[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER AARON WEAVER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 2004

  Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a recently fallen 
soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver. Aaron was a member of the 
Army's 82nd Airborne Division and was stationed in Iraq.
  A little over two weeks ago, Aaron got on board a Black Hawk medevac 
helicopter to go to Baghdad for a routine medical check up. Aaron had 
recently undergone a serious bout with cancer and critical surgery. In 
fact, he could have remained in the states while the doctors continued 
to monitor his progress.
  Instead, Aaron volunteered for Iraq and requested and received the 
medical waiver necessary to deploy. He wanted to join his younger 
brother, Ryan and his comrades. He heard the call of duty and he 
answered it.
  His brother, Ryan, was also stationed in Iraq. Ryan and Aaron had 
plans to meet when Aaron was to arrive in Baghdad, but that moment 
never happened. The medevac that Aaron was traveling in was shot down 
by enemy fire and all nine soldiers, including Aaron, were killed.
  He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his one year old daughter, 
Savannah.
  Aaron, already a decorated war hero who fought in the streets of 
Mogadishu in 1993 to rescue his friends after their Black Hawk had been 
shot down, set the highest example of someone who is willing to risk 
their own life to save others.
  His dedication to his country and fellow soldiers represents his 
tremendous sense of loyalty and selflessness. Aaron Weaver is a true 
American hero. Aaron will never be forgotten by his family, friends or 
the country he fought for.

                          ____________________