Sgt. Jason M. Weaver, 22, of Anaheim, Calif., died March 3 in Kandahar Province Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
-------------
Soldier's body returns; mother overcome
By ERIC CARPENTER | Orange County Register
March 15, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.
LOS ALAMITOS – A silence fell across the airfield as the body of 22-year-old Army Sgt. Jason Weaver arrived home in Orange County just before noon Monday.
More than 200 people looked on, dozens of American flags flapping in the breeze, as a casket with Weaver's remains was lowered from the airplane.
Then, that silence was broken by the mournful cries of Weaver's mom, Patricia, who had to be held up by family members and a casualty-assistance officer as she approached her son's casket.
"Jason. That's my baby in there," she said. "Why? Why did you take him from me?"
Weaver, of Anaheim, died March 3 while on a foot patrol in southeastern Afghanistan in the blast of an improvised explosive device.
He was born in Orange and grew up in Anaheim and Fullerton. He was a football player, a linebacker, and graduated from El Dorado High School in Placentia in 2007.
Family members said they tried to talk him out of joining the Army because of the potential danger, but he was set on serving his country.
"He loved the Army. He was very brave," said his aunt, Gloria Wood.
"He was a loving young man," said another aunt, Linda Berkheimer. "He gave his life for all of us."
Weaver had been serving in Afghanistan since last June. Army colleagues said he had a reputation for establishing good relations with the Afghan people and especially children, playfully chatting with them and handing out candy.
Weaver had served as a specialist. The Army promoted him to sergeant after his death.
During Monday's "Hero Mission" at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, fellow soldiers, military veterans, police officers, firefighters and dignitaries including Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait stood on the airfield as an honor guard waited to take the casket to a hearse.
Patricia Weaver stood, arms draped across her son's coffin, for nearly 15 minutes before finally being escorted away in a wheelchair. Aunts, uncles and cousins filed by, many bending down to kiss Weaver's flag-draped coffin.
"My son was a very compassionate, loving, caring and generous person," Patricia Weaver said in a statement written before the ceremony. "When he walked into a room, everybody noticed him by his adorable smile and dimples. He will be missed dearly by everybody."
Following the ceremony, more than 100 Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles escorted Weaver's body to a viewing, scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at Forest Lawn in Cypress.
A memorial service is planned for Tuesday at St. Irenaeus Church in Cypress.
--------------------
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN
03.06.2011
Story by Spc. Breanne Pye
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs
Subscribe23
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – 'Raider' Brigade mourns the loss of one of our own, who was killed March 3, in Kandahar City, when his squad struck an improvised explosive device while conducting a combat foot patrol.
Sgt. Jason Michael Weaver., a 22-year-old native of Anahiem, Calif., was assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"Jason epitomized the qualities that all soldiers seek to possess and Army leaders desire in their subordinates," said Capt. Ethan A. Olberding, commander, Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "He was intelligent, a solid communicator and physically fit."
Weaver enlisted in the Army as a military police officer on Jan. 29, 2008. He attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Miss., and upon completion of his training, reported to Joint Base Lewis – McChord, Wash., where he was assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade.
Weaver deployed to Afghanistan with the 170th MP Company, 504th MP BN 'Dragon fighters' in June, 2010.
"Jason was more than a friend; he was family, a brother and a hero," said Spc. Brian Gabel, military police officer, assigned to assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"Jason represented the first line of defense for his patrol by volunteering to be the point man during his patrols," said Olberding. "He set the tone on mission through his understanding of the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with local villagers."
"Jason took the responsibility of being the 'point man' for our foot-patrols," said Gabel. "He knew it was a dangerous job, but that's the kind of guy he was; the kind who wanted to lead the way for his team and be there to protect them if they were in danger."
"Jason's dedication to duty far surpassed those identified in Army standards," said Olberding. "He simply set an example for others to follow, through selfless service and devotion to mission accomplishment. We will remember Sgt. Weaver for these qualities as we strive to match those exemplified by him."
