Maine community says goodbye to Pfc. Brochu

(NECN: Marnie MacLean, Waterville, Maine) – Family and friends of Private First Class Jordan Brochu gathered in Waterville, Maine today to say goodbye. The Defense Department says Brochu was killed by an explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan on August 31st. “Every hero has a story…a life…you’ve seen the end, but I would like to share with you some of the rest of the story” It is Jordan Brochu’s mother who is telling that story. For Sue Brochu it began when she and her husband Dan adopted Jordan and his sister Sadie. Jordan was only four…but in that short time his mother says, abuse…neglect and loss cast a long shadow over his young life. Sue Brochu: “Jordan came to us damaged…our beautiful, broken boy” Yes, she says…there were dark days—but there was also light—moments of brilliance and passion from a boy eager to learn. Sue Brochu: “whether it was designing castles with his Lego’s, playing out his favorite hero of the month, playing sports or making music…or joining with his siblings and friends, he went all the way” During those times, life for the Brochu family was good—but his parents said, his past would not allow him to fully accept the love they offered….Jordan faltered, choosing a path away from home…..but his family always had faith he would find his way. And he finally did—spending his senior year at lake region high school…excelling in sports, enjoying classes—giving friends the kind of caring he found it so hard to accept for himself. “That was how Jordan was, he took care of people…no matter how upset or hurt he was, he made sure you were OK” When he graduated, Jordan decided to join the military. He told his mother he wanted to travel the world, protect the weak and follow in his brother’s footsteps. He never offered goodbyes, and only wrote one letter….saying how he wanted to make his brother proud. That same brother stood before the congregation–and offered this poem for a life cut short before all the wounds could heal. Aaron Brochu: “How do you miss someone when you never looked? how do you say goodbye when you forgot to say hello? How do you remember when you tried so hard to forget… how do you tell someone you’re proud when they’re no longer around?” No, his life wasn’t easy—his road to Afghanistan paved with heartache and regret….but this man, this soldier, died fighting for a cause he believed in…and knowing finally, he wasn’t alone. “He started with us broken, but he has finished complete…a hero”