Aaron (AJ) Jones

Specialist, United States Army

Age – 19

September 23, 1995- June 28, 2017

Montrose, MI

Operation Enduring Freedom

Became “A 22 A Day” on June 28, 2017

Army Specialist Aaron “AJ” Jacob Jones Jr of Montrose, Michigan, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and soldier.

A.J. was born September 23, 1995 in Flint, Michigan to Aaron and Andrea (Prevo) Jones. He attended Montrose schools. A.J. was a boy scout for many years and enjoyed mountain climbing and being outdoors. Mr. Jones is a U.S. Army Veteran. A.J. was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved music, being artistic, and playing guitar. A.J. was very unique and had a great one of a kind personality. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone. A.J. will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Aaron (AJ) Jones was part of the class of 2014 from Hill McCoy High School in Montrose Michigan. He was so eager to be a part of the Army, he got his GED in 2013 so he could go before graduation. He started his life with the Army in December of 2013.

Before his commitment was completed, he started showing signs of PTSD and started seeking Psychiatric treatment. This led to his release from the Army and he came home at the end of 2016. Almost immediately he had difficulties adjusting to civilian life even though he had a very loving and supportive family by his side. Sometimes that is not enough.

In early 2017, he was taken to Hurley ER and then admitted to a psychiatric facility. After his release, he started seeking treatment from the VA. They were made aware of his previous ER visit and resulting admittance. His mother called to make this most recent appointment. She informed them he was suicidal and hearing voices.

The day he died, he went to his appointment at the VA . He spoke to two different people that morning. They sent him home with an appointment after the upcoming Holiday . He must have felt hopeless, because he went home, broke into the locked gun cabinet, loaded the shotgun, and ended his own life.

He received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal while in the Army.

A.J. was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved music, being artistic, and playing guitar. A.J. was very unique and had a great one of a kind personality. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone. A.J. will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are: Mother, Andrea Jones of Montrose; Father, Aaron Jones of Montrose; Brother, Brendan Jones of Montrose; Grandparents: Darwin and Diana Prevo, and Betty Jones; Best friend and cousin, Austin Prevo; Uncle Lloyd Hillard; Many other loving cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

SPC Aaron AJ Jacob Jones Jr lost his battle with PTS on June 28, 2017. He was 21 years old.