Weaver is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Weaver, and his father, Kevin Lee Weaver.
A memorial in Sgt. Jason Michael Weaver's honor was held in Afghanistan, March 6, 2011.
----------------------
Author: Monique Griego
Published: 12:55 PM PST December 2, 2018
Updated: 1:05 PM PST December 2, 2018
Facebook Twitter
SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — Gold Star families gathered on the USS Midway on Sunday to honor their fallen heroes. Dozens made personal ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree during the ceremony.
The holidays are a time of mixed emotions for many military families.
"It's still heart-wrenching, it still hurts," said Patricia Weaver. "It's very heartbreaking to know that he's not here again for another Christmas."
This will be Patricia's 8th Christmas without her son, Army Sergeant Jason Michael Weaver.
Back in March of 2011, the 22-year-old military police officer was killed by an IED while serving in Afghanistan.
"Every day is hard for me but during the holidays it's very difficult," said Patricia.
In an effort to relieve some of that burden, the Navy's Gold Star program offers families a special way to honor their fallen loved ones by putting up memorial trees during the holiday season.
"We need to let them know they're never forgotten," said Patricia. "They will always be in here in our hearts."
Families at Sunday's annual decorating ceremony on the USS Midway decorated the tree with personalized Christmas ornaments.
Many ornaments were adorned with pictures and messages of love for the servicemembers they've lost.
"And we all need to be proud of all of them. Not just my son, all of them," said Patricia. "There's huge pride in me for what my son stood for. He stood for his country and by doing so he gave that ultimate sacrifice and I'm proud of him for that. And he will always be my hero, not just my son, not just my best friend, but my hero."
Military officials ask that if you ever visit any of their Gold Star trees during Christmas time that you take the time to look at the ornaments to remember fallen heroes.
--------------
This individual is not currently listed in the plot locator for Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Cypress, Orange County, California, USA, though when this online memorial was originally created, he was listed there.
-------------
Soldier's body returns; mother overcome
By ERIC CARPENTER | Orange County Register
March 15, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.
LOS ALAMITOS – A silence fell across the airfield as the body of 22-year-old Army Sgt. Jason Weaver arrived home in Orange County just before noon Monday.
More than 200 people looked on, dozens of American flags flapping in the breeze, as a casket with Weaver's remains was lowered from the airplane.
Then, that silence was broken by the mournful cries of Weaver's mom, Patricia, who had to be held up by family members and a casualty-assistance officer as she approached her son's casket.
"Jason. That's my baby in there," she said. "Why? Why did you take him from me?"
Weaver, of Anaheim, died March 3 while on a foot patrol in southeastern Afghanistan in the blast of an improvised explosive device.
He was born in Orange and grew up in Anaheim and Fullerton. He was a football player, a linebacker, and graduated from El Dorado High School in Placentia in 2007.
Family members said they tried to talk him out of joining the Army because of the potential danger, but he was set on serving his country.
"He loved the Army. He was very brave," said his aunt, Gloria Wood.
"He was a loving young man," said another aunt, Linda Berkheimer. "He gave his life for all of us."
Weaver had been serving in Afghanistan since last June. Army colleagues said he had a reputation for establishing good relations with the Afghan people and especially children, playfully chatting with them and handing out candy.
Weaver had served as a specialist. The Army promoted him to sergeant after his death.
During Monday's "Hero Mission" at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, fellow soldiers, military veterans, police officers, firefighters and dignitaries including Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait stood on the airfield as an honor guard waited to take the casket to a hearse.
Patricia Weaver stood, arms draped across her son's coffin, for nearly 15 minutes before finally being escorted away in a wheelchair. Aunts, uncles and cousins filed by, many bending down to kiss Weaver's flag-draped coffin.
"My son was a very compassionate, loving, caring and generous person," Patricia Weaver said in a statement written before the ceremony. "When he walked into a room, everybody noticed him by his adorable smile and dimples. He will be missed dearly by everybody."
