Get To Know Aaron

Background

Recognizing the great opportunities America had given to his family, Aaron Amede wanted to serve his country to preserve the American Dream. At 19, he began working in Law Enforcement as a correctional officer and was enlisted in the US Army as a Reconnaissance Specialist (19D) at 21. In 2019, he was medically retired after receiving multiple injuries in service. He was awarded as the battalion operations supervisor for his outstanding services to the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment. He currently works in Westbrook as a certified nursing assistant on the Skilled Rehab Unit, as well as assisting with COVID testing in York County Public Schools. Aaron is a leader who is committed to assisting his community and creating a positive impact. He truly is one of the people and for the people.

History

On May 26, 1995, Aaron was born in Rockville, MD, to immigrant parents Tessa Amede and Les Lewis. He spent his childhood with his mother and maternal grandmother in Orlando, FL. Seeing the injustices in his community, he started to follow his passion to fight for injustices around him.

To follow his passion, he took his first step by starting a Student Advocacy Council in his high school. His sole purpose of starting this council was to ensure that all of his peers’ needs were being met by managing the funds acquired by the school for extracurricular activities.

Saving the Environment

Besides taking care of his fellow students, Aaron started his journey for advocacy by focusing on ways to improve the environment. Right out of high school, Aaron and his peers started a recycling business by focusing on the collection and proper disposal of specific plastics. Through this business, Aaron's team was able to recover and properly dispose of over 4000 pounds of plastic.

LGBTQIA+ Advocate

On June 12, 2016 — the night that would forever transform the LGBTQIA+ community in Orlando, Florida, was the deadliest mass shooting in American history. A place that was once a sanctuary for expressing your true self without any judgment, Pulse Nightclub, became a reminder that hate still exists in the world. Aaron had just celebrated his 21st birthday at Pulse Nightclub two weeks prior, it was his weekend hang-out spot for the previous 3 years. Luckily, while he was getting ready to go out that night, a friend surprisingly showed up and asked to talk about some issues they were doing.

Knowing that if he had gone that night he would have died, this catalyzed his drive to ensure that equal rights were extended not just to people of color, but ALL Americans regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. It opened up Aaron's eyes to the reality of equal rights in America being under fire from within and outside the country. Due to this awakening, he decided to stand up for his LGBTQIA+ community by volunteering in different organizations throughout Central Florida.

However, almost 6 years since the incident, Aaron continues to see injustices toward the LGBTQIA+ community are still prevalent all over the country. As a bisexual himself, he has first-hand experience with these inequalities and injustices due to his sexual orientation. This motivates Aaron to advocate and push his social equality policies to protect the community and guarantee that when the constitution states "We the People" that all people are included.

Law Enforcement

Seeing the negative perspective of officers within the community, Aaron was motivated to make a difference by redefining the narrative between officers and the public by becoming a corrections' officer at the local prison in Orlando, Florida. As a correctional officer, Aaron successfully assisted in the rehabilitation of inmates, which brought significant changes to the community.

Due to the impact that Aaron had on inmates by getting to know each of his inmates and their personal stories, Aaron was able to better assist them within their rehabilitation by setting goals, forming relationships and guiding them through their life skills course. Till this day, rehabilitated inmates contact Aaron to express their gratitude for his guidance and respect.

Aaron wants to change the systemic functionality of correctional facilities. Rather than acting as holding facilities, he wants to work towards the transition of these facilities to rehabilitate people, not punish them.

Proud Veteran

After 3 years working as a correctional officer, Aaron decided to continue his journey to serve his country by joining the United States Army. Aaron enlisted as a Cavalry Scout and soon after arriving at the 1st Infantry Division, deployed to Eastern Europe on a mission to train and strengthen our relationship with NATO allies. Working with soldiers from across the world and seeing the cultural overlaps, strengthened Aarons passion for creating a world of peace and diplomacy.

In gratitude of his hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance as part of the 2nd Battalion 70th Armor Regiment, Aaron was awarded as the battalion operations sergeant.

Return to Civilian Life

Through the past 20 years, the United States' social justice system has been under constant fire. In 2020, Aaron was marching together with Black Lives Matter protesters in Boston, DC and Maine. Aaron joined the movement for one specific reason; educating people on how to use their voice. For months Aaron spoke at various events emphasizing the importance of the American political process and how it can be used by the people to ensure our rights are respected.

Aaron was helping the unsheltered and low-income communities with clothing, blankets, food, and social support. The stories and problems that he learned during his time with the community motivated him to run for congress. Aaron wants Washington to hear the cry for help from his community, and he wants to bring congress back to the people.

Healthcare Worker

Aaron was raised in a medical family. His mother and grandmother were both CNA's until his mom transitioned into Case Work. Since 1995, Aaron's paternal grandmother has owned and operated a system of group homes for mentally handicapped adults. As a certified nursing assistant, Aaron works primarily as a CNA on the skilled nursing rehab unit.

Other than working as a nursing assistant, Aaron is also active in the community with assisting COVID test in numerous Public Schools in York County. Having his boots on the ground dealing with COVID, Aaron experiences how contagious and dangerous this virus can be. Through his experiences, Aaron always emphasizes that mask and vaccine is the number one solution to fight the virus. Therefore, building a healthier and safer Maine is Aaron's biggest goal.

Protecting Equality

By running for congress, Aaron aims to bring equality to the entire nation. As a black male, Aaron will fight for the rights of all minorities. As a first generation American, Aaron will create a path to citizenship that protects both Americans and those wanting to become Americans. As a bisexual man, Aaron will ensure that every single person in this country regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity has the same inalienable rights as any other citizen. As a veteran, Aaron will introduce legislature to fix the VA health care system and fight for a fair wage for soldiers. As a member of the working class, Aaron promises to fight for every day workers who keep our economy afloat and our everyday needs met. As the child of a single mother, Aaron will fight for the right of all women to be in complete control of their own body. As an American, Aaron will fight for your equal right to protection granted under the U.S. Constitution and the laws of human decency.

If elected in this year's election, Aaron will set history for Maine as the first black person elected to Congress from the state.