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Aaron Smith Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
Sgt. Aaron A. Smith, Sr., 31, of Sacramento, CA, died September 14, 2006. Sgt. Smith was serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army at the time of his death. Among Sgt. Smith's military awards include the, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Expeditionary Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Service Ribbon. He is survived by his wife, Fran Smith; son, Aaron A. Smith, Jr.; daughter, Briana Smith; father, Dr. Kweku Smith; mother, Theresa Smith; and sister, Adlaide Amponsah. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 10 o'clock at Patterson's Arlington Chapel. Interment with full military honors will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday from 5 to 8 o'clock at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd, Sandy Springs (404) 851-9900.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Aaron Smith
Raymond Webster
September 14, 2021
Had the privilege of going to basic training and Fort Hood with him. Such. a great person but even a great human.being.Your legacy will for live on through me and all of your 3/16 FA buddies. We love you and we will miss you.
Peggy Childers
September 15, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Aaron A. Smith:
Please accept my remembrance of Aaron on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
jake quiroga
September 14, 2011
Been almost 5 years buddy and I still think of you on a daily basis. We may not have spent much time together, but in the short while you were a true friend, great soldier and out standing NCO. RIP my friend
Hector Borges
May 29, 2011
He will NEVER, EVER, be forgotten! When I first met him, we were at Fort Jackson, SC waiting to be shipped out to Germany. When I first arrived there I didn't know anybody I'm hispanic and did not speak much english at the time, but some how he manage to approach me and establish a friendship from there. Then we find out we were heading the same way, Baumholder, Germany. He was a great men and friend and I mean it when I said that he will NEVER be forgotten. Gob Bless his Family!
Anita Redden
March 9, 2011
Never Ever Forgotten. Your light shines bright and will never burn out. It is in the Smile of your son..
Peggy Childers
September 14, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. Aaron A. Smith:
Remembering Aaron on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
kyron regis
October 4, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of SGT Aaron Smith. RIP BROTHER SSG(P) REGIS
Peggy Childers
September 14, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Aaron A. Smith:
Aaron gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
March 21, 2009
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
jacob Quiroga
October 10, 2008
I can't believe it has been more than 2 years since that day Smitte. Not a day passes when I dont see your smiling face. You had a way of making any situation better. I will always remember the day I was upset about a personal issue. You looked at me and said In 5 years is it really gonna matter. I had to laugh and say no it wont. You had the ability to raise the morale of everyone around you. On 14 Seo 2006 not only did I lose a fellow NCO but I lost a brother and more and importantly a friend. God bless you and your family. I know you are in heaven with the lord. I will never understand why that day happened to us but all I can do is make sure your name lives on. I know that deep down there will always be a part of SGT Smith in me.
SSG Quiroga
In Memory of Aaron ~ (Debra Estep)
September 14, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Aaron, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
June 4, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Smith!
Roger Peters
January 21, 2008
Loss; the harm or privation resulting from loss or separation, a person or thing or an amount that is lost: as a plural: killed, wounded, or captured soldiers...
Ms. Smith, don't know how or even where to begin this, or why I've chosen to write about such pain. I know its ben a long time since we lost Aaron...I guess Im doing it because of the pain that I know is out there. My fellow brothers who are suffering just as much if not more than I am. I wrote this a couple days after "Smity" was killed!!!! I posted it on my blog, but could never find the write legacy site to post it on.
As I sit here the tears stream down my face. I wonder WHY, why did it have to be him....then I stop and ask myself why did it have to be any of them. They did not ask to be there, but they went as we all do. Providing a service to help ensure that a country of people, so tormented by a regime of self centered, venomous men. Can have what we back in the US call freedom!!!
This is what my fellow comrades were doing, they did not choose to be there, they were put there. They would have chosen to be home with family, friends, and loved ones... But they went where they were needed, put there by those who felt that these tormented souls needed them the most. Today I have lost someone who I've had the distinct pleasure of watching grow into what we as senior leaders all hope to produce, at least once or twice in our careers. A future leader who has a passion for taking care of soldiers, a vision that is unsurpassed by any young, bright, and desirous young man!!!
I knew him like not too many others had the opportunity to. We shared a lot of life's stories...especially about being in the military. He came to me as a young, energetic, focused, and eager young soldier. I was given the pleasure of mentoring him for the short period of time that he worked for me... He possessed a leadership style that all young soldiers could only be envious of! What I seen in him was what I was as a young soldier...A passionate leader.
The pain that I feel, has not consumed me yet, but I know in time it will... I have lost comrades before and this time is no different. Except for the fact that I knew this soldier, I helped raise this soldier, I helped mentor and mold this soldier... For me this is as close as it gets!!!
We all share in the pain and the grief that a Wife, child, mother, father, sister, and brother are going thru and will have to go thru for many years to come. This is not any easy task, but it is one that we will all travel together! for him!!! His life will live on in us all, in his fellow soldiers, leaders, and friends...but more importantly he will live on in me, for I knew him like no other....
I miss you man!!
Smoke Pete!!!!
p.s.
If there is anything I can ever do. Please feel free to contact me. Day or Night. God Bless
August 16, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 31, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Smith and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Gary Allain
July 18, 2007
Sgt. Aaron A. Smith
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
Linda Flannery
June 7, 2007
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of this brave soldier. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and know that all of America shares in your sorrow.
My flag flies in honor of Sgt Smith
Glen
February 2, 2007
“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers
Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever
Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away
Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go
We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light
Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray
Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 10, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Smith family in the loss of Aaron. I did not know Aaron, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Aaron you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Bryson Gappa
October 1, 2006
Sgt. Aaron A. Smith
His courage, heroism, and duty to his country will be honored, just as the 248 Texans who went before him. We continue the Memorial Trees project and it is with pride and sadness that I make another ornament. Please accept my sympathies for the loss of your hero.
