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In Iraq, Aaron flew his OH-58 on many missions in support of ground forces, gathering vital intelligence on the location and strength of insurgent forces. He was a soldier's soldier, and his spirit served as inspiration for all those around him. He was scheduled to come home this month, and he and his wife were looking forward to starting the next leg of his service -- as a flight instructor at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
On 8 January, en route back to Baghdad, CWO Aaron Weaver and eight others were killed when their UH-60 MEDEVAC Black Hawk, clearly marked with its red cross, was hit by rocket fire near Fallujah.
"He was an Army Ranger," said his father. "Tough mentally and tough physically." Yet as is often the case with Patriot warriors, Aaron Weaver had another side -- a side perhaps best captured by the way he signed his letters to his father: "Love ya Dad." Speaking for the family, Aaron's aunt, Kristy Weaver Patterson, said, "I'm very proud of him, that he made the decision to sacrifice his life for the betterment of the United States of America. He paid the ultimate price and his children will continue to pay the ultimate price. But my family has no regrets, and we are very proud of Aaron."
Says fellow Patriot Ron Young of his colleague, "Aaron will remain my personal hero and friend for life. He fought every battle in his life as though it could be the last, and many times it could have been his last. He remained a true leader, and he exemplified the Army's values. Those who knew him loved him dearly. America lost one of its greatest sons when Aaron was taken from us."
In addition to his father, mother and siblings, Aaron Weaver is survived by his wife, Nancy; their son, Austin; and their daughter, Savannah
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