Aaron M. LaTona

HAMPTON - Aaron Matthew LaTona, 38, died May 11, 2005. He was born on February 12, 1967 in Napa, California. Aaron enlisted in the Army on 28 December 1990, attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, S.C. and MOS training as a UH-60 Blackhawk Repairer at USAALS, Fort Eustis Virginia. Master Sgt. LaTona later returned to Fort Jackson as a Senior Drill Sergeant and then to Fort Eustis as Chief, Structures and Pneudraulics Division. Master Sgt. LaTona earned an Associates Degree in Aviation Maintenance from North Central Technical College. Master Sgt. LaTona has previously served with 3/25 Aviation, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum N.Y.; 1/160 Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell Ky.; 2/2 Aviation, 2d Infantry Division, Camp Stanley Korea; 5/101 Airborne Division, Fort Campbell Ky.; 3d Battalion, 1st Basic Combat Training Brigade, Fort Jackson S.C.; and the United States Army Aviation Logistics School, Fort Eustis Va. Master Sgt. LaTona was known by all that served with him as the consummate professional. He lived the NCO Creed and the Drill Sergeant Creed at all times. Master Sgt. LaTona had the training and experience from previous assignments that made him an excellent noncommissioned officer and trainer for Soldierization, which he did in both BCT and technical arena. Master Sgt. LaTona's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (7OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2dAwd), Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Awd), National Defense Service Medal (2d Awd), Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2dAwd), NCOPD (3), Overseas Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Master Sgt. LaTona wore the Airborne, Air Assault, and Senior Aviation Badge, decorated with the Honorable Order of St. Michael award. Master Sgt. LaTona is survived by his wife, Tonya Furr LaTona; son, Aaron Matthew "AJ" LaTona, Jr.; daughter, Heather LaTona; mother and step-father, Patricia Lee and Bobby Turnley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Sharon Furr; and grandson, DeGraig LaTona. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, May 16, 2005 at the Fort Eustis Regimental Chapel with interment to follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton, Va. 23669. Contributions may be made to any Bank of America in honor of Master Sgt. Aaron M. LaTona Memorial Fund.