Following the ceremony, more than 100 Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles escorted Weaver's body to a viewing, scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at Forest Lawn in Cypress.
A memorial service is planned for Tuesday at St. Irenaeus Church in Cypress.
--------------------
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN
03.06.2011
Story by Spc. Breanne Pye
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs
Subscribe23
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – 'Raider' Brigade mourns the loss of one of our own, who was killed March 3, in Kandahar City, when his squad struck an improvised explosive device while conducting a combat foot patrol.
Sgt. Jason Michael Weaver., a 22-year-old native of Anahiem, Calif., was assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"Jason epitomized the qualities that all soldiers seek to possess and Army leaders desire in their subordinates," said Capt. Ethan A. Olberding, commander, Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "He was intelligent, a solid communicator and physically fit."
Weaver enlisted in the Army as a military police officer on Jan. 29, 2008. He attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Miss., and upon completion of his training, reported to Joint Base Lewis – McChord, Wash., where he was assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade.
Weaver deployed to Afghanistan with the 170th MP Company, 504th MP BN 'Dragon fighters' in June, 2010.
"Jason was more than a friend; he was family, a brother and a hero," said Spc. Brian Gabel, military police officer, assigned to assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"Jason represented the first line of defense for his patrol by volunteering to be the point man during his patrols," said Olberding. "He set the tone on mission through his understanding of the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with local villagers."
"Jason took the responsibility of being the 'point man' for our foot-patrols," said Gabel. "He knew it was a dangerous job, but that's the kind of guy he was; the kind who wanted to lead the way for his team and be there to protect them if they were in danger."
"Jason's dedication to duty far surpassed those identified in Army standards," said Olberding. "He simply set an example for others to follow, through selfless service and devotion to mission accomplishment. We will remember Sgt. Weaver for these qualities as we strive to match those exemplified by him."
Weaver is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Weaver, and his father, Kevin Lee Weaver.
A memorial in Sgt. Jason Michael Weaver's honor was held in Afghanistan, March 6, 2011.
----------------------
Author: Monique Griego
Published: 12:55 PM PST December 2, 2018
Updated: 1:05 PM PST December 2, 2018
Facebook Twitter
SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — Gold Star families gathered on the USS Midway on Sunday to honor their fallen heroes. Dozens made personal ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree during the ceremony.
The holidays are a time of mixed emotions for many military families.
"It's still heart-wrenching, it still hurts," said Patricia Weaver. "It's very heartbreaking to know that he's not here again for another Christmas."
This will be Patricia's 8th Christmas without her son, Army Sergeant Jason Michael Weaver.
Back in March of 2011, the 22-year-old military police officer was killed by an IED while serving in Afghanistan.
"Every day is hard for me but during the holidays it's very difficult," said Patricia.
In an effort to relieve some of that burden, the Navy's Gold Star program offers families a special way to honor their fallen loved ones by putting up memorial trees during the holiday season.
"We need to let them know they're never forgotten," said Patricia. "They will always be in here in our hearts."
Families at Sunday's annual decorating ceremony on the USS Midway decorated the tree with personalized Christmas ornaments.
Many ornaments were adorned with pictures and messages of love for the servicemembers they've lost.
"And we all need to be proud of all of them. Not just my son, all of them," said Patricia. "There's huge pride in me for what my son stood for. He stood for his country and by doing so he gave that ultimate sacrifice and I'm proud of him for that. And he will always be my hero, not just my son, not just my best friend, but my hero."
Military officials ask that if you ever visit any of their Gold Star trees during Christmas time that you take the time to look at the ornaments to remember fallen heroes.
--------------
This individual is not currently listed in the plot locator for Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Cypress, Orange County, California, USA, though when this online memorial was originally created, he was listed there.
