Hospital Corpsman Third Class Aaron Domonique Buford, 24, of Winston-Salem was taken home by the Lord Sunday, August 21, 2016 in San Diego, California. Aaron and his twin sister, Arielle were born to Curvy and Yveline, February 1, 1992 at the Naval Hospital on the Island of Okinawa, Japan.

Aaron, a graduate of R. J. Reynolds High School, attended Johnson and Whales University, Charlotte campus majoring in culinary arts and refining his love for cooking. Aaron was multifaceted and loved sports, participating in football, baseball, and track. He was also a musician mastering the drums, trombone, and piano while also singing on choirs in church and the North Carolina State chorus. Aaron competed in dance on a National level with Positive Image Performing Arts and acted in quite a few stage productions. He also showed his love for the Lord by his dedication and love for the Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church step team. He truly had his own personal relationship with the Lord.

Receiving his call to service, Aaron completed his basic training at the Naval Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, and the Hospital Corpsman "A" School, San Antonio, Texas.
HM3 Buford's initial assignment was Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California attached to the Pediatrics ward. There he distinguished himself as a highly professional, loving and compassionate care giver to the children placed in his care and to their families. Spending a great deal of off duty hours with very sick patients nursing them back to health, bringing hope, and also sometimes food to their families. Upon completion of his duties at Balboa Naval hospital, he transferred to Camp Pendleton California. There he trained to become part of the forward deployable Marine combat units. Upon completion, he was assigned to The Fleet Medical Training Battalion, located at the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, 29 Palms, California where he was preparing for deployment to the Middle East.

Aaron had an infectious spirit; his smile was warm and inviting. He believed in standing up for the underdog and defending those who could not defend themselves. He believed in honor, and towing the line, never letting down the team or leaving a member behind. Aaron was committed to excellence as the standard. He had the courage to live the standard and not allow the situation to dictate his actions. He was truly a Hero.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Junior Curvy Sterling Buford (USNR), Ms. Betty R. Buford, and Ms. Carolyn E. Crump.

He is survived by his father Rev. Curvy D. Buford (USN RET); mother, Yveline Buford (USN VET), sister, Cavette-Latice J. Buford; brother, HM2 (SW, AW) Curvy D. Buford II (USN Active); sister, Arielle M. Buford; step-brother, Jovon P. Vaughn; grandparents, Mr. Paul Doblas, Ms. Yvonne Fleurantine, Elder Melvin L. (Sandra K.) Crump (USA VET ) and Ms. Judith E. Buford; 8 uncles; 17 aunts; and many cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 1:00pm on Thursday at the Church. Interment will be held at 10:00am Friday, September 2, 2016 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.