the military shortly after high school.

Matt Aamot, 33, believed his brother saw the military as a steppingstone into a career in law enforcement, which he hoped to pursue after getting out of the service.

Aamot had been home on leave Oct. 11-25.

"The best thing is we were able to see him a couple weeks ago," Matt Aamot said.

A memorial service is being planned for this week.

"I'm pretty heartbroken, but I'm proud of his service," said Matt Aamot, who also served in the military.

The two shared interests in the military, as well as 4-H Club and FFA, a youth organization focused on agricultural education.

Aaron Aamot is also survived by brothers Daniel, Benjamin, Ethan, Dale and Joshua, as well as his sister, Nellie Huisman.

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 Department of Defense said.