Aaron Clayton Hughes

I was Aaron's Section Leader on our deployment when he was a Marine. I often think about him and how positive he was regarding just about anything. No one in my 20 year career taught me more about leading men than Aaron did. He was an exceptional man and person. His loss is truly profound. To his children I would tell them their dad was a special man, full of energy and life. He cared deeply about them, he cared deeply about those around him. To give you just one small example of the type of person he was. One time we were wrestling in my front yard in front of my two boys. Aaron was bigger and stronger than I am, yet in front of my two kids, he let me win. Simply a great man. I am proud to have called him my friend and Marine brother. Semper Fidelis Aaron - you are missed. CWO3 Michael Adams USMC retired. (aka SSgt Michael Adams - 13th Meu)

Aaron brought me into the Marine Corps and believed in me even when I didn't know what I wanted to do. He was a good guy to know and a great friend to have, I am deeply saddened to hear that he has passed on. I would like to send his family my best though I did not know them personally! I am truly lucky to have known Sgt Hughes, without him I never would have had a chance to work at the Presidential Helicopter Squadron on Marine One! Thanks Sgt Hughes
Cpl Sara Roe USMC Centertown, KY

I think of Aaron daily. He was my best friend for many years. We grew up playing all summer, walking to school daily, goofing off on the weekends, and running around doing things that made great memories.

When I enlisted in the Marines I thought I would be alone in that journey and soon after Aaron enlisted. We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving together in NC before he went to Japan. We enjoyed the evening by dusting off old memories and talking about what the journey ahead would hold. I would have never guessed in a million years how the journey would end.

As time passed we exchanged phone calls and found a few moments to share. At every major turn in my life or Aaron's we called one another and discussed what the future would hold. I still look in my cell phone and the first two numbers are Aaron cell and Aaron home. I can't tell you how I daily have to remind myself the surreal feeling of Aaron being gone is a reality.

I love Aaron and he will always be a part of my life. He was very special to many people and the one thing we must all remember is Aaron is gone, but not forgotten and will always be alive in our memories and heart. Two songs bring him back to me and when I listen I think of the great times. The Marine Corps hymn makes me think of Aaron guarding the streets of heaven while Tim McGraw's song My Old Friend is the easiest way for me to say to Aaron, see ya when I see ya but I promise I will see ya again.

I love you and will always remember.

Semper Fidelis,

Nathan, we are so sorry for your loss. Aaron was a friend who I had lost touch with over the years and I missed his friendship deeply. We are praying for you and your family

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

WHEN I FIRST HEARD I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE NEWS.YOU HAVE ALL BEEN IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF AARON. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON!

Aaron was a big part of our family for many years. He will be greatly missed. Sandy,Wade,Nathan, and families you are in our every prayer and know if you ever need anything just call. Aaron left behind a priceless gift. His children and Aaron will live on forever through those precious kids. They are truly gifts from God.

Aaron will always be a part of the fond memories I have of high school, the basketball team and good friends. I remember his grin from ear to ear and his good natured personality. He will truly be missed by those whose paths crossed his. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

I've known Aaron since highschool and I still can't believe he's gone.
When I think of Aaron, I think of one word...FUN. Because anytime you were around him, trust me you'd be laughing. If you weren't he would just pick on you until you did.
Aaron was most definately one of a kind. He had his own unique set of phrases and vocabulary that gave us all a good laugh. He was always so friendly to everyone. Even if you hadn't seen him in awhile, he made you feel like it was just yesterday. He'd greet you with that great big smile of his(that i'll never forget)followed by a warm hug, and a little sarcastic humor of course. I know that he not only made an imprint on my life, but on everyone that met him. Aaron, I'll miss you always.
Nathan&Sandy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU NOW AND ALWAYS. LOVE YOU SANDY AND FREDDIE

I noticed another entry in the guestbook about Aaron's favorite saying, "No worries!" I remember him always saying that to me, too. That was how he lived his life, with no worries. Another saying I remembered today that he used was "Bull butter!" When I think of this, it makes me laugh, and I thought it may bring a smile to some of your faces.... as you may remember him saying this also. Aaron looked so peaceful today, as I know he is now - at peace. Love you Aaron!!

