Corporal Adam D. Quinn, 22, of Orange City, Fla., was an automation specialist (Signal Soldier) with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 82nd Abn. Div. “We went everywhere together,” said Spc. Derrick Rice, an infantryman with HHC and Quinn’s best friend here. “He was a good guy, very likeable,” he said. “We used to joke that he was my voice because I couldn’t really talk to people. He was really good at talking to people; he was a real people person.” Quinn’s charismatic and outgoing personality was noted by both his leaders and friends. "(Corporal) Quinn was extremely popular and respected by his peers and superiors alike,” said Capt. Eric Von Fischer-Benzon, HHC company commander. “To him, nothing was a bother, and helping out a fellow Soldier or civilian was a genuine pleasure for him." "Adam loved to joke around and just have fun. It didn’t seem like much ever got him down,” said Spc. Shawn Dempsey, a friend of Quinn. “If he saw you down, he knew just what to say to get you back in a good mood."
Sgt. Maj. Curtis Regan, the operations sergeant major for the 82nd Airborne Division, noted Quinn’s contribution to the Army. “(Cpl.) Quinn was the kind of Soldier that made you look forward to coming to work each morning,” Regan said. “There was something about him and the expression on his face that made you feel good about being a Soldier yourself, and as a leader, leaving you feeling that the institutional soul of the Army was in good hands. He had that impact on everyone around him, and he will be sorely missed.”
Quinn joined the Army in August 2003. He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in October 2003, Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Ga., in April 2004, and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Ga., in May 2004. He arrived at the 82nd Abn. Div. in August 2004 and was assigned to the Division Headquarters. “(Cpl.) Quinn was admired by his peers and superiors and will be greatly missed. He always gave 100 percent to everything he did,” said 1st Sgt. Christopher McKnight, the HHC first sergeant. “The loss of this Paratrooper will be felt across the company.” Quinn’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal with, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge and the Parachutist’s Badge.