Obituary of David L. Brodeur

Air Force Major David L. Brodeur, formerly of Auburn, MA and with ties to the local area, died April 27, 2011 at Kabul Airport, in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was on deployment to Afghanistan from Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, Alaska. Major Brodeur had been assigned, while in Afghanistan, as an advisor to the Afghan Command and Control Center under the NATO Air Training Command.Prior to deployment, he served as Executive Officer, Eleventh Air Force, Joint Base Elmendorf � Richardson, Alaska. Major Brodeur was born on December 10, 1976 in Worcester, MA. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Williams) Brodeur, of Colorado Springs, and his children, Elizabeth 7, and David, Jr. 4. His in-laws are MSgt Franklin D. Williams, USAF (Ret.), and his wife Jean of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by his parents, Lawrence A. and Joyce A. Brodeur; a brother, Todd E. Brodeur; and his sister, Amanda G. Brodeur. Major Brodeur also leaves behind a large extended family including his grandmother, Constance C. Brodeur; and many aunts, uncles, nephews, and cousins.Major Brodeur was educated in the Auburn public schools graduating with honors from Auburn High in 1994. While in high school he played soccer and was an accomplished track and field athlete who won Southern Worcester County League and District Class B individual championships. He served as Treasurer and President of the Student Council and was a member of the National Honor Society; represented Auburn High at the Annual Student Government Day Program sponsored by the Massachusetts State Legislature and received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his service to Auburn High and the Town of Auburn.After a year of prep school at Valley Forge Military College in Wayne, PA he entered the United States Air Force Academy and graduated in 1999 with a degree in Political Science. Major Brodeur earned a Master of Business Administration and Management from Touro University and had completed Air Command & Staff College. Major Brodeur graduated from pilot training at Columbus AFB in Columbus, Mississippi in April 2001 and F-16 Fighter training from Luke AFB in Arizona. Major Brodeur was an experienced F-16 pilot with deployments to Iraq where he flew combat missions during the initial days and months of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Among his commendations and awards are the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Combat Action Medal.Major Brodeur was an F-16 instructor, Flight Commander, and Assistant Director of Operations for the 18th Aggressor Squadron, at Eielson AFB, AK. He was a Senior Pilot with more than 1600 flight hours in fighter aircraft. He had a fascination with aviation as a child which turned into the goal of becoming a fighter pilot and led eventually to his career as an aviator and Air Force officer. Despite David�s passion for flying and pride for his country, his greatest love in life was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 11 years and proud father of Elizabeth and David. He was a loving son and brother who placed the needs of others and service to God and country before self. Though tragic to have lost him so young, it is comforting to know that his kind, humorous, and courageous spirit, with which he touched so many, will live on through his children. His all-too-short life was a life well lived.There will be viewing hours on Monday, May 16th at The Springs Funeral Services from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. His funeral with Full Military Honors will be held on May 17th, 2011 at 11:00 am at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Cahpel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Burial will be in the United States Air Force Academy�s Military Cemetery.For those who may wish to pay tribute to David, a scholarship fund has been created to benefit his children at the Air Warrior Courage Foundation, care of the Major David Brodeur 529 College Fund, Air Warrior Courage Foundation, P.O. Box 877, Silver Springs, MD 20918. The Foundation can be reached by phone at (877) 921-2923; by fax at (301) 587-2923, and by e-mail at awcf@airwarriorcourage.org Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Tuesday, May 17, 2011 12:00AM US Air Force Academy Cemetery 2168 Field House Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80840 Phone: 719-328-1793 Visitation Monday, May 16, 2011 1:00PM - 3:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Service Tuesday, May 17, 2011 11:00AM U S Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO Phone: 719-328-1793