Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Pfc. Brian M. Moquin, Jr.

19, of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Moquin died east of Abad, Afghanistan, in the Kunar province, when his CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed during combat operations. He was assigned to the 71st Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York. Died on May 5, 2006.

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"you are still my brother until i die buddy i miss you so much your death hit me so hard man. it turned me into an alcholic it sucks im still tryin to get over it. you will allways be my brother and your mom knows that. im sorry tracy i dont see you it just hurts me more when i see you but i love you im sorry"
ricky hall of millbury

"5/5/14 - 8 years later. I miss you more each day."
Love Mom

"Hey Moquin-
I just watched your mom on ink masters. It was great to see pictures of you and to see your moms face. I miss you everyday. Every time a bike run goes by my house (which happens a lot) I have to stand and watch. I can feel your soul on the back of all those bikes. Miss you kid. Keep it gully! *cuz I'm through being cool*"

"My name is PFC Patrick O'Connell of the 125th Quartermasters in Worcester. I knew Brian as we both listened to the same music, went to the same shows, and knew the same people. When I learned of his passing it was 2008, 2 years after the fact and it was heart breaking. I wish to know where he has been laid to rest so that I may pay my respects to him in person. I'm sorry for your loss, but Brian was always a good friend with an open mind and open heart... He will be missed and forever remembered... YOU LEAVE ME ONCE, BUT NEVER AGAIN!!
"Mosh kid, MOSH"
(Printeriorpainting@gmail.com)"
PFC Patrick O'Connell of Grafton, Massachussetts (MOSH-ACHUSETTS)

"https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/28422_1318953329496_6134616_n.jpg

A memory I'd like to share:

We had moved out of the White City area, sold our house and got one in Auburn. Tall Steve had the finished basement with all the comforts of home, including a pool table! Brian one day.. I can still vision this like yesterday, got all comfortable on Steves queen bed in front of the TV with his popcorn and just lay there like some King all casual like..Hahahah. I remembered asking him whats up, all he said was "The Godfather".. I'm watching "The Godfather Linda, MAN..this is the best movie series ever made". I just laughed and walked back upstairs!

That was only a few months before he enlisted, at the time he was working for me downtown worcester, at my CVS store. But, Brian was ALWAYS welcome at our home.."
Linda of Shrewsbury, Ma

"I think of you so often Moke, the whole family misses you so dearly! I try to smiLe remembering all the good times. Steve is in prison now, he's holding it down okay. But its a long road ahead for him. I want you to know we talk of you often bro! We share stories, we laugh & we cry silently. I'm proud of you today (being Memorial Day) and everyday! To Tracy, I love you girl and will pray for you always! I only hope I did you proud at his funeral. We spoke of Moke's true Spirit, which remains etched in our hearts forever. Bri, you're a Legend around these parts! We all Love & miss you so very much!

Love, Linda, Tall Steve, Mitch, and Bob"
Linda of Shrewsbury, Ma USA

"Bri, I miss you everyday bro. You're a big inpiration for everything I do. I'll always remember your mickey mouse trucker hat and the freestyling we used to do. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."- John 15:13...I am no hero, but I have stood in the presence of one and I'm glad to say I have you as a friend. Rest well and I will see you again someday."
PFC Markey, David of Shrewsbury, MA

"brian was always an awesome person to get to hangout with or go skating or see at shows, he had potential to do anything he wanted and he will be missed greatly."
PFC Joshua.M.Damaso of Worcester MA

"I remember when Brian first came to me to inquire about the Army, he was determined and had a passion to serve his country, I have helped many people join the Army but Brian is one who will always have an impact on me, he told me he was eager to do good for others to have a sense of higher purpose..A true leader from the very begining..Brian will always be missed. paul.bergeron@us.army.mil"
MSG Paul Bergeron of Fort Jackson, South Carolina

"Thank you all for keeping Brian in your thoughts and prayers."
Tracy, Brian's mom of Worcester

