In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ryan Weaver — a former U.S. Army Black Hawk aviator turned country music artist and vocal advocate for veterans’ causes.
Born into a family of eleven in small-town Floral City, Florida, Ryan launched straight into military life after high school, ultimately graduating at the top of his flight class to become a Chief Warrant Officer 3.
Ryan served in Iraq in 2003, alongside his brother Aaron, who months later died in action when a medevac Black Hawk was shot down — a loss Ryan calls the turning point in his life.
A decade later, his brother-in-law, CW2 Randy Billings, was also killed while piloting a Black Hawk in Afghanistan, making the Weaver family a two-time Gold Star family.
After Aaron’s death, Ryan never flew another Black Hawk.
Instead, he served as an instructor, helping shape the next generation of Army aviators — and began channeling his grief into his music.
Upon retiring from the Army, he moved to Nashville and doubled down on his musical mission.
Ryan’s music blends high-energy country storytelling with patriotic fervor.
He’s shared stages with legends like Charlie Daniels, performed on the Grand Ole Opry (including a poignant Sept. 11 hometown tribute), and been named the Patriotic Voice of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) in their Celebrate America campaign.
His EP Celebrate America features “Never Forgotten,” a tribute to fallen soldiers, first responders, and his own family’s sacrifices.
In this conversation, Ryan opens up about survivor’s guilt, spiritual and emotional healing, defining his mission beyond service, and how faith, purpose, and music have become his compass.
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To Get In Touch With Ryan Click Here
http://www.weavercountry.com