Veterans Day is tomorrow, Nov. 11, so I'd like to take the time to thank members of the United States military, past and present, for their service and sacrifice. Click here for a list of Veterans Day events around the Salt Lake Valley.

President Barack Obama praised members of the United States military in a speech at Fort Hood, Texas today. "We need not look to the past for greatness, because it is before our very eyes," he said. Obama was in Fort Hood to honor victims of last Thursday's shooting rampage by Army Major Nadal Hasan, including Private Aaron Nemelka of West Jordan, who was killed, and Private Joey Foster of Ogden, who was wounded. "The stories of those at Fort Hood reaffirm the core values that we are fighting for and the strength that we must draw upon," Obama said. In talking about each of the victims, Obama mentioned that Nemelka was an Eagle Scout and came from a family with a tradition of military service.

This week's allotment of H1N1 Swine Flu appointments have been filled, according to the Salt Lake Valley Health Department's website and department spokesperson Pam Davenport. The appointments, which became available at 9 this morning, were all filled within about 15 minutes. However, more appointments will be available beginning at 9 a.m. next Tuesday, Davenport told me.

"The system we've been using has been working well for us," Davenport said. "Things have gone really smoothly, and we've received positive feedback from people."

The appointments will be available online through the SLVHD website and by phone at 801-743-7280.

The vaccine is only being given to select individuals considered at highest risk for complications from H1N1 (see below).

Eligible groups:

In addition to the upcoming SLVHD appointments, some Salt Lake Valley pharmacies still have H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine appointments available. Click here for a list of pharmacies that may have the H1N1 vaccine. I called a few of the pharmacies on the list, and most were out of the vaccine, but some still had doses available. By law, pharmacies are not allowed to vaccinate anyone under the age of 13.

The University of Utah Utes crushed the New Mexico Lobos yesterday at Rice Eccles Stadium, 45-14. The Utes' record is now 8-1, while New Mexico has dropped to 9-0.

Freshman Ute quarterback Jordan Wynn got his first start, and the Utes' offense looked good after a somewhat shaky first quarter. The Utes did score a touchdown in the first quarter on a 69-yard pass from Wynn to Jereme Brooks, but the Utes also fumbled three times and were -6 in rushing yards in the first quarter.

After that, the game was all Utes as the offense showed more variety than they have in past games. Besides Wynn's start, the other breakout offensive performance of the game was by Sausan Shakerin, who rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries. Running back Eddie Wide also rushed for over 100 yards for his sixth straight game, breaking a school record.

Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham has been analytical and candid about his reasons for switching quarterbacks from Terrance Cain to Jordan Wynn in the middle of the season. Plain and simple: even though the Utes were winning, Coach Whitt wasn't happy with the offense.

Here are some of Whittingham's quotes from the post-game press conference:

Opening statement:

"It's good to get another win under our belt. We performed much better in the second half. Jordan Wynn played well and we were happy with his performance. He's not playing like a true freshman. Eddie Wide had another big night and really got loose in the second half. We know next week we have a big game. It's going to be a big game next Saturday night [at TCU].

On the defense:

"The defense gave up a long drive early and near the end, but overall, they did what they should have."

On Jordan Wynn:

"He's a great decision maker. He understands the game and sees the big picture. He has a high football IQ and in that regard, I think he compares to Alex Smith. The most important thing that we have to do to help him next Saturday night is get the running game going and take care of the football. We put the ball on the carpet five times tonight, but we were fortunate to only lose one. That is something we definitely have to improve.

"Jordan is so savvy and he is able to understand everything that we throw at him. The playbook has been expanded. It's wide open now."

On the offensive line and long drives:

"They were able to wear out New Mexico's front seven. They helped us put together some long runs. The plays were called very well and we did a nice job of executing. But we have definitely become more consistent and have played with more of a rhythm than at any other time this season."

On Eddie Wide:

"Eddie's play has been the most important facet of our offensive production during the last six games."

On switching quarterbacks:

"From the get-go, we were looking for an opportunity to get Jordan in a game. We struggled on offense against Air Force and Wyoming and thought about making the switch. Just because you're winning, doesn't mean you can't improve. I don't regret not starting Jordan earlier this season but I'm happy with how things have progressed."

A 19-year-old soldier from West Jordan was among those shot and killed by U.S. Army Major Nidal Malik Hassan at Ft. Hood in Texas Thursday. Aaron Thomas Nemelka, a graduate of West Jordan High, was a combat engineer and had volunteered to be part of a team that would disable roadside explosive devices in Afghanistan.

Aaron's parents, Michael and Teena Nemelka, said in a prepared statement issued through the U. S. Army that they were "so proud to have him serve our country in the military." The family said Aaron was a "kind and loving son, brother, nephew, cousin and favorite uncle." Dozens of American flags filled the family's yard on Friday as Aaron's family, friends and fellow soldiers streamed in and out of the house offering their condolences.

I'm personally acquainted with members of the Nemelka family, and I want to express my heartfelt sorrow at their loss. I'm sure I speak for many Utahns and other Americans when I say my thoughts and prayers are with them.

Another Utahn, Joey Foster, was shot in the hip but helped pull others to safety during the incident. Both soldiers were at Ft. Hood's Soldier Readiness Center when the shootings occurred.

Comments from Aaron Nemelka's uncle and fellow soldier, Michael Blades

Comments from President Obama, Vice President Biden and U.S. Army officials on the Ft. Hood tragedy

Profile of Aaron Nemelka, from the Austin American Statesman

Photo by Ben Sklar/Getty Images