"To Brians Mom
My 9yr old Son and I were at hope cemetary the other day. We were driving around and my son saw Brians grave, He yelled at me to stop so i did, and he got out and thanked your Brian and saluted him. Your loss breaks my heart and I will pray for you! My son has wanted to be in the military since he was 4 and our men and women in uniform are his heros. He saw a tech deck on Brians grave and asked if he could leave him (Brian) a few of his own, and a GI Joe he has that looks like Brian. I hope this is ok.By this time I was crying a little and my son told me not to, that the solider over there was happy and he was doing what he was born to do, he is only sad for his mom.
I just wanted to tell you we are so proud and glad we have people like Brian in the world. They are not only heros but inspirations."
c of worc, ma

"To Brians Mom
My 9yr old Son and I were at hope cemetary the other day. We were driving around and my son saw Brians grave, He yelled at me to stop so i did, and he got out and thanked your Brian and saluted him. Your loss breaks my heart and I will pray for you! My son has wanted to be in the military since he was 4 and our men and women in uniform are his heros. He saw a tech deck on Brians grave and asked if he could leave him (Brian) a few of his own, and a GI Joe he has that looks like Brian. I hope this is ok.By this time I was crying a little and my son told me not to, that the solider over there was happy and he was doing what he was born to do, he is only sad for his mom.
I just wanted to tell you we are so proud and glad we have people like Brian in the world. They are not only heros but inspirations."
c of worc, ma

"Hi Liz, I just happened to find this site about Brian! We sent those balloons on july 15th 2010 for Brian's birthday, from Oxford Ma! Iam so happy that u wrote on here that they landing in ur feild. it gave me goose bumps reading it :) More will be coming this year, wonder if you'll get those :) Thank u again for posting this!"
kimberly of oxford, ma

"Yooo"
Z

"hey its me joe missin u brian wish we could be talkking right now but i know ur in a better place"
joe of worcester,ma

"We loved the shows back in the day buddy. I'd love to know where your resting now so i can return the hat I obtained by you back during a DBD show... Someone let me know PLEASE patrick_oconnell_jr@yahoo.com"
ME of Grafton Mass

"My name is Patrick and I am a friend of Brian. We listened to the same music and loved the same things. The week before i graduated BCT was the week Brian was taken from this earth but he will always be in my thoughts and prayers.... Brian, FIGHT EVERYONE!!!!"
Patrick O'Connell of Worcester, Mass

"I just want you to know the balloons you sent up for Brian's Birthday landed in our hay field on July 15,2010."
Liz of Willington,CT/USA

"Today,I'm remembering your son, Brian. I promise you he will not be forgotten."
Daughter of WW2 Hero of Watertown, MA

"5/31/10
Thank you to everyone who called and text me today as you remembered Brian and the true meaning of Memorial Day."
Tracy

"Being fearless in not the absence of fear, but having fear and facing it anyway. The amount of bravery that it takes to serve ones country is something few can understand. Know that I, and my family, appreciate what you have done and we will be praying for you and your family today.

I learned about Pfc Brian through the "Honor the Fallen" Facebook application. I fly my flag at half staff for him today and dedicated my facebook status to his memory."
Michael Krafick of Buford, GA 30518

"I have never met you Brian, but my wife and I will be participating in your memorial motorcycle run tomorrow. I was an infantry soldier myself, running missions like you, except I was in the Red Zone in Iraq. I have never been a particularly religious person, but I have had this feeling for many years that there is a place after this where soldiers go. We will meet soon enough. I want you to know that I am proud of you son. See you in the next life, SSG Prentiss."
SSG Paul Prentiss of Leominster, MA

"To Brian's mom: You left a little note on our truck (the black Dodge Dacota with all the paintings on it) the other day. Our hearts go out to you for your loss. You are one of the few, the proud, the MOM! Your grieving will never go away but try to rememer the good times with your son.God Bless you & your family."
Santa Claus Almeida USMC , Korea,& loretta of Pawtucket, RI

"i know i never really knew you, all i knew was you were my cousin somehow, but it felt like i knew you in every way after what had happened. you will be missed"
Zac Eilert of Worcester, Massachusetts

