Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Navy Hospitalman Aaron A. Kent

28, of Portland, Oregon.
Kent died from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Fallujah, Iraq. Kent was assigned to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on April 23, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Navy Hospitalman Aaron A. Kent.

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Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"Gone but never forgotten!!!"
Matt of Everett Washington

"Good morning,

I am the Corpsman who took care of Aaron back in Fallujha back in 2005. I was at HN same as Aaron when we were in fallujah. It has now almost been 8 yrs later I still think of that day and i still think of him, i have treated and taken care of many guys over the years, but he is one person I can never forget.

After all these years I still take a day off from work to remember him on his anniversary.

Mr and Mrs Kent please know I feel your pain, I will never forget that young man. my tattoo 'Some give their all' is something I have do e to remember my fallen brothers and sisters, and it means a great deal.


Please feel free and email me at imortal7805@gmail.com

V/r
HM1 Kissoon"
Nigel of Twentynine palms, Ca

"Good morning,

I am the Corpsman who took care of Aaron back in Fallujha back in 2005. I was at HN same as Aaron now almost 8 yrs later I still think of that day. The day I will never forget, I have that feeling in my soul that I have never been able to let go and not a day that goes by I don't remember that young man we call Aaron Kent.

After all these years I still take a day off from work to remember him on his anniversary.

Mr and Mrs Kent please know I feel your pain, I will never forget. Hence my tattoo 'Some give there all'.

Please feel free and email me at imortal7805@gmail.com

HM1 Kissoon"
Nigel of Twentynine palms, Ca

"Thank you, you are a hero for eternity."
Officer A. Richardson of Schenectady NY

"I am thinking about you Aaron, and your wonderful family. You are so loved and missed."
Jennifer of Portland,OR

"I was in Boot Camp and Hospital Corpsman training with Aaron. He was always making us laugh. I'll never forget his eyes, his smile, his laugh or the goofy way he danced. He was a truly an amazing friend, man and corpsman! He is greatly missed by many."
Amanda Green of San Diego, Ca (Prior HM3)

"Wow life just aint the same fam you are my brotha from another mother it is so hard for me i still cry it just hit me a few months ago that your gone forever its been 5 years wow i will never forget you never i love u Lucky all yo boyz miss you here in the Rose City Rip DOC Kent"
Jerm Andrews of portland oregon

"One of the finest Corpsman I have ever had the privilege to work with. HM3 Kent, you were one of the first guys I met upon my arrival in 1/6. I was a young 3rd class and you have left an impression in my heart and mind that will last a life time. The "Docs" of 1/6 were a family. You my friend,, were that Big Brother. Your gifted spirit and embracing personality shined a light on our gloomy days. Thank you for all the fond memories and most importantly, thank for your service. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten...."
HM1(FMF) Juan Munoz, SMDR/IDC of USS KAUFFMAN FFG 59, Norfolk VA

"Hey Kent,

What's up man. I have never felt a family so close as the corpsmen that I have lived and fought beside in 1/6. Right now I am with an Air wing believe it or not and I am now fighting to go back to boots on ground. It is people like you Kent that we have a reason to keep fighting. It's all about the person next to you. God bless your family, Kent. I will be sure to drink and smoke one for you on Memorial Day. RIP."
HM2 (FMF) Hochheimer of Iwakuni, Japan

"Hey Doc! Nearly five years later and I'm still thinking of you. Life on ship in the Javelins Plt would have been mind-numbing without you and I remember trying to keep you from beating that other Sailor in Spain. As was already said on here, you were definitely the life of any situation and I only wish I could've gotten to know you more. ZZ Top will always remind me of you no matter how much further down the road I hear one of their songs. I love you man and will never forget you."
Cory Canterbury of Quantico, Va

"I Just returned from another deployment from Iraq and saw something very interesting. there was an LZ (landing zone) named after Aaron. the SgtMaj for 6th Marines kept the dedication plaque from the LZ when the base shut down. He is wanting to create a dedicated monument to Aaron utilizing the plaque. He is in need of a photo of Aaron. Please contact me about this. jason.gamble@med.navy.mil

I did know Aaron...we worked together for a short while in Great Lakes...I was a good and honorable man. My prayers and thoughts are and will continue to be with his family."
HM2 (FMF) Jason S. Gamble of Great Lakes, IL

"April 15, 2009
To the family of Hospitalman Aaron A. Kent:
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"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"To the family of:Aaron A.Kent I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"I wear Doc Kent's hero bracelet. I was a Navy Corpsman too. I only know about Aaron from what I have read. I think about his sacrifice every day."
Jamie Clements of Murfreesboro, TN

"To your family Aaron,
I served with Aaron while he was in the 22 MEW aboard the USS Wasp. After their tour in Afghanistan, the corpsman of the MEW came back to the ship. He would come to my office and we would just talk about music.
Now, when I give any of my lectures concerning operational medicine, I open with a picture of the Wasp corpsman (Marine and Navy alike)that were on my ship with the dedication to HM3 Kent. Thank you for such a fine man and great mentor to the sailors.