Sgt. Jason M. Weaver, 22, of Anaheim, Calif., died March 3 in Kandahar Province Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
-------------
Soldier's body returns; mother overcome
By ERIC CARPENTER | Orange County Register
March 15, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.
LOS ALAMITOS – A silence fell across the airfield as the body of 22-year-old Army Sgt. Jason Weaver arrived home in Orange County just before noon Monday.
More than 200 people looked on, dozens of American flags flapping in the breeze, as a casket with Weaver's remains was lowered from the airplane.
Then, that silence was broken by the mournful cries of Weaver's mom, Patricia, who had to be held up by family members and a casualty-assistance officer as she approached her son's casket.
"Jason. That's my baby in there," she said. "Why? Why did you take him from me?"
Weaver, of Anaheim, died March 3 while on a foot patrol in southeastern Afghanistan in the blast of an improvised explosive device.
He was born in Orange and grew up in Anaheim and Fullerton. He was a football player, a linebacker, and graduated from El Dorado High School in Placentia in 2007.
Family members said they tried to talk him out of joining the Army because of the potential danger, but he was set on serving his country.
"He loved the Army. He was very brave," said his aunt, Gloria Wood.
"He was a loving young man," said another aunt, Linda Berkheimer. "He gave his life for all of us."
Weaver had been serving in Afghanistan since last June. Army colleagues said he had a reputation for establishing good relations with the Afghan people and especially children, playfully chatting with them and handing out candy.
Weaver had served as a specialist. The Army promoted him to sergeant after his death.
During Monday's "Hero Mission" at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, fellow soldiers, military veterans, police officers, firefighters and dignitaries including Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait stood on the airfield as an honor guard waited to take the casket to a hearse.
Patricia Weaver stood, arms draped across her son's coffin, for nearly 15 minutes before finally being escorted away in a wheelchair. Aunts, uncles and cousins filed by, many bending down to kiss Weaver's flag-draped coffin.
"My son was a very compassionate, loving, caring and generous person," Patricia Weaver said in a statement written before the ceremony. "When he walked into a room, everybody noticed him by his adorable smile and dimples. He will be missed dearly by everybody."
Following the ceremony, more than 100 Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles escorted Weaver's body to a viewing, scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at Forest Lawn in Cypress.
A memorial service is planned for Tuesday at St. Irenaeus Church in Cypress.
--------------------
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN
03.06.2011
Story by Spc. Breanne Pye
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs
Subscribe23
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – 'Raider' Brigade mourns the loss of one of our own, who was killed March 3, in Kandahar City, when his squad struck an improvised explosive device while conducting a combat foot patrol.
Sgt. Jason Michael Weaver., a 22-year-old native of Anahiem, Calif., was assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"Jason epitomized the qualities that all soldiers seek to possess and Army leaders desire in their subordinates," said Capt. Ethan A. Olberding, commander, Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "He was intelligent, a solid communicator and physically fit."
Weaver enlisted in the Army as a military police officer on Jan. 29, 2008. He attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Miss., and upon completion of his training, reported to Joint Base Lewis – McChord, Wash., where he was assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade.
Weaver deployed to Afghanistan with the 170th MP Company, 504th MP BN 'Dragon fighters' in June, 2010.
"Jason was more than a friend; he was family, a brother and a hero," said Spc. Brian Gabel, military police officer, assigned to assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"Jason represented the first line of defense for his patrol by volunteering to be the point man during his patrols," said Olberding. "He set the tone on mission through his understanding of the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with local villagers."
"Jason took the responsibility of being the 'point man' for our foot-patrols," said Gabel. "He knew it was a dangerous job, but that's the kind of guy he was; the kind who wanted to lead the way for his team and be there to protect them if they were in danger."
"Jason's dedication to duty far surpassed those identified in Army standards," said Olberding. "He simply set an example for others to follow, through selfless service and devotion to mission accomplishment. We will remember Sgt. Weaver for these qualities as we strive to match those exemplified by him."
