Associated Press - November 7, 2009 3:55 PM ET

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - According to his uncle, a Utah soldier fatally shot at Fort Hood was proud to serve and felt keenly the responsibility of representing his nation and his family.

Michael Blades of Helena, Mont., at a news conference today in Utah, said Pfc. Aaron Thomas Nemelka of West Jordan had a tremendous love for his family and a deep sense of duty.

Blades says family members are struggling to make sense of the killings of Nemelka and 12 other soldiers, but can't because they make no sense.

Blades cited several of Nemelka's relatives who were in the military, including a grandfather who served in the Korean War and received a Purple Heart.

He says his 19-year-old nephew enjoyed soccer, bowling and snowboarding, and was an avid fan of the Utah Utes.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.