(prior Senior Medical Officer USS Wasp)"
CDR(sel) Jeanette Shimkus of Chesapeake, Va

"To the friends and family of Aaron Kent, I am stationed in Baharia, Iraq just outside of Fallujah. I am not sure if you guys know this or not, but there is a memorial to him on our base. At the landing zone there is a concrete pillar with a brass plaque dedicating the LZ to HM3 Aaron Kent. Every time I walk by LZ Kent, I remember his sacrifice and my prayers go out to his family and friends."
Chief of Iraq

"It's now been just over 3 years since we lost Doc Kent. I didn't get to know him well but it was not hard to know him since everyone else knew him well and made sure we all knew how good a man he was. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple times and am honored to say that he was all that everyone said he was. I remember the day we lost him and I still grieve for his family. My prayers will always be there with you and for you. To those he servered with in 1/6 and all his friends as well, keep up the fight and keep his memory strong.
Semper Fi
Master Gunnery Sergeant
Tim French
1/6 Com Chief Dec 04 - Mar 06"
Tim French of 3rd Mar Div, Okinawa Japan

"All the boys from STA miss you brother. You will always be with us and never forgotten. We will see you soon bro."
Corey Clancy of Kabul, Afghanistan

"Hi Baby Boy!! Never met you but thank you I'm thinking bout you ,and I'll say a pray for you and everyone else that's there now. God bless your heart!"
Sommer of FT MYERS,FL

"April 23, 2008
We will Always Remember the fallen heros with deepest respect and admiration."
Dietz Family of Oregon

"Though no words can possibly describe the void your sacrifice has left you shall always live on as an example in our lives. Thank you and God Bless."
Devlin Robinson of Pittsburgh

"Hey brother i woke up this morning and haven't been able to get you off my mind.I will never forget that day or you brother. I love you and miss you bro.Its funny i keep thinkin by sending you this that you might actually send me a response. Aaron you have alot of family and friends that love the crap out of you and will forever miss you. My first born son's name will be Aaron, but i think i told you that back in like Dec.??Well be good brother and don't go gettin into any trouble.. I miss you bro.."
Josh Barrett (BAM BAM) of Findlay, Ohio

"Aaron,

We put up a memorial in front of the 1/6 BAS for you and HM3 Christopher Anderson. I'm sure the two of you have met. You would like the irony behind the memorial. It's an anchor surrounded by sand and four blue posts sitting right out in front of a Marine battalion. We miss both of you brother, Please look out for 1/6 as they are again in Afghanistan. Just letting you know that we haven't forgotten you man. We miss you Brother please keep an eye out for us and our families. Oh and Tell Anderson I said Hi. Thank you brother."
HM3 "Doc" J. Adamshaspert, USN/AD of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA

"My husband, HM3 Paul Hiles, served with Aaron at Camp Lejune in 2nd Marine Division 1/6. He was good friends with him and took the news of his death really hard.Even just last year around the anniversary of his death he was still greatly affected by it. In March of last year he got a tattoo of a caduceus that covered his entire back and was going to have Aaron's name added to the bottom of it. Paul was in a car accident on May 12th of last year and died. He never got to have Aaron's name put on his back but I know that my husband is now with Aaron and Aaron has his back."
Shauna Hiles of Pickens, SC

"To Aaron's Family, I had the extreme pleasure of working with Aaron at 1/6. He first worked with me in the supply section of the BAS. He always had a great sense of humor, and great work ethics. He always spoke to me about what it was like to serve with the line companies. I feel that he found out. All of the Marines I talk to and see that have left messages on this page loved him like a brother. The place of a Corpsman with the Marines is a time honored place. Your son lived up to those who went before him, and I have the greatest respect for him because of that. He definately represented the best of all of us that are FMF "Docs". Please accept my condolences and my apologies for not leaving a message sooner. To Aaron who I know is watching over all of us, SEMPER FI my brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
HM2 (FMF) Klopp "K" of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Hey bro I'm so sorry that i never been on here or at least never left you a message but you know it goes man.. I love you and miss you everday. I was just talking about you and showing your pic. and just wanted everyone to know what kind of guy you were. Remember Spain or Wilmington or so many other nights that we started and don't really remember?? I love you so much brother and miss you more and more every day.. I hope your sitting and the bar with Evlis and Bob
Marley tell them what they didn't miss out on.. I love you bro-ham and will always love you and carry on your name.. I swore to myself that my first born son would be Aaron but instead of Antrum it would be Anthony but either which way bro my first born son is al you man.. Love you bro and hold down the fort till i get there.."
Joshua Barrett of Ft. Myers, FL. Lee county

