Aaron Michael Sweeney was born on December 1, 1988, and passed away on June 18, 2024. While he left this earth much too soon, Aaron continues to connect us through the love and lessons he left behind.

Aaron was born in California, but his deep family ties brought him back to El Paso years ago. Aaron began his military career with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper, later serving with the 4-25 BCT Airborne. During his time in the military, he deployed to Afghanistan with both Units. Throughout his service, he inspired and guided many soldiers, many who credited him for their own success and achievements. Aaron’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in motivating his peers and subordinates. Aaron possessed a unique charisma that naturally drew people to him, making him a central figure within his units. Aaron participated and completed all of the events related to the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Award, but was not eligible due to his age and/or rank at the time.

Aaron was a veteran with disabilities and was completing a dual undergraduate program at UTEP in biology and psychology. He was part of two neuroscience research laboratories at UTEP, and very recently submitted a research manuscript as co-author for publication. His passion for learning and helping earned him a summer research position in New York and he was a current participant in the prestigious summer neuroscience program (SMARTMIND). Aaron was on track to pursue a PhD program in neuroscience and present his research in the National Hispanic Science Network Conference in New Orleans this September.

Aaron was a Master Mason at Taft-Diaz Lodge #1297, a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, and a York Rite Mason. He volunteered with several organizations at UTEP and in the community, including Rescue Runners, Bridge Pups Rescue, and the El Paso Cactus and Rock Club.

Aaron was loving, hard-working, extremely athletic, incredibly intelligent, and so many other wonderful things. Above all, he was a healer and a teacher. These attributes were most apparent in his neuroscience research, which aimed to find interventions for substance use disorder. They also manifested in his natural ability to rehabilitate “difficult” dogs and cats and to create a safe space for humans with a laugh, a prank, a hug, a genuine compliment, or a conversation worth treasuring forever.

He was preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandparents who influenced him tremendously, Josefine Andrade and Paul Andrade; far too many of his fellow Army soldiers and veterans; and his devoted service animal, Jumpmaster.

Aaron is survived and profoundly missed by his Mom, Patricia Arcaina, who taught him how to love unconditionally; his ‘Pops”, Fred Arcaina; his four-legged son Corporal Clegg; his siblings: Krystina Thompson (Jason), Nik Arcaina, Freddy Arcaina (Joni), Corinna Stewart; his nieces and nephew: Marisa Lewis, Teaghan Thompson, Amira Arcaina, Alina Arcaina, and Noble Manlisic; his cousin Johnathon Minjarez; his chosen brother, Victor Herrera (Liz), his godson Liam Herrera; aunts and uncle: Paula Andrade, Monica Broadstreet, Rebecca Minjarez (Jerry) and Richard Andrade; many cousins; his best friend and partner, Verónica Carbajal; and his chosen family of fellow veterans, Freemasons, animal rescuers, UTEP neuroscience lab mates and professors; and friends.

Aaron, we will find you in every sunrise you greeted on your morning runs; every dog and cat you’d want to kiss; every scientific problem you’d be eager to solve; every song, movie, and book that made your heart glow; every Dad joke you delivered enthusiastically and effortlessly; every night your “Estrellita” appears on the mountain; every Spanish word you showed off; every wave that crashes into the ocean, breathing new life into this earth and into us; and like with every Airborne that went before you, we will find you in the breeze.

Donations to the “Aaron Sweeney Fund” at the El Paso Community Foundation will be used to support the many causes Aaron believed in.

Checks may also be sent to El Paso Community Foundation, P.O. Box 272, El Paso, Texas 79943. Please use “Aaron Sweeney Memorial” in the subject/for line.