NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE
************************* OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (January 24, 2008) - Killed yesterday in Afghanistan was Corporal Etienne Gonthier, 21 years old, of 5th Combat Engineer Regiment based in Valcartier (Quebec).
He was part of a team of sappers conducting route clearance ahead of a convoy in the Panjwaiyi District.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Corporal Gonthier, and with his comrades in Afghanistan who remain committed to helping Afghans improve their living conditions and build a free and democratic society.
The courage and dedication demonstrated by Corporal Gonthier in his efforts to assist the Afghan national security forces represent Canadian values in the finest tradition.
He will be greatly missed.
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