Aaron was born on November 22, 1971 in Charleston, WV and raised in Point Pleasant, WV where he learned the value of hard work and dedication from his father and learned the importance of loyalty and love from his mother. Friends from school remember him as the kid with the quick wit who was always smiling and loved to pull pranks when his head wasn't in a book. He graduated from Point Pleasant High School in 1990 and attended West Virginia University Institute of Technology pledging with the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. In 2011 he returned to school and graduated 'Summa Cum Laude' from Kaplan University with a degree in Fire & Emergency Management.
At the age of five Aaron said he wanted to be a fireman, and in 1991 that dream came true when he left college and joined the United States Air Force (USAF). Aaron proudly served his country for 5 years as an active duty USAF firefighter. After his initial training at the Fire Academy at Chanute Air Force Base he was stationed in the United Kingdom at RAF Mildenhall. While there he was deployed with the United Nations Protection Force to Camp Pleso in Zagreb, Croatia during Desert Shield/Storm. Upon leaving active duty he took an Air Force federal firefighter position in San Antonio, TX at (the former) Kelly AFB and then at Lackland AFB (now Joint Base San Antonio JBSA).
During his 20 years at Kelly/Lackland AFB Aaron's dedication to learning and his passion for training saw him rise quickly to his current rank of Assistant Chief. Early in his firefighting career at Lackland Aaron lobbied successfully to get his fellow firefighters certified as Paramedics. His dedication and professionalism was evident even then as he took all the required training to become an EMT Instructor so he could provide the training and accomplish this goal. He took on many other extra duties over his career to ensure each program flourished.
Aaron met his "perfect fit", Melinda, at an intramural bowling league in 2006. They both knew, almost instantly, that they were meant to be together forever. The fireman and his flame were married in 2009 in his home state of West Virginia along the banks of the Bluestone River in Pipestem State Park. As a couple they enjoyed each other's company and spending time together at home more than anything else. Aaron was a sci-fi fanatic and introduced his wife to many of his favorites which quickly became hers as well. They were avid Dr. Who fans and shared a love for streaming movies and just being together. Aaron loved to spoil and take care of Melinda giving her funny and sweet cards on all holidays and sometimes for no reason at all. When the COVID pandemic restricted everyone's movements, Aaron worked tirelessly as a first responder while also doing everything outside of the house so that the virus would stay away from his beloved wife who has a compromised immune system. Although he caught and succumbed to the virus, he accomplished his wish of always keeping her safe.
When he was young, Aaron was a bratty big brother at times to his younger sister Amanda. But as they grew older they became the best of friends and shared many long talks and lots of funny memes. Aaron loved being able to talk to her about her medical career and he was always offering her advice - personal and professional - and was so proud of everything she has accomplished. At the fire station he mentored other firefighters, helped them with personal and professional issues and when Aaron called them his brother - they knew it was more than just a word. With his grandchildren, who called him Papaw, he was loving and spoiled them whenever he could. He loved their shared interests of reading and gaming, helping with homework and watching them discover the scientific joys he also discovered as a boy.
Aaron's generous spirit was obvious to everyone he met. He was a true friend and mentor - always ready to help with an infectious smile on his face. He will be remembered as a loving son and brother, for his witty sense of humor, infectious smile, corny jokes, love of puns, amazing hugs, intellect, loyalty, joy of being Papaw to the grandbabies and most of all– his love for his wife Melinda.
He leaves behind: His parents Louie Ledsome and Gloria Carmichael; brothers Greg and Dwayne Ledsome; Sister Amanda Stanton; loving wife Melinda Lutz Ledsome; stepdaughter Tanja Hernandez (husband Mark Barnett); stepson Christopher Kurtti; grandchildren Saxon, Eros and Seraphina Hernandez; a large extended family; friends from his childhood to adulthood and around the world; and all of his firefighter brothers.
Rest in Peace, Aaron - we got it from here.
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