Honor a Soldier Today

Todd William Weaver was born in Virginia to a loving family of a foreign service officer. His life of adventure began before his first birthday when his family moved to Budapest, Hungary, where his father served at the U.S. Embassy. Growing up overseas, Todd attended schools filled with children from many cultures and faiths. Whether playing with friends in Africa or serving in a diverse military, he always found common ground with everyone he met. As the youngest of four children, Todd learned patience and humility early. His mother, Jeanne, said, “Todd was a very happy child, receiving so much love from a large family.” His sister Adrianna fondly recalled:

“The way Todd always smelled of dirt and

sunshine and sweat – that perfect little

boy smell.”

Todd graduated from Bruton High School in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he was the star quarterback, a standout baseball player, and an exceptional student. The son and brother of Infantry Soldiers, it was no surprise when he followed in their footsteps. The events of 9/11 solidified his calling to serve.

By 21, he had completed his first deployment to Mosul, Iraq, as a combat engineer with the Virginia National Guard.

Returning home, Todd attended the College of William & Mary, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 2008. The same week he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army and married the love of his life, Emma. Together, they embraced adventure: skydiving, scuba diving, skiing – but their greatest joy came with the birth of their daughter, Kiley, whom Todd affectionately called “Sweetie.”

In 2009, Todd was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell and deployed to Afghanistan the following year as a platoon leader. His commander, Lieutenant Colonel David Flynn, said:

“In spite of being weary, dirty, and tired, Todd Weaver was never down, always optimistic and very driven. His smile was infectious, and he elevated the skill, talent, and morale of his men. They would follow him anywhere.” 

September 9, 2010

While leading his platoon in Kandahar, 1st Lieutenant Todd Weaver was killed in action by an improvised explosive device. He was only 26 years old, but Todd’s life was full, happy, and meaningful – he lived in four countries, learned two languages, served in two wars, and walked on five continents. Todd’s name is engraved on the Global War on Terrorism Memorial alongside the over 7,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that have lost their lives in the fight for freedom since 9/11 at the National Infantry Museum.

The National Infantry Museum has a simple mission: to honor Soldiers – past, present, and future – and it’s fulfilled every day by donors like you. Because of your support, we tell their stories, we honor them, and we remember them. In 2025, we proudly celebrated 250 years of the Infantry. A legacy of courage and sacrifice that defines our nation’s history. As we look ahead to America’s 250th birthday in 2026, we invite you to join us in continuing this mission.

Your tax-deductible gift – no matter the amount – helps us preserve Todd’s story and the stories of countless other brave Soldiers who gave everything. Together, we can ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.