"i miss you tons bro

one of these days me and dustin will drive out to see you

rest in peace"
josh wells ( gonz ) of oswego new york

"05/05/09
I miss you terribly.
Love, Mom"

"Miss you man! you will not be forgotten"
joey mosh of Worcester MA

"Not a day goes by that I dont think about you bro."
Mike of Worcester

"hey moquin, hope your doing good where ever you are man. i was looking at some pictures i found in my dresser in my room and you were in a few it was pretty suprising. it was good to see ya."
mykel clark of millbury, ma

"Each time the holidays pass we all miss you andthat smile, the holidays will never be the same without you. We all know that we are better people because of you and what you did for us and are country. I love you and miss you everyday. 1/04/09"
Dave Card of Shrewsbury

"12/24/08-The Holidays are the toughest. I miss you.
Love, Mom"

"Hi Brian...Just got home from Lisa Williams show and heard your messages to your Mom. Excellent!"
Peggy of Shrewsbury

"I miss you so much. My heart hurts every day."
Love Mom

"To the Family of Brian,
It is such a small world.To go on a ride on my harley with my friend MSG Eddie Devine to the celebration Cruise Night for Brian, only to find out that I know Tracy from many years ago!!
Last night was very moving for me. I wish that I had the chance to meet you Brian, I'm sure we would have many laughs together talking about the Army!
God Bless You all. I can only imagine the sense of PRIDE you feel for such a COSTLY SACRIFICE that you have laid on the ALTER of FREEDOM."
SSG Rick Gagnon of Ft Devens

"BRIAN!! i miss you. i think about you all the time and stop by when i can. you went from being my friends' annoying little brother to one of my own very good friends. i miss picking you up and our talks on the way to and from shows. i just miss ya kid! love you always!"
lindsay of shrewsbury, ma

"Hey Brian,
Been thinking about you a lot lately. Just wanted to let you know that we all miss you more than words can even express. So many memories...
Love, Tara"

"Brian, not a day goes by that i don't think about you, Justin and David..I know you guys are all throwing back some cold ones up in Fiddlers Green..we still throw them back for you down here..we all love and miss you bro!
"scouts out!!""
SPC. Nick Pilozzi of Fort Drum, NY

"I miss you everyday, but we will never let your memory leave this earth you will aways be in are hearts and minds. Saturday i know that you will be with us as we celebrate the loss of a fallen hero. I love you Dave"
David Card of Shrewsbury, Ma.

"I miss you so much. It still seems like yesterday to me. I wish this were just a nightmare & i'd wake up and you would still be here."
Love, Mom

"White city still lives on in your memory i got you name tattooed inside my arm and im getting the Alaskan king crab like i promised i would get keep it gully miss ya kid"
jonny victor of Shrewsbury, Mass

"Brian,
You are a "hero" in so many ways. I was teaching my boyfriend's daughter how to drive and I stopped by to visit you and I just wanted to let you know that you have touched so many lives and the hearts of young children. They truly admire you for your bravery. Your mom has done such a beautiful job w/the pumpkins. She is so creative. We all miss you and you in our thoughts and our prayers. Kevin, Jomie, Sean, Kris and Mackenzie."
Jomie Jacome of Charlton, MA

"September 14, 2007
To the family of Pfc. Brian M. Moquin, Jr.:
Brian gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"To the family of:Brian M.Moquin,Jr. I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief. He died a hero defending freedom and we are so grateful for anyone defending our freedom.
Know that I am praying for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding for you and that one day we will all meet in Heaven where we will rest in the arms of Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to or someone to pray with please call my Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Reverand John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd Covington Ga. 30016 Phone 770- 787- 1015 (fax)770-787-8215.Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew"

"Brian,
Nick brought home a picture he drew at school the other day of an american flag and a soldier. He is always thinking of you, and so am I. Your memory will always be kept alive and you won't be forgotten.
Dottie and Nicholas Vaillancourt"
Dottie Vaillancourt of South Grafton, Ma

