In April 2004, a group of 17 combat wounded veterans comprised of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans gathered to organize a chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) in Citrus County, Florida.

At the April organizational meeting, the combat wounded veterans in attendance voted unanimously to form a MOPH chapter for the purpose of "Preserving the proud legacy of the Purple Heart Medal" and to name the chapter in honor of Chief Warrant Officer Aaron A. Weaver.

Aaron was killed in Iraq on January 8, 2004, when the UH-60 helicopter in which he was a passenger was brought down by hostile ground fire with no survivors.

An election of officers was also held with Curt Ebitz, a Vietnam veteran, elected as the chapter's first commander.

On August 11, 2004, the chapter was officially chartered under the hand and seal of the National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States of America, Inc. as Aaron A. Weaver Chapter # 776 with 21 charter members.