We just want to let you know that we will always be here for all of you and we loved Aaron just like a brother. We still can't believe he is gone, but we also have all the wonderful memories of him. Call on us anytime you need us and remember you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.
Love, Tater, Dawn, Justus and Calleigh

Don and I are truly saddened to hear of AAron's passing. I met him in Vevay shortly after my son went into the Marines. Aaron spent a lot of time talking to me about the Corp and what my son had in store. I have always appreciated the time he spent reassuring me of my son's choice.
our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this time.
Susan and Don Mahan

We are so sorry about his death. Hope that you seek some comfort from God. We pray for you and the rest of our family during this tragedy. Love you and so sad we could not be with you today. You are in our thoughts. Danny, Nilka, Javier y Antonio.

Sandy,Nathan,Wade
You are in our thoughts and prayers

I didnt know Aaron, I had only met him one time several years ago but my heart goes out to his family. God has a way of bringing peace to you if you ask. I pray he brings you all comfort during this tragic
time. 2Corinthians 1:1-5

I still cannot believe Aaron is gone, but hopefully, as time heals, things will get will get easier for everyone. Just think, each day is one day closer to seeing him again. My mom was right. He was my first love and although I am married with children of my own now, I will always have a special place for Aaron in my heart. He loved life more than life itself, could light up a room, and turn any cloudy day into a sunny one. I love and miss you terribly Aaron!!!!!

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

My other best-friend Ben and I, were Aaron's first two recruits in the Marine Corps. HE made me who I am today and I never got to thank him. He was the best man I have ever known...EVER...I wrote this for him this evening without a single backspace or second glance.
This is how I personally (and believe many many countless others) feel and felt about Aaron's precense in our lives. (He would kick me for not calling him Sgt. Hughes)


He was my father.

He was my savior too.

He held me close...

as he did with you.

His smile held the key

to any heart's beat.

His laughter and compassion

swept us all from our feet.

As close as a brother

as close as my dad

It goes without saying

he was the best friend I ever had.

His passion and perseverance

made this man out of me

He taught me to think twice,

love life

and not live so carelessly.

Any blessings I've been blessed

any good cards I've been dealt

were not that of luck or chance

But yet the words he molded me from

not because I heard them

because I felt.

He picked on me like a bully

corrected me when I was wrong

But amidst the discipline and fathering

We made jokes and sang country songs.

He made me a man

long before the Marines.

He taught me let go of the foolish grudges

And hold out to fight for bigger and better things.

I've cried on his shoulder

I've counted bottle tops in his truck.

He got me to sign on the dotted line

then sent me off with a smile and "good luck"

If I had my best friend

right here with me

right here today.

I would not know where to begin

I would not know what to say.

But thank you for making me

everything that I am.

Everything I ever will be

and doing everything I can.

To carry on your love and laughter

to every smiling face.

And make this world,

just as you did...

A brighter and better place.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

To all family and friends. The world has lost a very special person and the heavens have gained one. Aaron never met a stranger and was always there to give everybody the laugh. If you needed anything Aaron would be the first to offer you a helping hand wether it be out of his way or not. To the family Aaron will be missed greatly by everone but should not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.

I'm not sure where to begin. My dad has worked at Gallatin Steel since they opened and he has seen guys come and seen guys go. But then came Aaron.
Aaron has worked with my dad for the last 2 years, and since then my father has not been right.
Aaron has had an enormous amount of laughs and cries with my dad. He was, by far, my dad best friend.
We would go to Bullitt County together several times a year to the machine gun shoot, and to see both of them was like 2 kids in Chuck-E-cheese. Needless to say, never a dull moment when they were together.
And those times when Lil' Aaron joined them were always very eventful times. And then you would add Wade in there and oh my.
Aaron always had a giant smile on his face and no worries in the world.
I would like to say to Nathan & Sandy, thank you so much. You have raised amazing children who touch everyones hearts when they meet them.
To Wade & Amy, thank you for inviting us into your home and allowing my father to be a part of this sad farewell. Please know that no matter how far away, we will always be here for you. Don't forget that.
Always remember to express your feelings towards people, because there might not always be a tomorrow.
I hope that you all know that we love you all and we will miss Aaron forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please stay in touch.