Amy Rochon- Cain
September 26, 2006
Smith Family
I am the aunt of Marcus Cain (another soldier that was killed in the same attack that claimed the life of Sgt. Smith). I would like to send my deepest sympathy to your family, and let you know that we are praying for you guys.
Vivian&Brock Bohley
September 26, 2006
Fran i want you to know that Brock and I will always be here for you even if were so far away.. We will keep you in our prays and thoughts
We love you guys...
On Eagle's Wings
And He will raise you up
on eagle's wings.
bear you on the
breath of dawn.
Make you to shine like the
wun,and hold you in the
palm of his hand
Trust In Him
Love you guys
Rosana Quinones
September 26, 2006
Fran, I just want to let you know that you, Aaron, and Brianna are in my prayers. The whole family sends their condolences and love. God sent another angel home. Aaron was such a good man and I know that he was your soulmate. Just remember that I love you guys so much and I am always thinking about you. RIP Aaron
Anita Redden
September 25, 2006
Fran,
I want you to know that you can turn to me if you need me. I will always be here for you and my niece and nephew.
"He Himself has said,
I will not in any way fail you
nor give you up
nor leave you without support."
Hebrews 13:5
May your troubled heart
find peace and comfort in the knowledge
that you are never alone.
May God's presence ease
your trembling spirit and give you rest.
He knows how you feel.
He is ever aware of your circumstances
and ready to be your strength,
your grace, and your peace.
He is there to cast sunlight
into all of your darkened shadows,
to send encouragement through the love
of friends and family, and
to replace your weariness with new hope.
Shannon, Charles and Kaylee Dodd
September 25, 2006
Dear Fran and Family,
Shannon and I valued the time we got to spend with you here, and we are so terribly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. If you ever need anything please let us know. Aaron is a hero and was a great husband and father. I never got the chance to meet him because i was in afghanistan but Shannon said she did, and he was a great guy. I wish there was someway we could help you and i really dont know what to say or do, but i pray for you and your family everyday. We will always be here for you anything you need please let us know.
Reginald Orr
September 25, 2006
Smitty, How could it be that you are no longer here? Maybe God needed more smiles in Heaven. Though you are gone, you will never be forgotten. The Cobras have lost a brother, but we were truly blessed to have had you in our lives. Our prayers continue to go out to your family and we know that right now you are smiling down on us.
Janiqua Davis
September 25, 2006
Fran, our words cant express enough the sympothy we have for u and your family. We ask of u, that if you need anything or maybe just someone to talk to we will be there with open ears and arms. We appreciate everything that u and your family has done for us. Like i said before we love u and ur family and our thoughts of memories and condolences are always with u Brianna and little Aaron. Nikki& KB [email protected]
Janice Boyd
September 25, 2006
To Fran and her children. I want to let you know that you and your children are in my prayers. I asked God to carry you at this tough time in your life. God Bless you.
Tameka Waller
September 25, 2006
Fran you know I love you and my heart goes out to you for your unexpected lost. I will keep you and your family in prayer. May GOD give you peace through this time of grief.
Lee Sirotnak
September 25, 2006
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We will be always grateful for the sacrifice that your Soldier, Aaron, made. God bless you and your family with comfort and peace. We will not forget.
ken and tip ruff
September 25, 2006
From the Ruff family to the Smith's God will never put more on you than you can bear.Out of everyone who loves you GOD love you the most....
Donald Allen
September 24, 2006
I am a vietnam vet. I donot know you or your family, but you can be very proud that this young man was willing to serve his country. God bless your family. Donald J Allen Capt USAF 1963-1969
Willie and Samantha Simmons
September 24, 2006
To Fran and the kids, You guys know there is nothing I would not do for you. Aaron asked me and Samantha to be there for AJ. And there is no other way that I would have it. Briana is also a part of my family now. Anything you guys ever want or need, We are here for you. AJ will always have a father figure in his life. That,s a promise I made to Aaron. We Love You Guys!!!!!!!!!!!
ELIZABETH CROSS
September 24, 2006
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF SGT. AARON SMITH. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS THE PAIN OF LOSING SOMEONE SO YOUNG AND VITAL. I LOST A SON IN BAGDAD ON 8-27-06. HE WAS THE COMMANDER OF A STRYKER THAT WAS HIT BY AN IED. HOLD ON TO ALL THE MEMORIES. HE LIVES ON IN THE HEART OF EVERYONE THAT HE TOUCHED. GOD BLESS YOU.
lisa, roberto, and alexavier ceballos
September 24, 2006
I would like Fran and the rest of her family to know that we are thinking about you all, every day. We wish that we could be there with you right now to stand by your side and help you through these tough times. I told you before that I will be there in spirit and if you need anything at all, dont hesitate to ask. I am here for you as you were there for me. Aaron is watching from above and he is also with you all guiding you in the right direction.
September 23, 2006
To the Family of Sgt. Aaron A. Smith:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
ROBYN GARSIDE
September 23, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOU. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Garnet Jenkins
September 23, 2006
My Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Sgt. Aaron A. Smith.
The price this young hero and his family have paid for this country and our freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
There is so much thanks to be given, for these young heroes, for their Courage, Service and Dedication.
May Aaron rest safely in God's Mighty Hands and may God's Loving Comfort and Grace be with the Smith family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.
Psalm 55:22
With each new day, may the Lord restore your soul and, through His love, give you the strength to go on.
Softly and slowly...
Time heals...
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