Semper Fidelis - "Always Faithful." It was not until I met SSgt Aranda that I truly understood the full connotation of these words.

In 1996, after graduating high school, he entered the US Marine Corps. Even at the beginning of his career, he showed great loyalty. He became Squad Leader during Marine Combat Training where he demonstrated great determination and picked up the rank of PFC meritoriously. In 1998, he deployed to Okinawa and earned the rank of LCpl due to excellent proficiency and conduct marks. Upon his return, he was selected for accelerated promotion to the rank of Cpl for a job "Above & Beyond" and "NCO of the Quarter". After completing the training for MSG Duty, he became a privileged member of the Embassy Program and spent time in Cuba and Columbia, where he was awarded the rank of Sgt.

In 2001, he left the Marine Corps, but his loyalty remained and he reenlisted in 2004. It was at this point his interest in aviation began. He attended Air Crew Training in Pensacola, FL and Mechanical School at Camp Pendleton San Diego. Camp Pendleton would remain his home as he joined the Training Squadron HMT-303 and then the Helicopter Squadron HMLA-267. While a crew chief for HMLA-267, his commitment to aviation and passion for helicopters flourished as the Huey became his specialty aircraft. In 2006, he deployed for a second time to Japan and the Philippines. During this time he was awarded the rank of SSgt based on his outstanding leadership, decisiveness, character and integrity.

His loyalty to the Marine Corps and aviation continued in 2010 when he became a Weapons and Tactics Instructor, as well as a Maintenance Control Instructor. In 2011, he deployed to Afghanistan where his leadership and aviation skills were very useful in a number of combat situations. Upon his return, he attended Staff Academy, DI School, and also became an Instructor of Water Survival. His devotion to helping his fellow Marine shines brightly as it is now his sense of duty to show his faithfulness to the Marine Corps, and to the field of aviation, by training the next generation of Marines.

SSgt Aranda lives his life every day by honoring these words not only at work, but at home as well. He is a faithful son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, godfather, and friend. "Always Faithful" is what SSgt Aranda truly is and will continue to be.