Christopher Bryan Brooks

6/29/1995 - 1/20/2023

Washington, D.C. – Staff Sergeant Christopher Bryan Brooks, 27, of The United States Air Force, 316 Security Forces Squad Squadron, passed away from a car accident Jan. 20, 2023. Christopher was born in New London, June 29, 1995. He graduated with honors from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Va. while participating in both offense and defensive roles on the football team. Christopher was a talented musician; mastering the drums while playing for his church, local bands and youth group.

Christopher joined the Air Force and entered active duty on Sept. 8, 2015. During his eight years of service, he was first assigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota as a Tactical Response Force Assaulter through October 2020. Next, he was assigned to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland as a Response Force Leader. Christopher served his country while deployed to Jordan from October 2021, returning home safely in April of 2022. He was the recipient of the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal for his actions while deployed to Jordan. He was recently promoted to Staff Sergeant a few months before his death.

Known as 'Big Body Brooks,' (Bub, #2, and Gogofer) Christopher had a passion for competitive weightlifting and bodybuilding. He earned first place in heavy weight in his NPC Virginia Classic Show. As well as first place in open classic physique class- C. He qualified nationally in competitive bodybuilding and was on track to earn his IFBB pro card. As an active member of the Maryland Car Community he thoroughly enjoyed all things cars. Christopher loved food, pizza, mint-chocolate-chip anything! When he wasn't preparing for his body building competitions, he enjoyed an occasional doughnut binge.

Christopher cherished his family and is survived by his fiancée, Daenerys Sone, whom he loved beyond measure and her son, Alexander Perra, who gave Chris the nickname, "my Superman"; father, Thomas A. Brooks Jr.; stepmother, Wendy Holmes Brooks and her son Colton Satterfield of Baton Rouge, La.; mother, Kristine Mugovero Wayman; stepfather Lynford Wayman III; and younger brother Aiden Wayman of Waterford. His older brother, Justin Michael Brooks, and wife Athena Zazzaro of Boston, Mass.; grandmothers, Louise Mugovero Dickens of Waterford, and Kathleen Brooks of Gulfport, Miss.; grandfathers, Lynford Wayman Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla. and Bruce Christie of Gales Ferry. Predeceased by younger brother Sean Patrick Wayman; his grandfathers, Gordon A. Dickens Sr. of Waterford and Thomas A. Brooks Sr.

He will be missed by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Honestly, too many to list, we'll need the whole paper to print all the people who loved him. His memory will live close to our hearts. Words cannot express the tremendous loss of Christopher's absence. He was dedicated, determined, strong, brave, driven, caring, and had the most wonderful laugh. This gentle giant left us too soon, but he lived everyday as his authentic self and will be forever missed.

"We only have one life here on this planet. If you're not striving to accomplish something you've always wanted to; then start today." – Christopher Brooks.

Staff Sergeant Brooks will be buried with full military honors. Please feel free to wear uplifting colors to any of these events. Christophers favorite color was Blue. Family and Friends are invited to call from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6, 2023, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes, 12 Ocean Ave, New London. 860. 443.1871. Funeral services will begin at Thomas Neilan funeral home at 11 a.m. Feb. 7, and proceed to the burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, 600 Jefferson Ave., New London.

Following funeral services a celebration of Christopher's life will be held at Filomena's Restaurant in Waterford.

There will be a live broadcast for these events if people would like to attend virtually. The link may be found on Christopher's memorial page on www.neilanfuneralhome.com.

Mental health in the military was important to Chris as he had lost several close airmen to suicide. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Stop Soldier Suicide, a cause that was near to his heart. https://stopsoldiersuicide2023.funraise.org/fundraiser/lynford-wayman

There is also a fund set up for his fiancée and her son to help them in the days to come. https://gofund.me/e5144246