Weaver is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Weaver, and his father, Kevin Lee Weaver.
A memorial in Sgt. Jason Michael Weaver's honor was held in Afghanistan, March 6, 2011.
----------------------
Author: Monique Griego
Published: 12:55 PM PST December 2, 2018
Updated: 1:05 PM PST December 2, 2018
Facebook Twitter
SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — Gold Star families gathered on the USS Midway on Sunday to honor their fallen heroes. Dozens made personal ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree during the ceremony.
The holidays are a time of mixed emotions for many military families.
"It's still heart-wrenching, it still hurts," said Patricia Weaver. "It's very heartbreaking to know that he's not here again for another Christmas."
This will be Patricia's 8th Christmas without her son, Army Sergeant Jason Michael Weaver.
Back in March of 2011, the 22-year-old military police officer was killed by an IED while serving in Afghanistan.
"Every day is hard for me but during the holidays it's very difficult," said Patricia.
In an effort to relieve some of that burden, the Navy's Gold Star program offers families a special way to honor their fallen loved ones by putting up memorial trees during the holiday season.
"We need to let them know they're never forgotten," said Patricia. "They will always be in here in our hearts."
Families at Sunday's annual decorating ceremony on the USS Midway decorated the tree with personalized Christmas ornaments.
Many ornaments were adorned with pictures and messages of love for the servicemembers they've lost.
"And we all need to be proud of all of them. Not just my son, all of them," said Patricia. "There's huge pride in me for what my son stood for. He stood for his country and by doing so he gave that ultimate sacrifice and I'm proud of him for that. And he will always be my hero, not just my son, not just my best friend, but my hero."
Military officials ask that if you ever visit any of their Gold Star trees during Christmas time that you take the time to look at the ornaments to remember fallen heroes.
--------------
This individual is not currently listed in the plot locator for Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Cypress, Orange County, California, USA, though when this online memorial was originally created, he was listed there.
-------------
Soldier's body returns; mother overcome
By ERIC CARPENTER | Orange County Register
March 15, 2011 at 12:15 p.m.
LOS ALAMITOS – A silence fell across the airfield as the body of 22-year-old Army Sgt. Jason Weaver arrived home in Orange County just before noon Monday.
More than 200 people looked on, dozens of American flags flapping in the breeze, as a casket with Weaver's remains was lowered from the airplane.
Then, that silence was broken by the mournful cries of Weaver's mom, Patricia, who had to be held up by family members and a casualty-assistance officer as she approached her son's casket.
"Jason. That's my baby in there," she said. "Why? Why did you take him from me?"
Weaver, of Anaheim, died March 3 while on a foot patrol in southeastern Afghanistan in the blast of an improvised explosive device.
He was born in Orange and grew up in Anaheim and Fullerton. He was a football player, a linebacker, and graduated from El Dorado High School in Placentia in 2007.
Family members said they tried to talk him out of joining the Army because of the potential danger, but he was set on serving his country.
"He loved the Army. He was very brave," said his aunt, Gloria Wood.
"He was a loving young man," said another aunt, Linda Berkheimer. "He gave his life for all of us."
Weaver had been serving in Afghanistan since last June. Army colleagues said he had a reputation for establishing good relations with the Afghan people and especially children, playfully chatting with them and handing out candy.
Weaver had served as a specialist. The Army promoted him to sergeant after his death.
During Monday's "Hero Mission" at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, fellow soldiers, military veterans, police officers, firefighters and dignitaries including Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait stood on the airfield as an honor guard waited to take the casket to a hearse.
Patricia Weaver stood, arms draped across her son's coffin, for nearly 15 minutes before finally being escorted away in a wheelchair. Aunts, uncles and cousins filed by, many bending down to kiss Weaver's flag-draped coffin.
"My son was a very compassionate, loving, caring and generous person," Patricia Weaver said in a statement written before the ceremony. "When he walked into a room, everybody noticed him by his adorable smile and dimples. He will be missed dearly by everybody."
