Dan Aaron, a former sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, vividly recalled the tumultuous experience of overseeing a crew of eight people during one deadly, prolonged battle in the Vietnam War back in the 1970s.
The fighting took place at night, and soldiers kept alert, not knowing if they would see the next day.
Dan Aaron at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. PHOTO PROVIDED
“The squad would go out and pick up the dead,” said Aaron, an airman who served a year in one of the nation’s costliest wars. “It was nighttime when they were firing. The bodies would be out there. You didn’t know who was killed until the next day. We put the bodies in body bags.”
Aaron, who was born and raised in Wabasso, and later lived in Gifford, died at age 74 on Sept. 29, just over a month before Veterans Day, following a longtime battle with kidney failure. Complications of kidney failure led doctors to amputate one of Aaron’s legs in 2023.
“I had a blood clot in my right leg. It turned gangrene,” said Aaron a few days before his death. “(The doctors) had to remove it. I’m using a motorized wheelchair and a synthetic leg.”
He struggled with his health, still determined to tell the stories of his time at war while also teaching a younger generation about perseverance.
And on that day – Veterans Day – when the nation honors those who served in the nation’s military, Aaron’s friends remembered him.
Greg Stewart, a longtime friend and Vietnam veteran, reflected on Aaron’s life and legacy on Tuesday Nov. 11, Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring military veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Stewart said if Aaron were still alive for the day, he would be out placing flowers on the veterans’ graves.
In June, Aaron and Stewart were part of a group that went on a veterans’ trip to Washington D.C., where they visited all the military memorials. Both Aaron and Stewart served in the Vietnam War, but at different times.
“I went a couple of years before him. We both were in Da Nang,” Stewart said. “He was in the air force. I was in the army.”
A fighting spirit
But even with Aaron’s health issues he would face later in life, he still led with a fighting spirit, community members say. Aaron was a die-hard Vero Beach High School Fighting Indians football fan.
“Dan loved Vero Beach football,” Stewart said. “Me and Dan went to the Vero Beach football games. We didn’t care where they played. We followed the team everywhere.”
Dan Aaron holds a football signed by Vero Beach High School football coaches and players. PHOTO BY NICK SAMUEL
Coaches and players united to honor Aaron by writing their signatures on an NCAA football that was given to Aaron just days before he died. The athletes and coaches also wrote messages including “God bless” and “Love you Dan.”
Retired Indian River County sheriff’s Deputy Teddy Floyd, who is also an assistant defensive line coach at Vero High, and Stewart presented the football to Aaron at his home. Stewart said Aaron had a big smile on his face.
“It made me feel good,” Aaron said. “There was nothing I could do but cry.”
Supporting Indian River County’s athletes
Aaron served in the Air Force for eight years, traveling overseas to places such as Japan, Alaska, Hawaii and the Philippines. He also worked as a policeman for Patrick Air Force Base, now Patrick Space Force Base, in Brevard County.
Dan Aaron PHOTO PROVIDED
Aaron said he left the service in 1978, came back home and started coaching baseball for kids in Wabasso.
“He was a God-fearing man,” Floyd said. “He believed in community.”
Aaron was head custodian for the School District of Indian River County for 24 years and St. Lucie County Public Schools for 11 years. His love for helping children shone through his community involvement in Vero Beach after retirement.
Aaron, Stewart and Floyd all followed the same mission – to be of service. Whenever they saw youth in need, they wanted to help.
“I’m a softie. I got to know a lot of the kids. My friend (Stewart) and I bought cleats for kids who needed them. (Floyd) would let me know which kids needed the cleats,” Aaron said. “I root for the kids even though they aren’t mine. I call their numbers whenever they make a good play or tackle.”
Community Involvement
While helping the neighborhood youth, Aaron also became civic-minded and led community service groups. Aaron presided over a number of fraternal organizations, including Friendly Masonic Lodge No. 436 in Wabasso, and is the past-president of the Wabasso Civic League.
“The organizations I’m part of are about community work. We have giveaways. We lead by example. If you lead, others will follow,” Aaron said. “I joined these organizations because my friends encouraged me and explained that it was all about charity.”
Dan Aaron (second from left), his wife Shirley (right) with Joe Idlette III, Freddie Woolfork and members of Boy Scout Troop 532. PHOTO PROVIDED
Aaron was the commander of the American Legion Post 181 in Gifford. He was also part of the Veterans Council of Indian River County.
“He would go to all of these meetings. I don’t know where he got his energy from,” Stewart said. “He was on dialysis for 20 years but didn’t let that prevent him from doing what he wanted to do. He fulfilled any commitment he had to the fullest.”
Aaron said he created Boy Scout Troop 532 at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center. He also created the Knights of Tigers, a junior mason group, in Gifford.
“I try to do what I can do. It’s important for people to be involved in the community because it gives you something to do,” Aaron said. “It creates a tight-knit community where everybody loves each other.”
Family time
Aaron was married to his wife, Shirley, for 35 years. The two faithfully attended St. Matthew’s Missionary Baptist Church in Wabasso, where Aaron was in training to become a deacon.
Dan Aaron with his wife Shirley at the Commander’s Ball at American Legion Post 181 in Gifford. PHOTO PROVIDED
“We go to church every Sunday,” said Aaron, whose wife Shirley is a Sunday School teacher. ‘Me and my house will serve the Lord.”
Aaron enjoyed fishing, playing Dominos and watching classic TV shows such as Gunsmoke, The Andy Griffith Show and Gilligan’s Island. The veteran said he also took pleasure in cooking barbecue ribs and chicken, fried turkey along with fish.
Aaron listened to a variety of music including reggae, blues and country western. Aaron and Shirley had seven children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Aaron said spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him the most happiness.
“I feel good when I spend time with my family,” Aaron said.
Photos provided
