I feel very fortunate and blessed to have been a close friend of Aaron Barnett for over half of my life.  Our friendship spanned for over thirty years and he was a major influence on my life both personally and professionally.  I found Aaron to be a loving and caring man of integrity, compassion and wisdom.  Over the years I consulted with him when it came to important   matters and decisions impacting my life and he was always empathetic, supportive and encouraging. Aaron not only listened, but always offered moral support and sound advice based on experience, knowledge and compassion.  Aaron was not only a loyal and trustworthy friend but a mentor.  
 
Years ago Aaron was my instructor when I began taking guitar lessons back in 1986.  I still vividly remember the day when I first met Aaron when he worked at the old House of Music located on E street in San Bernardino at the time.  I was sitting down in the music store playing a custom black Gibson Les Paul when Aaron walked up and introduced himself and informed me that he gave guitar lessons.  He was friendly, genuine and I was very impressed watching him play the Les Paul.  At the time I was intimidated playing the guitar in front of Aaron considering he had a reputation for being an exceptionally gifted and excellent guitar player.   I was already aware of Aaron as a great guitar player because I had previously seen him play in his band performing at the St. Adelaide’s carnival.  That day I ended up buying the Gibson Les Paul and I also signed up for guitar lessons with Aaron.  At the time, little did I know that this initial encounter with Aaron would blossom and flourish into a lifetime friendship.
 
Back in the early nineties I had the honor and privilege to serve as Aaron’s guitar roadie in his rock band Off One Rocker.  In this role I was primarily responsible for setting up and putting away his guitars, amplifier and gear before and after the gigs the band played at the clubs.  I landed this golden opportunity not only because I was Aaron’s friend, but also because I was his student and he trusted me. I drove Aaron to the gigs, transported and maintained his equipment, tuned/played his guitars and responded to any technical difficulties that occurred during the shows.  Aaron Barnett was a guitar hero back in those days and had a loyal following of students and friends who would come see him play at the shows.  His guitar playing was simply awesome and he played with great feeling and passion.  I saw Aaron Barnett perform many times in the band rehearsal room and at shows and I was in total awe of his musicianship.  He had his own unique sound and style on the guitar and the instrument was an extension of Aaron’s musical expression.  I was profoundly moved by his playing and performances.    Personally, my favorite Off One Rocker songs that Aaron put his musical genius on are “Take Me Back” and “No One to Call.”
 

Over the years our friendship evolved and we became close and shared a lot of special times together which I will forever cherish.  I was Aaron’s best man at his wedding, I purchased my first desktop personal computer with his help at a computer show,  I attended an E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) where we checked out all the video games and met Frank Shamrock and Tito Ortiz of the UFC.  I took a trip with Aaron where we drove up the Pacific Coast Highway to Carmel to visit his mom Gaila, his brother and cousins.  We spent time with his family and did a lot of sightseeing together which was a blast.  We also attended a Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders game in Oakland where we did a tailgate party before the game with my brothers and nephews.  I also went to numerous rock concerts with Aaron over the years and we saw a lot of great bands: Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Elton John/Billy Joel, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, UFO, Foreigner, and many more.  I always looked forward to seeing Aaron when I got the opportunity to hang out with him.  He was very funny and always used to make me laugh hysterically.  Aaron was like a brother to me and we had a lot in common and shared many good times together.  We had different restaurants we enjoyed eating out at and it was always a treat when went to have all you can eat sushi.  I enjoyed spending time with Aaron watching NFL games, Ultimate Fighting Championship fights, watching movies, playing computer games, watching music videos, receiving guitar lessons, talking about his adventures hiking and scuba diving, etc.        
 
I remember years ago when Aaron made the decision to quit his band and focus on going back to school to pursue his degree in computer science and information technology.  It was a challenge that Aaron took serious and which ultimately resulted in his successful career as IT Director for the Moreno Valley Unified School District.  Aaron began his career working for the IT Department for the San Bernardino County Superintendent Of Schools.  As the Director of Information Technology, Aaron was passionate and committed to serving the students of the Moreno Valley Unified School District.  We had many conversations regarding IT issues, cybersecurity and just his vision for improving and upgrading the district’s computer systems and network.  
 
I deeply miss Aaron and his absence has left a void in my life.  I really miss visiting Aaron at his house in Mountain Shadows and hanging out and talking with him on the porch in the backyard overlooking the coy pond and waterfall.   It was a place of sanctuary and serenity for both of us where were able to share and reflect on our daughters, our families and the important things that mattered in our lives.

I loved playing with Aaron’s dog Bruno and running around the backyard with him.  Aaron loved Bruno and enjoyed taking him on walks and to the dog park in the East Highland.   I am forever grateful for having had Aaron as my close friend and confidant.  I will always cherish our friendship.  Aaron’s family were gracious and kind in giving me one of Aaron’s electric guitars and I play it regularly with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration.  I am once again taking guitar lessons with the goal of learning and playing the Off One Rocker songs and honoring Aaron’s memory.
 
Aaron was taken from us approximately a year ago and I find consolation and comfort in knowing that his memory and vision will live on.  His commitment to empowering students to pursue careers in Information Technology and Cybersecurity will live on through the Aaron Barnett Foundation.  I believe in the mission of his foundation and its commitment to serving students and the communities in which they live.  As Aaron’s good friend, I plan on providing financial support and feedback when called upon to ensure that his foundation succeeds.  I cannot think of a better way to honor Aaron Barnett’s legacy and contribute to such a worthy cause.  

I would like to extend a debt of appreciation and gratitude to Sabina Islam for her vision and all the hard work she has put into setting up the foundation.  I also want to thank Zeina Ammar, the board members and the advisory council for all their hard work and contribution in moving the foundation forward.