Community Corner

Tears Flow for Fallen American Hero

The Amity Community says good bye to Private Eric Soufrine

You didn’t have to actually know Eric Soufrine, but once you heard a couple of stories about the young man who lost his life in Afghanistan last week, you instantly felt as though you lost your son, your best friend, your brother, a confidant.

The 20-year-old 6’5” Army private was known for his big heart, his big smile, his love of the outdoors and his love for his country.

Hundreds of people from across the region and servicemen and women from every branch, including the coast guard attended the deeply emotional military funeral for Eric Soufrine on Sunday afternoon at Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden.

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His parents, Michael and Donna, brother Josh, sister, Army (sPC) Rebecca Soufrine and grandparents Bettyanne and Sanford Soufrine spent some private time with his body in a small room in the synagogue before the flag draped casket was moved into the sanctuary. As the casket passed, Eric’s Amity classmates and friends cried and comforted one another. Two older gentlemen in the foyer said, “This isn’t how it’s supposed to happen.”

Mourners offered their condolences to the family in another room prior to the funeral service.

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About two dozen Woodbridge Volunteer Firefighters in dress uniforms attended along with four Junior Firefighters who came to pay their respects. The fire department had a special bond with Eric who was an Explorer when he was younger (Now known as the Junior Firefighters)

At around 10:50 a.m. State Senator Richard Blumenthal arrived and took a seat on the right, front side.

By the time the Soufrine family entered the sanctuary, nearly every seat was filled, including hundreds of folding chairs in the rear of the room. Boy Scouts from Troops 907 and 433 sat at attention in their seats.

Taking a deep breath, Rebecca read something her parents had prepared.

“Eric was a joy and inspiration to many. He had a great smile and was well liked by everyone.

He was a caddy at the Woodbridge Country Club and worked his way up to being a landscaper.

He always accompanied his mom to the nursing home to visit his Gramma, who died in 2007.

He loved the outdoors. He was close to his brother Josh, sister-in-law Jess and sister.

He had great times with his friends and cousins and he was very patriotic.

He won the Army Achievement Medal and was named Soldier of the Month (just before he died).

He will live on in our hearts and memories forever.”

Rebecca then took a moment to share her own personal thoughts, “It’s hard to express in words the pride I have for him. He was the most protective brother. Always looking out for me, and he always will. He always had a smile.”

Eric's aunt Wendy said she had so much that she wanted to say about Eric.

“I can’t remember a time when he was not at my house. He was part of our family. He was like a son to me.”

She told how Eric followed in the footsteps of her own son, Zack, who has served two tours overseas and is preparing for a third tour.

“We have freedom because of heroes like you. I am so proud of you,” she said.

 

A friend remembered

Next, eight young people took the opportunity to share their thoughts about the best friend anyone could ever have had.

Among them, Eric’s girlfriend Paige Woodward, who crumpled into the arms of a sobbing friend as they waited for their turn to speak.

 The first boy (none of whom introduced themselves when they approached the microphone) said they were there to celebrate the life of their best friend, a brother forever, whom they loved with all their hearts.

“We wish we could have been there to protect him,” he said, wiping tears from his eyes.

The second teen remembered Eric as kind-hearted and fun-loving, who loved his country almost as much as he loved hunting and the outdoors.

“He only went inside to change,” he said.

Another friend said Eric was more than a friend. He was a confidant and a brother.

“He’ll always be in our hearts. He’ll never be forgotten. He made an impact on our lives … he’ll never be forgotten. I’ll close with these words from his favorite song, “To be a rock and not to roll.” [from Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’]

Another friend remembered Eric as a great friend. “The best part of being with him is that every time with him was great. He always made me smile,” he said.

Another teen said, “God puts angels on earth to show us something. He was one of them.”

All eyes were on Paige as she approached the podium, protective and supportive these friends are.

“Eric, you were my best friend. I was yours, even when we were apart we were inseparable. We were meant to be together. I loved you more than words can describe. I can’t wait to be back in your arms again,” she said.

 

Aunts Karen and Nancy recalled how Eric brought joy and laughter to their lives, noting that he was always there for his grandmother for the five years she was in a nursing home.

“He was destined to serve his country in the military. He will be missed forever and never forgotten.”

 They then offered this quote:

“I do not fear Death, for I have been close enough to it on enough occasions that it no longer concerns me.
But I do fear the loss of my Honor and would rather die fighting than to have it said that I was without Courage.”

 

Standing tall

The Rabbi recited this quote:

“You stood tall only to fall”… “you still stand tall”

He recalled how seven years ago to the day, Eric “became a man” at his bar mitzvah.

“He wasn’t 6’5” then, so I could still put my hands on his shoulders!”

 

At the conclusion of the funeral service the casket was brought down the main aisle and out through a side door. Eric’s family followed. His mother sobbed as she approached the door.

 

Interment

The funeral procession went on forever, with police officers blocking intersections and changing lights from automatic to blinking to make way for the continuous line of cars.

The final moments at the cemetery were difficult for everyone, family, friends, strangers. There wasn’t a dry eye anywhere.

The soldiers who accompanied Private Soufrine to his final resting place respectfully folded the flag with precision and it was presented to Eric’s mother.

Then, the army presented one-by-one all of the medals Eric earned in his short military career.

The Bronze Star

The Purple Heart

The Army Achievement Medal

(Soldier of the Month for his unit – he was killed before it could be presented)

Good Conduct Medal

Afghanistan Campaign Medal

Global War on Terrorism Medal

And the NATO Campaign Medal

 

Jewish tradition has guests demonstrate a final show of respect and love by helping bury the deceased.

One-by-one mourners reached for a shovel and poured a shovelful of dirt on the pewter colored casket.

One of the young friends waited patiently for an opportunity to leave behind a gift that he’d brought — a deer antler, for his friend, the hunter.

The Soufrine Family departed, then the delegation of firefighters stepped off, Blumenthal, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and other dignitaries also made their way out of the cemetery.

And with that… a grateful nation said goodbye to an American hero.

 


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