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DEL.ICIO.USFellow soldiers laud fallen sergeant
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Stryker, Iraq — Sgt. Chad Mercer of Waycross had a special request for his buddies before he left for Iraq.
“He said that if something happened to him he didn’t want a wimpy maple” planted to remember him, said Staff Sgt. Walter Kegley, a friend and co-worker.
Kegley, 35, of Nashville, Ga., said Mercer was not impressed by the Eastern redbud trees planted along Warrior’s Walk at Fort Stewart to honor soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division who have died in Iraq.
He wanted something bigger, something more substantial, planted in his honor if he died, Kegley said.
Mercer, 25, a member of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team attached to the Fort Stewart unit, was killed Thursday when the Bradley Fighting Vehicle he commanded rolled over during a night patrol.
His name will be among those added to one of the plaques at the base of each tree. But Kegley has something else planned for his friend.
“We’re going to plant a towering oak for him at the armory in Cordele when we get back,” Kegley said.
Mercer is the first member of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade killed in Iraq since the 4,400-member unit arrived last month.
Two other brigade soldiers have died since the unit mobilized in January, one in a Humvee accident during training at Fort Stewart in February and one in a vehicle accident in Kuwait in May.
Mercer was remembered by those who served with him as a consummate soldier and fierce competitor who had an encyclopedic knowledge of all things military.
“Chad epitomized what a soldier should be,” Kegley said. “He had more knowledge of tactics, techniques and regulations than anyone should ever have.”
Mercer, a member of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, won the 48th Brigade’s noncommissioned officer of the year award for 2004 for his dedication and professionalism. He served with the unit in Bosnia in 2001 and worked at a hardware store in Waycross in civilian life.
He is survived by his wife, Pam, and three children.
Mercer attended Georgia Military College in Milledgeville for one year and was on track to become an officer when he finished the two-year program. But he told friends he preferred to remain a front-line enlisted soldier because he could have a greater influence.
His fellow soldiers said Mercer was a die-hard Florida State University football fan, kept a football by his cot in Iraq and already had begun researching the college football rankings
First Lt. Nathan Childers of Atlanta said Mercer was commanding a Bradley Fighting Vehicle near Baghdad before dawn Thursday when the 25-ton vehicle went off a narrow dirt road and rolled into a canal. Four other soldiers inside suffered bumps, bruises and cuts. Two were hospitalized overnight but returned to duty the next day.
Mercer, who rode in a turret atop the vehicle, alerted the other soldiers by calling “Rollover!” on the intercom as the Bradley left the road and tumbled down a 15-foot embankment, said Childers, 27.
“It was dark and dusty, and the road was narrow,” said Childers, who was leading the mission in a Bradley just ahead of Mercer’s. “The accident wasn’t anybody’s fault.”
About 15 hours earlier, Mercer was commanding another Bradley that was struck by a roadside bomb. One of his arms was cut and bloodied. But he had it bandaged and insisted on participating in the next mission.
Kegley said faith and friendship will allow Mercer’s fellow soldiers to continue despite the devastating personal loss.
“We’ve built strong relationships, and those bonds of friendship will carry us through. If Chad was here, he’d tell us to go back out there and finish the job.”
Comments
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By John Boyd
July 2, 2005 08:54 PM | Link to this
God Bless SGT Mercer, his family, and all of our soldiers over there.
John Boyd
By Paulette Nelson
July 2, 2005 11:02 PM | Link to this
I volunteer with the USO in Savannah. I helped with “family day” before they deployed. I helped send the 48th off to Iraq from Hunter Airfield. It breaks my heart to hear of them losing their lives. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help in any way.
By Amy
July 2, 2005 11:39 PM | Link to this
Pam and children, My prayers are with you. I am very sorry for your loss.
The prayers of the 48th BCT families are with you as well.
By IrisWolff
July 3, 2005 12:50 AM | Link to this
dearest wife and family of Sgt Mercer, you are in my prayers . **may god bless you all.
By Brenda Freeman
July 3, 2005 01:32 AM | Link to this
On the 4th of July, and all days before and after, I hope all of you serving in Iraq in the 4th Alabama know that we honor and glorify you, praise and admire you all for the sacrifises you make every waking moment in a country far from home. When my boys shoot off fireworks this 4th, it will have a stronger meaning than it has previously. With each firework, each boom, each pretty color in the night’s sky, they will remember as I will, the soldier they love far from them. They will hold dear to them, the thoughts and prayers that everyone returns home safely. They will know that the freedoms and liberties they are allowed are because of soldiers such as you all, and soldiers that have gone before you. They will feel the pride of being a soldiers child, as I feel the pride of being a soldiers wife. This 4th of July, we will all be reminded that our freedom is not free. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, for being an american soldier. God Bless you all, and know He continues to keep His protective hedge around you. Special blessings and healing go out for the Mercer family. May the Lords comfort surround you in your time of sorrow, and life you up in His healing hands.
