Free Republic

Aaron Weaver fought to serve in Iraq, battled cancer, then died when Army helicopter went down in Iraq Above all things, Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver was a survivor. As a 22-year-old sergeant, Weaver was part of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia — where 18 U.S. Army soldiers lost their lives. The fight was chronicled in the movie “Blackhawk Down.” In Mogadishu, Weaver's vehicle took a direct hit from a rocket-propelled grenade, but he wasn't injured. He later spoke in a television documentary about his experience and on seeing one of the Black Hawks crash. “And you could...

Army Pilot's Funeral to Be Held in Fla. January 17, 2004 05:28 PM EST INVERNESS, Fla. - Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver survived cancer and the 1993 battle of Mogadishu, recounted in the movie "Black Hawk Down," and still he wanted to serve in Iraq. On Saturday, family and friends remembered the bravery of the 32-year-old Army pilot who never made it home. Hundreds of mourners, including members of Weaver's 82nd Airborne Division, held flags during the funeral procession through the streets of his hometown to his high school. With more than 1,500 mourners expected, the public memorial service was...