SELAH, WA, US
U.S. Army
CPT, HHC, 2ND BN, 10TH AV REGT, 10TH COMBAT AV BDE, FORT DRUM, NY
04/23/2013, PUL-E-ALAM, AFGHANISTAN
CPT Aaron Roy Blanchard was killed April 23, 2013.
He grew up in Selah, WA. where he attended Lince Elementary. Aaron and his brothers were happy neighborhood children. Aaron stood out by pursuing the thrill of speed, racing down streets nears his home with his feet off the pedals of his bike. He considered early on becoming a military pilot.
Aaron attended Selah middle and high schools. He was a varsity wrestler and pole vaulter in high school. Aaron was appointed a page in the Washington State Senate, and played the trumpet in the Yakima Community Band under the direction of his grandfather. And Aaron was a sportsman.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1999. After basic training, he earned certification as an Aviation Mechanic. Aaron deployed 3 times to the Middle East, and as a Marine traveled all over the world.
After discharge from the Marine Corps, Aaron married Becky. Together they shared a “once in a lifetime” love. A son was born to them in 2008 and in 2011 their daughter was born. Aaron knew that his most meaningful achievement was that of family man. And Aaron always made time for his brothers, mother and father, and grandparents.
While enrolled at Central Washington University Aaron joined the Army ROTC program. He was studying for and received a Bachelor’s degree with the leadership training required to be a helicopter pilot. Aaron earned his commission as second lieutenant upon graduation having made outstanding contributions to this university unit.
Aaron completed pilot training at Ft. Rucker, AL, and was reassigned to Ft. Drum, NY in 2011. Aaron deployed for the 4th time as an Apache helicopter pilot to Afghanistan in April 2013.
CPT Blanchard will be remembered for his passion for service, his leadership qualities, and his ability to understand the world around him. His generosity of spirit, and great sense of humor and kindness contributed to defining this fine human being.