Aaron was four years ahead of me in high school but I can remember him always being around to help my cousins family with their tobacco crop in the summer time. He was always making everybody laugh and ready to help whenever needed. He will me greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. May God bless each and every one of you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I knew Aaron in high school, and he was always such a nice guy. He was a friend of my brothers, Aaron and Eric Middendorf. As we grow older and begin our own lives, we tend to forget some people and others we will always remember. Aaron is one of those people. He always had something kind and tender about him with a great since of humor. My heart goes out to his family and you are in my prayers. God Bless.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

I loved him like a son. My son and my son's best friend were the first 2 "babies" he recruited. He made himself available to my son Johnathan any time of the night or day. He was the big brother to Johnathan, and my daughter Annie's first love. He was at my dinner table many a night and made countless trips with me to Greenwood High School to take care of Johnathan's needs. I got my last phone call from him 3 weeks ago. He called to say hello and see how we were doing. That was not unusual for him. He never forgot us. He captured our hearts with his charm and wit. Thank you, Aaron Hughes, for changing our lives forever. We love you so and will miss you deeply.

The Wright Family

I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR THE NEWS OF AARON, I MET AARON IN BOWLING GREEN WHEN HE STARTED RECUITING, I WAS A NAVY RECRUITER MYSELF. AARON WOULD COME OUTSIDE AND SIT ON MY BIKE, WITH HIS LONG LEGS AND ARMS IT SEEMED SMALL, HE WOULD MAKE A COOL FACE WITH A SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR, TALKING ABOUT HOW HE IS GOING TO GET ONE AND HE DID,HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN BOWLING GREEN, WHILE RECRUITING HE HAD GIRLS COME IN TO HAVE A MARINE AND GUYS CAME IN TO BE A MARINE. I SPEAK FOR MYSELF AND ALL THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY'S AT AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE.
BROTHER AS YOU ALWAYS SAID PIECE CHICKEN GREASE. RUBBERSIDE DOWN,
SAYLOR BOB.

Aaron's charm was in his ability to make people immediately feel accepted. One minute you would be on the receiving end of one of his jokes and the next he would be including you when making fun of someone else. Nothing was off limits for Aaron, if it meant making someone laugh, and that is why everyone wanted to be around him. I played many sports with Aaron. I had to gaurd him in grade school basketball, face him on the mound in little league (he had a wild arm) and then I went on to cheer him on as a team mate in High School baseball. We all know, he was gifted athletically, there wasn't much he couldn't do. As in most small towns everybody wanted to be friends with the star athletes, but Aaron was different. People didn't want to be around Aaron because he was a basketball player or a baseball player. They wanted to be around him for his personality, his simile, his humor. Anyone who really knew him, loved him.

There are a few people in life who you don't see often maybe every few months or even years, but when you do see them it is like you were never apart. That is how Aaron was. As soon as you saw him, it was old stories and old nick names and famous sayings that only Aaorn could pull off. A part of everyone who was touched by Aaron will be missing but we won't ever forget him.

To all of Aaron's family I hope you have confort in knowing how much he was a part of making his friends and classmates who we are today.

Dear Hughes Family,

On behalf of the Franklin R. Sousley Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green Kentucky I would like to personally extend our condolences in the loss of Aaron. As fellow Marines we share in your loss and grief. The Marines are truly a brotherhood/fraternity and when we lose a fellow brother, so young and full of life, it leaves all with a heavy heart. We know that he will be sorely missed. However, we are all certain that he leaves cherished memories that will help lessen the pain and burden of his loss for the years to come. Never hesitate to call upon our organization if you feel the need for assistance. May God continue to provide guidance and comfort during this time. Semper Fi.

Bruce A. Larson: Commandant

I met Aaron when he came to Bowling Green as a recruiter and he lived in my company's apartments. He was always happy and friendly to all of us at Chandler. His favorite saying was "No worries". Later, after he'd moved, anytime he'd check in, it was all about "his babies" and how much he loved being a father and what joy his family brought him. He was a good man and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.

