Black Hawk pilot whose brother was KIA in Iraq releases new song being dubbed “America’s new fight song”

A Former Army Chief Warrant Officer and Black Hawk pilot who lost his brother in the second year of the Iraq war is now a country music singer.

Florida native Ryan Weaver felt pursuing his dreams was a way to honor the memory of his brother Aaron –killed in 2004 when the Medevac helicopter he was aboard was shot down- and brother-in-law Randy Billings, who was also killed in action.

“I’m chasing my dreams in my brother Aaron and my brother-in-law Randy’s memory,” Ryan said. “In 2003, I had my boots in the sand in Iraq and in 2015, I had them in the circle of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Ryan has been playing for several years now and has been seen alongside legends such as Charlie Daniels. In fact, the veteran-turned-singer will entertain the veteran country music singer at his 80th birthday concert on November 30th in Nashville.

Yesterday, Ryan moved forward with the release of a new music video for his song “Burn”, which allegedly is being referred to as “America’s new fight song.”

With lyrics relating to loss and footage of people using a range mixed with stock footage of US troops engaged in (cinematically staged) combat.

Still, the music video hits close to home for Ryan.

“At the beginning of the video, that’s my dad reading the quote,” Ryan told Rare Country as he broke into tears. “And the radio communication? That’s my older brother. Having two of the greatest men in my life play a part in this video …”

“This is not some anti-Hillary video,” he added, noting that the imagery of guns and “liberal tears” gun cleaner would likely raise a few eyebrows. “Yes, I’m a Second Amendment supporter and I’m literally sticking to my guns in this video, but what this really is is yet another way to honor the sacrifices of so many. I initially wrote this song for my brothers and sisters in arms.”

That said, timing was everything for Ryan.

“More people are paying attention to what is going on in this country right now than ever before,” Ryan pointed out. “To me, this video can send a message of solidarity.”

Interestingly, Ryan did not start out with country music.

“I’m not some guy who grew up singing country music from the age of 3,” Ryan explained. “I listened to pop and rock and didn’t start singing for a long time. But country music speaks to me. It helps me tell my story and the story of those who came home in a flag-covered casket. And I hope it would make my brother proud. I don’t want to let life just pass me by. I’m here to chase my dreams with reckless abandon.”