Ryan’s story is like no other artist in country music. Growing up with a family of eleven in a small town in Floral City, central Florida, Ryan joined the Army right after high school. After several years of working in the Military Intelligence field, Ryan followed in the footsteps of both of his two older brothers, Steve and Aaron, by attending Warrant officer Candidate School and flight school. He graduated top of his class in flight school, becoming a Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot, and in 2003 he found himself deployed to Baghdad International Airport in Iraq with one of his brothers, Aaron, who was deployed just west of him in Fallujia.
On January 8th 2004, Aaron was killed in action when the Medivac helicopter he was a passenger in was shot down by enemy fire. Ryan certainly understood mortality and the risks of combat. After all, Aaron survived the bloody 1993 battle in Mogadishu, Somalia that became the basis for the movie, Black Hawk Down. When Aaron died, however, something changed for Ryan Weaver. He returned from combat, taking a position training the next generation of Army aviators and officers at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and has not piloted a Black Hawk since that fateful day.
Ten years and one day after the last day Ryan saw Aaron alive in Iraq on January 4th, Ryan’s brother-in-law Randy Billings was laid to rest one row back from Aaron. Randy was KIA in Afghanistan on December 17th 2013 when the Blackhawk helicopter he was piloting was shot down by an enemy ground detonated explosive device. With a second heartbreaking loss to his family, Ryan became even more determined to succeed. Both of his brothers’ ultimate sacrifices fuel his fire to accomplish his dreams to be a nationally recognized country music artist.
Ryan’s most recent advancements are an indicator that he is on the edge of something truly special in country music. He recently released the music video for his single, “BURN,” labeled America’s New Fight Song featuring Kris “Tanto” Paranto and John “Tig” Tiegen from 13 Hours: Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. He began working with Charlie Daniels’ long time manager David Corlew and performed on The Ryman Auditorium stage along with Charlie Daniels, Phyl Vassar, Ty Herndon, Andy Griggs and Jamie O’Neal. His notable 2015 performances were at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for the historical 40th Anniversary Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam, the Castle Rock Colorado Freedom Festival and made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage on September 11th. His notable 2016 concerts include the Charlie Daniels 80th birthday Volunteer Jam with Kid Rock, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Travis Tritt, 3 doors Down and Kellie Pickler and Freedom Fest Colorado where he opened for Great White, Warrant and Dokken. 2017 has started with a bang, as Ryan made several appearances at SHOT Show in Las Vegas with the growing virility of the music video for “BURN.” He has signed with Veteran’s Motorsports, NASCAR and is in discussion with multiple companies for endorsement opportunities.