Following the ceremony, more than 100 Patriot Guard Riders on motorcycles escorted Weaver's body to a viewing, scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday at Forest Lawn in Cypress.
A memorial service is planned for Tuesday at St. Irenaeus Church in Cypress.
--------------------
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN
03.06.2011
Story by Spc. Breanne Pye
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs
Subscribe23
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – 'Raider' Brigade mourns the loss of one of our own, who was killed March 3, in Kandahar City, when his squad struck an improvised explosive device while conducting a combat foot patrol.
Sgt. Jason Michael Weaver., a 22-year-old native of Anahiem, Calif., was assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"Jason epitomized the qualities that all soldiers seek to possess and Army leaders desire in their subordinates," said Capt. Ethan A. Olberding, commander, Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "He was intelligent, a solid communicator and physically fit."
Weaver enlisted in the Army as a military police officer on Jan. 29, 2008. He attended One Station Unit Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Miss., and upon completion of his training, reported to Joint Base Lewis – McChord, Wash., where he was assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade.
Weaver deployed to Afghanistan with the 170th MP Company, 504th MP BN 'Dragon fighters' in June, 2010.
"Jason was more than a friend; he was family, a brother and a hero," said Spc. Brian Gabel, military police officer, assigned to assigned to 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, currently attached to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"Jason represented the first line of defense for his patrol by volunteering to be the point man during his patrols," said Olberding. "He set the tone on mission through his understanding of the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with local villagers."
"Jason took the responsibility of being the 'point man' for our foot-patrols," said Gabel. "He knew it was a dangerous job, but that's the kind of guy he was; the kind who wanted to lead the way for his team and be there to protect them if they were in danger."
"Jason's dedication to duty far surpassed those identified in Army standards," said Olberding. "He simply set an example for others to follow, through selfless service and devotion to mission accomplishment. We will remember Sgt. Weaver for these qualities as we strive to match those exemplified by him."
Weaver is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Weaver, and his father, Kevin Lee Weaver.
A memorial in Sgt. Jason Michael Weaver's honor was held in Afghanistan, March 6, 2011.
----------------------
Author: Monique Griego
Published: 12:55 PM PST December 2, 2018
Updated: 1:05 PM PST December 2, 2018
Facebook Twitter
SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — Gold Star families gathered on the USS Midway on Sunday to honor their fallen heroes. Dozens made personal ornaments to hang on a Christmas tree during the ceremony.
The holidays are a time of mixed emotions for many military families.
"It's still heart-wrenching, it still hurts," said Patricia Weaver. "It's very heartbreaking to know that he's not here again for another Christmas."
This will be Patricia's 8th Christmas without her son, Army Sergeant Jason Michael Weaver.
Back in March of 2011, the 22-year-old military police officer was killed by an IED while serving in Afghanistan.
"Every day is hard for me but during the holidays it's very difficult," said Patricia.
In an effort to relieve some of that burden, the Navy's Gold Star program offers families a special way to honor their fallen loved ones by putting up memorial trees during the holiday season.
"We need to let them know they're never forgotten," said Patricia. "They will always be in here in our hearts."
Families at Sunday's annual decorating ceremony on the USS Midway decorated the tree with personalized Christmas ornaments.
Many ornaments were adorned with pictures and messages of love for the servicemembers they've lost.
"And we all need to be proud of all of them. Not just my son, all of them," said Patricia. "There's huge pride in me for what my son stood for. He stood for his country and by doing so he gave that ultimate sacrifice and I'm proud of him for that. And he will always be my hero, not just my son, not just my best friend, but my hero."
Military officials ask that if you ever visit any of their Gold Star trees during Christmas time that you take the time to look at the ornaments to remember fallen heroes.
--------------
This individual is not currently listed in the plot locator for Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Cypress, Orange County, California, USA, though when this online memorial was originally created, he was listed there.
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