I was shocked when I heard the news. I was just working with him the day before. He was in such a good mood like always. He made everybody laugh and put them in high spirits when somebody was down. He was a helping hand and a true friend. The family and friends will be in my prayers. I am going to miss you Aaron.

I got to know Aaron while stationed with him in Bowling Green, Ky. Since we both grew up in the same area, Vevay for him and Lawrenceburg for me, we would always talk about how things were back home. Aaron was the type of person that could always find the way to make you laugh even if things weren't going your way and you were having a bad day. Everytime you saw him he was smiling and seemed in such a great mood. Aaron, you will be missed brother and thanks for the memories you gave me to keep forever. Nathan and Sandy, thanks for raising such a good man and my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your families. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

When I received the news about Aaron I could not believe it. I remember in the winter of 2005, Aaron picked up my daughters along with Kody and was taking them to a movie, on the way they got into a car accident. Not being able to get ahold of my husband or myself, Aaron comforted my daughters. Aaron was a wonderful man that is going to be missed dearly. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Hughes family.

My son met Aaron at the recruiting office in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Aaron came to my home to talk with me and my husband about my son joining the Marines. We took an instant liking to him. Even though my son did not join, he became a fast friend and visted my family on many occasions. He was a fine person and we were blessed to know him. I had heard he had married and we will pray for his wife, children, parents and other family members. We only knew him for a short while, but we loved him.

Dear Sandy & Nathan,

Yesterday when my mom called and told me the news I could not believe and still cannot believe that Aaron is gone. I am sure your disbelief that Aaron is gone is even greater. I went to school with Aaron from elementary to graduating with him in 94. Aaron was always kind to me and got along with everyone. One of my foundest memories of Aaron was the time that Sandy, Aaron and I went to Madison to the old theatre to see the movie Hoosiers.

Though time and distance makes friends and school memories fade, my memories of how good of a person Aaron was will not. You raised a great son that grew to be a great man and father. My sincerest sympathy to you both and your family.

Donna I just wanted to express my sympathy in the loss of your son. I use to work with you in the emergency room before I moved to Fort Wayne, IN. God's Blessings to you and your family.
Tina Linker

I really dont believe that he is gone. I met Aaron in 2000 when I walked into the recruiters office and we hit it off wonderfully. I remember I asked him why he had so much grey hair at 25 years old and true to Aaron he said "Man I got a 14 year old kid" I just said well thatll do it.Soon after meeting him we got an apartment together as we were both some really displaced Marines in the strange world of the Civilian. He is one of my greatest friends and the time we shared an apartment was nothing short of extremely amusing. I will never forget that buck toothed smile which never seemed to leave his face, it didnt matter what the situation may have been you could count on Aaron to smart off with something funny albeit original. Aaron loved his children so much it was obsessive. He was a loyal friend no matter what. He never did anything the way people wanted him to do it (especially recruiting) but always managed to outdo all of his peers. I will miss Aaron and I will never forget him. As for the Hughes family I want to extend my deepest sympathy and I want you to know that your family is in our prayers. Rest in peace brother.

I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THAT AARON IS GONE. I SAID A PRAYER FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY AT CHURCH SUNDAY AND TO JUST LET AARON KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE LOVED HIM AND WILL MISS HIM. I PRAY THAT GOD WILL HELP THE FAMILY TO GET THROUGH THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.

Aaron was such a wonderful happy person. I first met him as a recruiter in Bowling Green and later got to know him as a dear friend of my dad Ricky Hudson. They shared a passion for family and Harley's too. The one thing that sticks out in my mind about Aaron was his deep love for his family, there was rarely a time that I saw him that he didn't have Aaron Jr. with him or wasn't talking constantly about him. It was a true pleasure to have known him and will dearly miss him. It was truly an honor. God bless.

We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Aaron will be greatly missed by all those that knew him. Our prayers are with you.

Although I didn't know Aaron I know the rest of the family very well. Nathan, Donna,Nelson,Wade,Amy,Brian,Keisha you all are in our thoughts