CUSTER, Wash. -- A tragedy in Afghanistan has a family devastated and this small Western Washington town in mourning.

Spec. Aaron Aamot, 22, was recently killed when his vehicle ran over a roadside bomb during his first deployment overseas.

His older brother, Matt Aamot, received the news last week.

"You kind of hope you're in a bad dream and will wake up, and the Army will say, 'We made a mistake,"' he said.

Aaron Aamot was a member of the Fort Lewis-based 5th Stryker brigade, a unit that had already lost eight of its own last month.

In the wake of tragedy, Matt Aamot says he and his family are strengthened by their faith as well as the support from their community.

"You know that you're going to volunteer to do something that may result in your death. You're willing to accept if that's what it takes," he said.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has ordered all flags to half-staff Thursday in memory of Aaron Aamot. His funeral will be held on Saturday at Ferndale High School, and will be open to the public.