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About the Project
Our Mission
HONOR our Fallen Heroes, who raised their hand to serve
and made the ultimate sacrifice after answering our nation’s call.
SUPPORT the families of our Fallen Heroes
for their enduring sacrifice.
ENGAGE our communities in remembering those
who gave their all for our freedoms.
We are forever grateful and committed to their memory.
My Story
The WA State Fallen Heroes Project began in 2007 when Kim Cole's son, Marine Corporal Darrel Morris, was killed in Iraq. Wanting to be sure he would never be forgotten, she had a large banner made with his name and picture on it and took it to an event for surviving families. Other survivors loved the idea, and soon Kim was taking orders for banners for their Heroes too. After having quite a few made, her very supportive husband asked just how many more she planned to do, wondering if he needed to start working overtime to pay for them. So, after having a conversation about the math, Kim felt maybe she better reach out and try and bring some community partners on board, and the VFW Auxiliary of Washington State willingly answered the call.
They were the first of many community partners who have come on board in support, and the Project now has over 380 banners of post 9/11 Fallen Heroes from the Pacific Northwest who died in service or as a result of their service. They are carried in parades and posted at businesses and events across the state.
In addition to the banners, the Project fulfills its mission through the Illuminating Courage Memorial, March for the Fallen, Heroes Garden and more.
The WA State Fallen Heroes Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit with EIN 46-2481053. We are volunteer and community supported, and so thankful to Kim and the founding families of Fallen Heroes who set the framework to make sure those who raise their hand to serve are honored, and those who die as a result of that service will ALWAYS be remembered and their families supported.
AAMOT, AARON
Birth Date :
Apr 12, 1987
Passing Date :
Nov 5, 2009
Hometown :
CUSTER
State :
WA
Branch :
ARMY
Rank :
E-4/Specialist
Fallen Story
Aaron Seth Aamot was born on April 12, 1987, in his grandmother’s house on the Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA. He was killed in action on November 5, 2009, in Afghanistan. Aaron was raised in Whatcom County on a small farm in Custer, WA. He was active in the Critters & Co. 4-H Club and the Ferndale FFA. The Whatcom Youth Fair and the Northwest Washington Fair were favorite events for Aaron. The attacks on September 11, 2001, gave Aaron the determination to serve his country in the armed forces. After graduating from Ferndale High School in 2006, he went to Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. After being stationed at Fort Lewis, Aaron enjoyed his role driving a Stryker vehicle in the newly formed 5th Stryker Brigade. The 5-2 SBCT deployed in July 2009 to the area around Kandahar. Aaron was driving his Stryker on a patrol when it hit a buried explosive. He is survived by his parents, Mark and Julie (Hinds) Aamot of Custer; siblings, Matthew (Angela), Joshua, Nellie (Ricky) Huisman, Benjamin (Catrina); Dale; Ethan; and Daniel. Grandparents are the late Arnold Aamot and Charlotte (Reeck) Aamot of Bellingham, and William and Donna (McDougle) Hinds of Sedro-Woolley. Aaron was a devoted uncle to nephews Elijah, Samuel, Oliver, and Nathaniel, and nieces, Evelyn, Janett, Ella, and Catherine. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Those wishing to honor Aaron’s memory and service may do so at any ICU branch where a fund has been started to benefit the 4-H Youth Programs in Whatcom County. Aaron’s family also requests that the community keep the soldiers who are still in harm’s way and their families in prayer.