"God Bless..."
Jill Desmond, widow Sgt. Dennis J Boles of Homosassa, FL USA

"Brian-
Your memorial today, on this Memorial Day weekend, was beautiful! Thank you for being so brave....your sacrifice keeps us free and we appreciate it. We know you're the coolest, skateboarding angel watching over us. :-)"
The Skavis family on Lake Quinsig. of Shrewsbury, MA/USA

"hey cuz its been a year and five days since the day that you passed away. I cant believe that your really gone!! I LOVE and MISS YOU so much. well your memorial was good, your father wrote something for us to read at your memorial, it was good. well Brian I love you bro and will always think about you, you will never be forgotten!!"
your Cousin Ashley Bessette(ward) of Millbury,MA

"Brian,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other men who were on that Chinook with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Gallantly Forward"(71st Cav Motto)"

"hey cuz I miss you so much, A day doesnt go by that i dont think of you. I still think that your going to call and say that your going to be home. well bro I love you and you always be my little cuz. Our family is so close and I always thought of you as my brother!! We all miss you and love you!!"
Ashley Bessette (ward) of Millbury,ma

"I miss you and love you Merry christmas and happy new year."
Dave Card of Shrewsbury, Ma

"I miss you so much it hurts."
Love, Mom

"Hey boy, i am proud of you because you always found a way make the people around you smile and forget there pain even thou you had your own things going on in your life.We had alot of great times in the 15 years we had together wake bourding snow bourding and of course skate bourding all over the state, remember your little trip to Boston. I am sure some of your friends can still feel some of the wipe outs you took on that skate bourd, i hope you like the last one i got for you dont brake it ha ha All the jumps and broken bones could not stop you. I am glad we got to hang out before you were taken from us!! I miss you every day and i know Jess does too. I Love you and will see you some day in a better place. Love Dave"
David Card of Shrewsbury

"Brian, I have been married to a Moquin for 47 years and know that there are many relatives back east that we have never met. We lost our grandson on Dec.1, 2005, John Holmason. John was one of ten Marines who stepped on an explosive device in Fuluzia, Iraq. Freedom is not free, is it? My husband Thomas Francis Moquin is retired Air Force and spent many months in Viet Nam. My son Matthew was a Recon Marine(1976/2000)who picked up radiation and died from Lymphoma at the young age of 24. The only way I can get through each day is to thank God that I was part of those two brave young men's lives for at least a short time. My prayers are with your family and I wish I could have known you as I know you are also a part of our family. Love and prayers."
Carole Moquin of Scappoose, Oregon 97056

"Brian, It seems as though it was just yesterday you were a just a little mischievous boy. You grew into a wonderful young man and I was so proud and I still am. It will not be the same without you, but I know that there will be a time that we will all be together again. I will always keep you close in my heart. Be happy. I love you."
Auntie Tina of Millbury

"Brian you will always be in my prayers. I miss you so much. You will always be my hero.I look up to you. you were a wonderful person. I think about you every single second of my life. Love you brian."
Brianna, Brian's sister of Millbury MA,01527

"Brian you will always be in my prayers. I miss you so much. You will always be my hero.I look up to you. you were a wonderful. I think about you every single second of my life. Love you brian."
Brianna, Brian's sister of Millbury MA,01527

"I miss you so dearly. I think of you every single second of my life and so does everybody else.~Love Grandma"
Grandmother Elsie Moquin of Millbury MA,01527

"I miss you so dearly. I think of you every single second of my life and so does everybody else.~Love Grandma"
Grandmother Elsie Moquin of Millbury MA,01527

"You're still my hero and i miss you and love you"
Brandon of Worcester

"brian, the most ha-rd core kid i know. stood for what he believed in, an excellent kid, an excellent person. i know you are looking down on us all bro. well rock out again some day. -"
Ryan Fournier of Sturbridge, MA

"You are family, you are blood. I am sorry I didn't get to know you better then what I did. I am still proud of you! I know we will chill when we meet again! So I am not that worried! watch over everyone make sure noone does anything to stoopid. love ya kid! don't get too many tattoos in heaven cause you best leave a space for me to ink up once I get there!!"
Katlynn Szafarowicz of Worcester Ma

