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Special Warfare Operation (SEAL) Chief Petty Officer Aaron Carson Vaughn was born on June 24, 1981 in Union City, Tennessee. He graduated from Obion County Central High School in Troy, TN in June 1999. He received his Associates Degree from Indian River Community College in Florida and was pursuing his bachelor's degree from Excelsior College.
Chief Petty Officer Vaughn enlisted in the Navy and reported to Naval Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois on November 25, 2002. On February 4, 2003, he completed basic training and reported to A-School at FCFCLANT DAM NECK, Virginia for three months. On May 23, 2003, he entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/s) Training in Coronado, California. After six months of grueling and demanding training, he graduated from BUD/s Class 248 and immediately proceeded to Advanced SEAL Qualification Training, graduating in October 2004.
Chief Petty Officer Vaughn served his first SEAL Team, SEAL TEAM ONE, in Coronado, California from November 2004-May 2008. He was then assigned to Naval Special Warfare Training Detachment Assaults from May 2008 to May 2010, where he was CQC (Close Quarter Combat) and Lead Breacher Instructor. In May 2010, Chief Petty Officer Vaughn began rigorous selection and training with Naval Special Warfare Development Group. This training included Close Quarters Battle, Military Free-Fall, Tactical First Response Medical Training, Survival Evasion and Escape (SERE), Combat Pistol and Rifle Courses and numerous other courses. He endured several months of the most rigorous training offered in the military and upon successful completion reported to Naval Special Warfare and Development and Evaluation Squadron Three in December 2010. Chief Petty Officer Vaughn has completed numerous deployments around the world and combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Chief Petty Officer Aaron Vaughn was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards including the Joint Service Achievement Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Service) Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Expeditionary) Medal and numerous other personal and unit decoration. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
Chief Petty Officer Vaughn is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly, 2 year old son, Reagan, 4 month old daughter, Chamberlyn, his parents Billy and Karen, his sisters Tara and Ana, and numerous other family, friends, and teammates.
My freedom was bought by the blood of my grandson, Aaron Carson Vaughn. Thank you Aaron for all the love and joy that you gave to me over the last 30 years that God allowed us to have you. I am so proud of you Aaron for being the brave warrior that you were. You were willing to give your life for what you believed in. You fought the good fight. You finished the course. Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his country. I miss your hugs Aaron. You are always on my mind and forever in my heart. I'll see you again son, in Heaven where you are waiting for me to join you. I love you, Granny