By Stacey
July 3, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this
My thoughts and prayers are with the Mercer family. You are living the nightmare that none of us want to live. Thank you for your husband’s service to his country as he is a hero. God bless you and your children. Another 48th brigade wife. I Love you SSG Stephen Hullett
By JOHN JIMENEZ
July 3, 2005 09:51 AM | Link to this
Having saw to the send off of our Cordele soldiers when one is killed or injured it is like family. If Sgt Mercers family reads this they know they have a family in Cordele. For Kegley if he reads this whatever you need to do let us know. God Bless You All and Hurry Back
By Cynthia Hagist
July 3, 2005 12:09 PM | Link to this
Pam, children and family, We are heartbroken over your loss and consider it our loss too. The people of America will miss a good man and soldier. Our prayers are with you.
Cynthia Hagist
By Eva Roberts
July 3, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this
This is for Sgt. John Roberts with the 48th, the kids and I missed having you here for the fourth in Franklin and have missed you terrible every day that you have been gone. I know you miss your guys but get well first from your accident then you can go back. John, Jennifer and Jason said they love you dad and we are all very proud of you and all the guys over there. We are standing proud here at home and ALL of you should too. Much love Eva
By Connie Peagler
July 4, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this
To the Mercer family my heart goes out to you and the lost of your husband. I am in Waycross and knowing that one our boys have been killed just breaks my heart for you. We are proud of our guys and gals that are serving our country. I pray that our people will be home soon. My prayer goes to everyone in your family and to the children.
Prayers to you, Connie Peagler
By Michele Pierce
July 5, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Mercer Family. Please remember your Guard family will always be here for you if you need us.
By Robin Gordon
July 5, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this
There are no words that will take away the heartache and pain that Mercer’s family will endure. Prayer is the only way to make it through this war, so I pray and it helps me make it another day. I will include a prayer for Mercer’s friends and family.GOD BLESS ALL OF MANKIND IN THIS TIME OF DEVASTATION AND UNCIVIALIZATION.
By Michele
July 5, 2005 05:46 PM | Link to this
As a fellow military wife, of SPC Wesley Ruland 148SB, I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May GOD grant the Mercer family the strength to carry forward, while remembering their beloved soldier.
By Michele
July 5, 2005 05:47 PM | Link to this
As a fellow military wife, of SPC Wesley Ruland 148SB, I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May GOD grant the Mercer family the strength to carry forward, while remembering their beloved soldier.
By HOLLY SUTTON
July 5, 2005 08:28 PM | Link to this
I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOLESENCES TO THE MERCER FAMILY.I PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU AND THE CHILDREN THE PEACE AND COMFORT YOU WILL NEED IN THESE COMING DAYS AND MONTH.MY HEART GOES OUT TO MRS.MERCER AND I CRY WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.GOD SAW WERE HE NEEDED ANOTHER FLOWER FOR HIS BEAUTIFUL GARDEN AND CHOOSE YOUR HUSBAND A TRUE HERO. WIFE OF SSG RODERICK SUTTON 118TH FA
By lisa
July 5, 2005 10:36 PM | Link to this
My prayers and thoughts are with the Mercer family. May God be with your family in this time of sorrow. Psalms 23:1-6 May God Bless You and your family. Lisa England & family
By Debbie Nix
July 6, 2005 01:26 AM | Link to this
To the Mercer Family:
My nephew, Spc Michael Layton was with Sgt. Mercer in the time of the accident. He talked of him often when he would call me from Iraq. He is taking it hard because to Michael, Mercer was his “BATTLE BUDDY”. My prayers are with you and your family and Michael sends his love and prayers also. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU!!!
By Diane
July 6, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this
Words fail me in what to say except my heart goes out to the family, and his buddies for the loss. God be with you all. You all are in my heart everyday of the world and you have my undying gratitude for unselfish service to this country
By SPC Kimberly Schatz
July 6, 2005 01:26 PM | Link to this
My prayers go out to the family of SGT Mercer and the entire 48th BDE, for they are our brothers and sisters. May God hold a special blessing over the Mercer family and bring them the comfort that his service was not in vain. We love you and support you all in the 48th… SPC Schatz, 118th PSD, GA ArNG, Kuwait.
By Cindy
July 6, 2005 02:18 PM | Link to this
My prayers join those of others to surround the Mercer family in their time of sorrow. As another wife from the 48th your pain is our pain. I pray that us standing with you some small bit helps ease your pain. I pray that God will touch your heart and strengthen you as only He can. sincerely, Cindy Thurman
By Jeanette Draughorne
July 6, 2005 03:13 PM | Link to this
Our hearts goes out SGT Mercer, his family and the 48th Bde and there lost. We will keep you and all 4400 in our prayers. We love you and may God Bless each and everyone of you.
By S. Farrell
July 6, 2005 07:08 PM | Link to this
May God give you strength during this difficult time. We will keep you in our prayers. The family of SSG Brian Farrell, HHC 2-121
By William Kitchens
July 7, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this
May your Oak tree stand tall.
By michael layton
July 7, 2005 03:17 PM | Link to this
chad mercer was one of my good army buddies, he always laughes at my dumb jokes i told when nobody else did. He was a caring friend, soldier, and husband as everyone new.
Chad you will be missed Love you man R.I.PBy Jeff (Retired Air Force)
July 8, 2005 02:52 AM | Link to this
God bless you. We will forever remember your sacrifice and honor your memory.
By Brandi
July 10, 2005 12:06 AM | Link to this
My husband SPC Malone talked highly of Chad and spoke about him often. I’m so sorry for the families loss of such a good brave man. Our prayers go out to you all. The Malone Family