Private First Class (Pfc.) Eric D. Soufrine, aged 20, of Woodbridge, Connecticut, gave the ultimate sacrifice on June 14, 2011, while serving his country in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Eric was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division based out of Fort Carson, Colorado. He sustained fatal wounds when the vehicle he was riding in struck an improvised explosive device (IED) during combat operations.

A Young Patriot

Eric was born on October 16, 1990, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He graduated from Amity Regional High School in 2009, where he and his brother played football. Following his graduation, Eric enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 2010, driven by a profound sense of duty and patriotism. He completed basic training in July 2010 and advanced individual training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, graduating as a Fire Support Specialist in September 2010. He joined his unit at Fort Carson before being deployed to Afghanistan in December 2010.

Service and Sacrifice

During his service, Eric’s dedication and bravery were evident. He was promoted to Private First Class during his deployment and received recognition as Soldier of the Month on May 28, 2011. Eric’s awards include the National Defense Service Medal and NATO Service Medal. His commitment to his mission and his comrades was unwavering, earning him respect and admiration from his fellow soldiers and commanding officers.

A Loving Family and Community

Eric is survived by his loving parents, Michael J. Soufrine and Donna Johnson Soufrine of Woodbridge. He is also survived by his siblings, Joshua (and his wife Jessica) of Johns Creek, Georgia, and Army Specialist Rebecca Soufrine, currently stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Eric’s grandparents, Bettyanne and Sanford Soufrine of Woodbridge, and his extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his girlfriend Paige Woodward, along with his faithful dog Emma, will deeply miss him.

A Legacy of Honor

Eric’s family has a proud history of military service. Both of his grandfathers served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and his sister, Rebecca, is in military intelligence. Eric was passionate about the outdoors, enjoying boating, water skiing, hunting, and skeet shooting with his father. He was a long-time member of the Hamden Fish & Game Club.

Final Honors

Eric’s funeral services were held at Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, Connecticut, followed by interment with full military honors at Mishkan Israel Cemetery in New Haven. His loss is felt deeply by his family, friends, and community, but his spirit and bravery continue to inspire those who knew him.

Remembering a Hero

“Eric died a hero, defending the country that he loved,” his mother, Donna Soufrine, said. His father, Michael, expressed the profound grief and pride felt by the family, noting that “he was a great kid” and the best son anyone could ask for. Governor Dannel P. Malloy ordered the state’s flags to be lowered to half-staff in Eric’s honor, recognizing his sacrifice and the toll that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken on military families and communities.

Pfc. Eric D. Soufrine’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the annals of our nation’s history. His dedication to his country and the values he stood for are a testament to the bravery and selflessness of all those who serve in the armed forces. He will forever be remembered as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and peace.