Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Aaron Rusin spent most of his spare time at local fire departments as a volunteer, even when he was home on leave from the Army. "He was awesome. He was one of those kids who would do anything. You never had to ask him twice," said Barry Emerson, assistant chief for the Jackson Township fire department. Rusin, 19, of Johnstown, Pa., died Oct. 11 after being shot while driving in a military convoy, less than a month after he arrived in Iraq. He was based at Camp Howze, South Korea. An honors student, Rusin played football and ran track in high school and was a volunteer firefighter with two departments. Fellow firefighters described him as selfless and dutiful. He joined the Army after graduating from high school, in part to be like his father, three uncles and grandfather, who all served. He also wanted to use the GI Bill to pay for school. He is survived by his parents, Tim and Sandra Rusin. Tim Rusin said he had last talked with his son about a week ago: "He said everything was fine over there but he wanted to come home."
You are missed brother. I was thinking of you today and all the rest of us (44th EN BN )broken heart soldiers that came from Korea to Iraq. RIP Trooper.
Adam Roberts
February 13, 2017 | Colorado Springs, CO
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Rusin Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Aaron J. Rusin US Army Private 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of...
Charlie Gili
June 15, 2014 | Brooklyn, NY
To Everyone who has visited Aarons web sites with heartful messages over these last seven and a half years I want to let you know how much I appreciate all your kind words and thoughts...I miss my Aaron so much that it does help reading what you have said. To you Aaron my first son you are always everyday on my mind in my thoughts and prayers, Loved and missed emensley till God calls me home to be with you again xoxoxxxoxooxxoo from who Loved you first and the most, your mom
Sandi
May 03, 2012
Not a day goes by that you don't cross my mind.
Miss
October 13, 2011 | Nanty Glo, PA
To the family and friends of Pfc. Aaron J. Rusin:
Please accept my remembrance of Aaron on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
October 11, 2011 | Carson City, NV
I was aarons squad member in korea and iraq and my fellow squadmates wish to make a trip to visit his resting place but we don't know where it is if anyone can help us with the location please e mail me at holzemer86@yahoo dot com we are planing the trip for labor day and would like to meet any of aarons family as well. I miss him everyday and belive he was the real hero of that fatefull night. Chris holzemer of nashville a13 delta
chris holzemer
July 10, 2011 | Nashville, TN
I really only knew Aaron for several months before he passed away. I instantly grew attached to him because he was a special guy. Granted, I had never met him in person but I knew he was a guy I could depend on. The first and only time I ever saw him was at his viewing. I learned on my birthday, October 11th, that he passed away and it was heartbreaking. I miss him like crazy.
Ashley Matson
March 17, 2011 | New Florence, PA
To one of the best friends anyone could've asked for I still remember the last day I saw you like it was yesterday bawling on your shoulder trying to feed you animal cookies. I love and miss you buddy may your memory live w/ all your friends forever
April Lee Depto
March 09, 2011 | Hastings, PA
I still miss you Aaron...still think about driving out to your dads for Christmas one year, You annoying me with Free Bird, now I can't bare to hear that song, your mother threatening to spray us with the garden hose in your apartment (HAHA) I still have all the tiggers you sent from Korea & can you believe it Kylee turned 6 today? It's been such a long road but there are days when I hear your laugh & see your smile & see the tempo pull up & you getting out with orange roses...Not a day goes...
Missy
November 29, 2010 | Nanty Glo, PA