"Moquin I love u kid ill see u in heaven 1 day n thanks for letten me leave in the kennel ,, those days were carzy member me u n paul were in the kitchen for a bout 5 hours jus talkin bout life , i remember i told not to go to the army but ur hard headed and a true soldier i think if u were still around all the beef and drama wouldnt be around ,,, its sucks not to see u any more kid we all love you ps like you siad "Keep It Gully".....Timmy"
Tim Williams of worcester Mass

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Brian will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana
May we always remember: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!
"

"brian will always be missed. My condolences go to his mother tracy, who was and sill is a great mom. Brian, you will always be in my prayers"
john hanlon of millbury ma

"THERE IS NO GREAT WAY TO DIE MY BROTHER BUT YOUR DEATH AS SOLDIER MAKED YOU ETERNAL. The people of Afghanistan will never realize what a great soul was lost on their soil. I will always remember the times in Montrol and in basic. Bless your true and outspoken spirit."
Cavalry Scout of Afghanistan

""Memorial Day" 2006
"BRIAN M. MOQUIN, JR."
"I WILL NEVER FORGET"
Proud Army mom of:
Pfc. Adam L. Thomas
1-87 Ft. Drum
KIA: Afghanistan 08-31-03
Ellenethomas@comcast.net"
Ellen Thomas of Burbank, IL

"I remember, when we used to skate and bike down in white city back in the day.. you were hungry, and you ordered a biggie size BigMAC meal from Mcdonalds one day. You paid for it all in pennnies. They were spread the whole way across the counter and you counted them out for a good 10 minuets. We were laughing our asses off because the manager was so ticked off. But you said "It's money, isn't it buddy?" he shut up eventually, and you got your BigMAC.. You could always make anyone laugh, and i still don't know if i've laughed as hard as i did that day. gonna miss you bri,& watch over. peace"
Trev of Shrewsbury, MA

"Although I didn't know you that well, I know enough to say I'm proud of you and as Kim said, you are truely an american hero!! R.I.P. Bro...

And to Tracy and the whole family - I pray that God will give you strength to get through this tough time. Brian was an awesome kid, one whom we will never forget!!! God Bless You."
Justin Stafinski of Sutton, MA

"Bri...You truly are an american hero! you're going to be missed so much! You've always been my favorite cousin-even though u'd pick on me when we were younger (haha). We've had so many good memories:the army fort with Uncle Dave, our yearly Easter egg hunts(u'd always beat me to them). I think about you every day. I Love You Brian. *R.I.P*"
Kimberly Rock of Millbury/Worcester

"I would like to thank everyone for their support during this very difficult time. Brian was my whole life. I hope that God can give me the strength to go on.."
Brian's Mom, Tracy Vaillancourt of Worcester, MA

"TO The Family of PFC Brian M. Moquin Jr.,

Our deepest sympathy and condelences to Brian's family. We did not know Brian personally, however we consider Steve and Lisa Vaillancourt close friends, and were deeply saddened by the news of his tragic death.

Hold Brian's memories close as there must be many happy & cherished ones to call upon. Brian's heroism and spirit will live on eternally, he will never be forgetten. God Bless you.

Peter & Gail Sora
Proud Parents of LCPL PJ Sora Jr
Killed 5/4/06 - Humvee Rollover"
Peter & Gail Sora of Londonderry, NH

"Brian I will miss you and of course i love you with all my heart and soul you were not only my cousin but a friend at need and someone that would do anything for anyone you will be missed and you are and always will be a hero in my eyes I love you man"
Ashey Ward of Millbury,Ma

"As a family member, of a not so close family - Brian will be remembered as a brave creative soul who died doing something he truly believed in. He will be missed.

My sympathy goes out to his Mom, his Dad Brian and my Aunt and Uncle Walter and Elsie (his grandparents).

RIP, Brian."
Michelle of Manchester, NH

"Thank you Brian Moquin, Jr., you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Brian Moquin, Jr.:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Brian for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Pfc. Brian Moquin, Jr.:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Brian, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on