Thierry Serrat

French Soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Thierry Serrat, age 46, died on June 9, 2012, in the Nijrab district of Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from a suicide bombing.

A Taliban suicide bomber disguised as a woman and wearing a burqa, walked up to a group of French soldiers in a public market and blew himself up. Four French soldiers were killed in the explosion and five others wounded.

Thierry had served France for almost 28 years. 

He had previously served in New Caledonia, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan and Lebanon. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan. 

Light a candle for Thierry.
Light his way to Heaven.

His awards and decorations include the gold medal of National Defence with staples "artillery" and "external assistance missions," the medal overseas staple with "Lebanon" and "Ivory Coast" and commemorative medal with clasp "Afghanistan".  

Military officials describe him as having an unblemished and exemplary military career. He is also described as having a real sense of duty, hard-working, and a man who was highly respected by his commanders and his peers. 

Thierry is survived by many loving friends and relatives, including his two children.

Let us pray that Thierry Serrat is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.