Nicolas Vokaer and Antoine Le Quinio - French Soldiers killed in the Central African Republic

Private First Class Antoine Le Quinio, age 22, and Private First Class Nicolas Vokaer, age 23, died in the line of duty on December 9, 2013, in Bangui, Central African Republic.

The two soldiers were caught in a firefight while on a night patrol during violent sectarian clashes.

Antoine Le Quinio (L), Nicolas Vokaer (R)

Antoine and Nicolas were members of the Eight Parachute regiment based at Castres in southwestern France.

The men were part of a French military operation in this country to stem the violent struggles between Christian and Muslim militias and vigilante groups. Hundreds of citizens have been killed in recent outbreaks of violence. The Central African Republic is a former colony of France.

Antoine Le Quinio joined the military in July of 2011 and joined the 8th Marine Parachute Regiment in November of that year.

Military officials describe Antoine as professional, disciplined, committed, motivated

Gabriel, who stands in the presence
of God, pray for Antoine and
Nicolas

and dynamic.

Nicolas Vokaer was born in Tremblay, France. He joined the military and the 8th Marine Parachute Regiment in June of 2011.

Military officials describe Nicolas as professional, hard-working, motivated, deliberate and disciplined with the potential for advancement.

Both men will be forever missed by their families, friends and military comrades.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die young in a foreign land. 

Pray for an end to the violence in the Central African Republic. 

Pray that Antoine and Nicolas are in heaven. Pray that they are at peace and are with God. Amen.