Fort McPherson, Fort Gillem says goodbye to a fallen comrade

Soldiers, Families and friends of the Army Professional Medical Command assembled at the 3rd Medical Command's (Deployment Support) drill hall on Fort Gillem July 1 to celebrate the life of Master Sgt. Pedro Mercado.

The memorial service was officiated by Maj. Gen. Robert Kasulke, ARMEDCOM commander.

Retired Col. Cornelius Easter, Master Sgt. Mercado's mentor and friend, said Mercado would be remembered as a "Soldier's Soldier, a mentor and a great advocate for the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps."

During the ceremony, many of Mercado's fellow Soldiers said Mercado was known as one to never accept second best when first was available.

He was remembered as a Soldier who employed his talents and gifts to faithfully serve his fellow human beings and who always tried to spread light as a positive difference maker for his fellow troops.

Mercado was also praised by his fellow troops as being firm and fair, consistent and congruent in his words, actions and deeds, and as a person who always sought after wisdom as a source of focus and strength.

"Our achievements are shaped by the terrain of our lives and the strength of the foundation set. In building the life we've imagined, we must be true to our beliefs, dare to be ethical, and strive to be honorable, for integrity is the highest ground to which we can aspire. Pedro was the best of the best (at setting this example)," said Easter.

Mercado is survived by his wife, Kimberly Michelle Mercado; his three children, Pedro Mercado, Cherish Gibbs and Romell William; his two grandchildren, Zikira Gibbs and Andrea Mercado; his mother, Nilda Mercado; and his four brothers, John Mercado, Hector Mercado, Miguel Mercado and Nixon Mercado.

Mercado was also survived by his six nieces, 13 nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. His interment is scheduled for late July at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Va.