"Aaron I miss you like crazy fam It's so hard for me I will remember our childhood memories and our adult ones your never to be forgotten, a day dosen't go by with out a thought of you real talk I love you till we see each other again!and to your family I love you guys and I'm here for you"
Jerm Andrews of portland oregon

"Aaron was like a brother to me and i miss you so much and i am so proud of all your strength and all of the laughter you brought to everyone. you are a great man...i love you brother"
Carina of Portland Oregon

"Aaron, I still think about you and your smile. You always brought life to every situation (and party)! Let it be known, almost 2 years later, you are still remembered and loved. I thank God for you and the peace that has been laid on my heart because of your life that lives on in the arms of God. Well done good and faithful servant! Looking forward to meeting you there, my friend."
Jenny Lackey of Portland, OR

"I remember the dead mans hand, and that clover tattoo. Many a laughs and good nights we all had, and throwing peanuts at that bar tender, so she could earn her tip. I remember how damn relaxed you where even when it was crazy. I remember you taking my place. . . You gave yours and saved mine, you are a hero. My son is three now, and I get to enjoy him, but I wish you didn’t have to go. I will not forget who you where."
HM2 of Washington

"To the family of HM3 Kent - I ride with a patch on my vest that reads, "In Memory of HM3 Aaron Kent April 23, 2005 He Died To Set Men Free." Aaron rides with me everyday in the wind and in my heart. May God comfort you in your loss and please accept the thanks of a grateful nation from one who was honored to serve with him."
LCDR Rick Crabb, MSC, USN (ret) of Republic of Texas

"I never met Doc Kent, but I know that he inspired the Marines of 1/6 whom he served so well in Fallujah. The battalion mourned his loss and honors his memory. Semper Fidelis."
Eric Kross of Arlington, Virginia

""Doc Kent, the best Corpsman I've ever served with. A Marine's Doc, Semper Fidelis and EER-RAH!!!! WPNS 1/6"
1stSgt William Frye of Washington DC

"Aaron and I were child hood buddies. He had such a love for life and showed that with the way he treated others and his wonderful laugh. I miss u man , but cant wait to c u again."
Kelly Dempsey of Omak, Washington

"It is a distinct pleasure to have known you and serve with you Brother. God bless you and your family."
HM3 Searcy of Expeditionary Strike Group 2 Norfolk,VA

"Thanks Sailor! You went to Iraq save the lives of Marines. I'm sorry you had to pay the supreme sacrifice. Rest in Peace, buddy!"
James Carter of California

"Doc you will truly be missed and will always live on in your hearts and memories"
Sammy of Fairfax, VA

"Doc, I had the pleasure to serve with you, u were a great man, good times, thanks for the name chip, love ya bro!"
Tim AKA Chip of Camp Lejeune Nc

"Hey Doc, Gone but never ever forgotten dog, we love you and miss you brother"
Jerrell Poole of Camp Lejeune,North Carolina

"I remember that Doc Kent gave me my first nickname. Whenever I stand up straight without slouching, its because he alsways told me to."
Michael Cole (Wet Noodle) of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Doc Kent was an amazing man I had the honor of serving 2 years in the same platoon as him and I will never forget him"
Shawn Brant of camp lejeune nc

"Hey Doc, you'll never be forgotten. Hope things are goin alright up there.. take care bro.. see you someday..."
Eric Lake of Toledo, OH

"I never had the pleasure of meeting Aaron, but as the father of a Marine I want to add my condolences and thanks. Without Aaron and the other brave corpsmen the letters of condolence would be far more numerous.
Semper Fi Aaron"
Kevin Faught of Jacksonville OR, USA

"I miss u Doc.......Go Steelers"
Mike Mazzuto of Camp Lejeune

"i went to roosevelt with Aaron and man what a guy, a true friend and one hell of a football player! to his family i say i'm sorry, he did a great job and we will never forget him. please contact me at mecca2176@yahoo.com"
mecca of vancouver

"Thank you all so much for your condolences. It means so much to us to be able to read your thoughts and know he is thought of beyond our family. Bless you all. We welcome his friends to visit Portland when they can."
Lara (Aaron's Mom) of Portland, Oregon

"To the family of Aaron Kent:

I got to know Aaron very well. We went to Hospital Corps School together and Field Med. I couldnt believe it when i saw his name in the deceased list. We used to go drinking in Lejuene and have many pictures taken together with one i have posted just above my desk. Sadly i lost touch with him when i went to Okinawa...I'll always remember him. And aaron? if you are up there somewhere...put a few on ice and when my time comes, we'll sit for a spell RIP Blood Brother"
Hm2 Zachary Boles of 29 Palms, CA Naval Hospistal 29 Palms

