Aaron Keith Kramer Obituary (2010)

Airy-Bears A son, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a soldier, and our Hero, Sergeant Aaron Keith Kramer was Killed in Action, September 16th, 2010 while serving in Afghanistan.Aaron was born into this world February 28th, 1988 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was followed close behind by his best friend and twin brother Brandon; Raised in the most patient and loving arms of his parents, Shannon and Richard, and his older sister, Jennifer, who he preferred to call, “Jen Jenz”.Aaron spent many days of his childhood outdoors with his family. Boating at Lake Powell, exploring ancient ruins in the Southwest, and hiking in Yellowstone. Each night his eyes would be glued to the sky, waiting for the next shooting star. It was during these younger years that Aaron became interested in the military. Our home became a battlefield as GI Joes parachuted from the staircase and tanks rolled across kitchen floors.Aaron attended Skyline High School from 2003 to 2006. Always sporting an army t-shirt, Aaron had no reservations on making his intention of serving clear to his class mates. During high school Aaron and his brother attended the JROTC program at Taylorsville High under the instruction of LTC Horton (Ret.) and 1SGT Heinkel (Ret.). For those years Aaron excelled as a student and a leader. Participating in numerous JROTC teams, he helped Taylorsville make a mark in competitions and events.Before he’d even graduated from school, Aaron had all ready enlisted into the United States Army. He shipped out July 2006 to Fort Benning Georgia, where he attended Basic Training and Airborne School. Aaron loved the rush of jumping from an aircraft, always wearing a giant grin while leaving the drop zone.Upon receiving his Airborne wings, Aaron was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 502nd Infantry Regiment of the famed 101st Air Assault Division. Shortly after arriving, he successfully passed Air Assault School. Then, with the men of Alpha company 2nd Platoon he deployed to Iraq, joining his twin brother in Operation Iraqi Freedom. While operating in southern Baghdad, Aaron performed exceptionally well for a young Private and was soon promoted to Corporal. As a team leader he led American and Iraqi soldiers through cities and rural countryside. After a year long deployment he returned safely home.At this point Aaron had decided that a career in the Army was no longer his desire. Constantly daydreaming of returning to Utah and beginning college, Aaron was anxious to be home with his family again. Even with these misgivings he continued to exceed the standards. Volunteering for one of the Army’s more difficult courses, Aaron was sent back to Georgia for Ranger School. And after two months of hunger and exhaustion he finally earned the coveted black and gold Ranger Tab.It was at a friend’s wedding on a cold night in Wisconsin that Aaron met “the most amazing girl”. Her name was Jacklyn Marie Hansen and he instantly fell in love. Though there was a great distance between them, Aaron was determined to win her heart. Either by plane or car, he ventured the 464 miles north nearly every weekend to be with Jackie. After months of dating they both nearly ran dry of money but money meant little to this fateful couple and after a year they were engaged.On April 3rd, 2010, Aaron and Jackie were married in a courthouse. There was no time for a formal ceremony; it would have to wait for Aaron’s return from his second deployment.In June 2010 Aaron was once again sent to war, this time for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. As a squad leader he always looked after his guys, providing everything from marriage counseling to combat training. Aaron was leading his squad when enemy forces attacked their position. In the ensuing gun battle, he was shot and wounded. It was later in a military hospital on base that Sgt. Aaron Kramer slipped away from life.As tragic as this story is, we cannot help but realize how simply beautiful Aaron’s life was. In the short time he spent with us he became an inspiration for many. He constantly pushed forward in life, never taking a step back and never having regrets. At the age of 22 Aaron made the ultimate sacrifice, not for a country, or a flag, or democracy, but for the men he stood and bled amongst. Without a doubt there are men alive today because not very long ago, a skinny ten year old little boy decided he was going to become a soldier.A viewing on Friday, September 24, 2010, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood Hts. 7th Ward, 2522 E. 6710 S. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 25, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Cottonwood Hts. 7th Ward, 2522 E. 6710 S. A viewing will be held, 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to service. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Fallen Warrior Charitable Fund in the name of Aaron Kramer at any Zion’s Bank.