Aaron C Haynes

Aaron C. Haynes born on September 21, 1971, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida said farewell to his earthly bonds on March 13, 2024. He joined the United States Army in March 1989 as a 91M Bradley Fighting Vehicle Mechanic but followed his lifelong dream and became an Indirect Fire Infantry Soldier, 11C, and Paratrooper in 1992. He served as a proud Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division for many years and held the positions of Mortar Gunner, Squad Leader, Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and participated in the recovery Operation after Hurricane Fran. Aaron’s other assignments were Drill Sergeant at Fort Moore, Georgia (formerly known as Fort Benning, GA), a Recruiter in Ft. Lauderdale, a tour in South Korea at Camp Casey, a tour with the Multi-National Force and Observers in the Sinai Peninsula Egypt/Israel, a tour with the 101st Airborne Division, a tour in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Military Transition Team (MITT), Team Leader and as Senior ROTC Instructor tour at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia where he shaped the next generation of Army Officers. Aaron served for a total of 22 Honorable years, attended 23 military schools to further his education and enhance his career, and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8) before retiring. Aaron’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon #3, Multinational Force & Observer Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist and Jumpmaster Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Basic Recruiter Badge with Three Gold Stars and Expert Marksman Qualification Badge M-4 Carbine and Mortar.

In 2011 Aaron continued to protect his country joining the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) by becoming the Assistant Chief of the Security Services Division, before being promoted to Chief of the Security Services Division.

Besides his duties in protecting the United States, he received a commendation for going out of his way to aid an individual with dementia who found himself lost and disoriented in the USIBWC parking lot.

Aaron was a member of the Army/Navy Masonic Lodge #306, District 14A, in Hampton Virginia where he was known for his generosity, kindness, willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need, and brotherly love.

In addition to these, his proudest accomplishment was his daughter Savannah Elizabeth and being a devoted husband to his Household Six a/k/a spousal unit of 27 years, Kelley Elizabeth Haynes (Townsend), and his fur babies, Spencer and Chloe and his platoon of turtles. Aaron was preceded in death by Nicholas & Eva Vujanich (Grandparents), Milan Vujanich (Uncle), Dorothy Vujanich (Aunt), and Mary Spencer Townsend (Betsy, mother-in-law). Aaron leaves behind his father Bob and Lorraine Haynes, sisters Kimberly and Heather, cousins Kimberly and Michelle, father-in-law Daniel B. Townsend, brother-in-law Daniel S. and Lea Townsend and aunt Carol Vujanich, and hundreds of friends, neighbors, colleagues, frustrated chili cooks, dessert makers, white elephant aficionados, and his adopted El Paso Family whom shall forever carry in their hearts the memory of his smile and sense of humor. Aaron’s lifelong friends, throughout the world, were often welcomed in his home and he was always willing to help a friend, as he knew no strangers. Savannah, Kelley, and the Haynes Family would like to thank Maria Elena Giner, Commissioner USIBWC, and staff for their help and professionalism during this difficult time. The Celebration of Aaron’s Life is on April 5, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Memorial Services have been entrusted to Hillcrest West, 5054 Doniphan Drive, El Paso, Texas, 79932 (915) 587-0202. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the 82nd Airborne Division Association Scholarship/Education Fund at https:// 82ndairborneassociation.org/donate.html and in the comments specify it is for the Scholarship/Education Fund.

May he rest in Peace, till Valhalla!