"Doc Kent and Family ... Doc Kent , you are not forgotten! Thank you for the Marines you cared for and the lives you saved. I am gratefull for your patriotism , even to the ultimte sacrifice... " no greater love is there than one who lays down his life for another "... Thank you Doc! To Doc Kent's Family ... Since April 23rd , you have been in my thoughts and prayers. May Gods peace and love comfort you. Thank you for your courageous son!"
Don Welty ( Veteran, FMS Corpsman ) of Salem, Oregon

"To the family of Aaron Kent. Special people are called by God to do his hardest work. To be there when the worst happens. Some call them Angels, we call them Medic’s, or Corpsman.I am sure Aaron did not consider him self an Angel, but I am sure the men he served with did.
Thank You and God bless.
*********************
A Corpsman's Prayer
Grant me, oh Lord, for the coming events;
Enough knowledge to cope and some plain common sense.
Be at our side on those nightly patrols;
And be merciful judging our vulnerable souls.
Make my hands steady and as sure as a rock;
when the others go down with a wound or in shock.
Let me be close, when they bleed in the sand;
With a tourniquet handy to save precious blood.
Here in the sand, the enemy near;
Even the corpsman can't offer much lightness and cheer.
Just help me, oh Lord, to save lives when I can;
Because even out there is merit in man.
If It's Your will, make casualties light;
And don't let any die in the murderous night.
These are my friends I'm trying to save;
They are frightened at times, but You know they are brave.
Let me not fail when they need so much;
But to help me serve with a compassionate touch.
Lord, I'm no hero -- my job is to heal;
And I want You to know Just how helpless I feel.
Bring us back safely to camp with dawn;
For too many of us are already gone.
Lord bless my friends If that's part of your plan;
And go with us tonight, when we go out again.

Author Unknown

Stu Martinez
La Pine Rural Fire District
Board of Directors"
Stu Martinez of La Pine Or

"Your actions will always be remembered. RIP shipmate you are relieved."
DOC JOHNSON of Camp Pendleton

"Semper Fi, Doc.
God bless you and the family members who love you."
C. Nordstrom of Biddeford, Maine

"DOC Kent, I will always remember what you did for your country and 1/6. You are truely an American Hero. Thanks for all you did for the Marines!"
SSgt Martin of Camp Lejeune NC

"Men Like you give Hospital Corpsmen their good name. you are forever!

HM3 Jason Hopkins"
jason of boise, ID

"To the the family of HN Kent,Aaron
I had the greatest pleasure in working with your son at 1/6 he was very careing and kind he treated all as if there were blood brothers but blood could not have made us any closer to Aaron and he will be deeply missed my love and prayers go out to you all"
hn perkins jeremy of camp lejeune nc

"Deepest sympathy and best regards to the family of Aaron Kent.
No one is forgotten.

From, HN Granger Naval Hospital Great Lakes...
soon to be a member of 2nd Marine Division Camp Lejeune"
HN Granger of Great Lakes, IL

"Your Son & Brother is a True American Hero. Please know that we are praying for you. He will forever remain in your hearts, as well as the rest of us here in oregon.
God Bless,
The Family Of SSGT William M Harrell
USMC B CO 1/5 ~4/8/04"
Winter Family of oregon city, oregon

"Seaman Kent, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To the family and friends of Seaman Aaron A. Kent,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"TO THE KENT FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF AARON. HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. HE WILL NOT HAVE GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. AARON IS TRUELY, A HERO! HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYS FOREVER. AARON MAY NOT KNOWN OUR SON. WE LOST HIM ELEVEN MONTHS AGO. AN AS GREG ONCE TOLD ME. I AM SO FORTUNATE, DAD TO HAVE SO MANY BROTHERS AND SISTERS. NEVER CALLING THEM SOLDIERS, JUST BROTHERS AND SISTERS. AN AARON HAS TOUCH MANY HEARTS. AN AARON BECAME THAT SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL. WITH THE LOVE OF HIS FAMILY. YOU AARON ARE THE ELITE OF ALL AMERICANS. RISKING DAY IN AND DAY OUT, TO PROTECT ALL OF AMERICA FROM TERRORISM AND TO GIVE OTHERS THE RIGHT TO ENJOY FREEDOM!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Aaron and his family, Our prayers are with you and please know that you are not alone. We honor your hero and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. God Bless Aaron and his family"
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Aaron will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"RIP SHIPMATE"
US Navy Sailor

"Thank you Aaron Kent, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Seaman Aaron Kent:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Aaron for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Seaman Aaron Kent:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Aaron, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on