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DEL.ICIO.US48th soldier killed in Iraq patrol vehicle accident
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kegley family photo
Sgt Timmy Pope (left), Staff Sgt. Walter Kegley and Sgt. Chad Mercer, members of the Georgia Army National Guard, enjoy Family Day at Fort Stewart. Mercer died Thursday in Iraq.
Friends and co-workers of Sgt. Chad Mercer of Waycross remembered him Friday, the day after he was killed in Iraq, as a devoted family man and a hard-working soldier.
Mercer, 25, was a member of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team.
“He’s an average guy,” Casey Caswell, a childhood friend, said in a telephone interview. “He did what he had to do to get by. He worked six, seven days a week to provide for his family.”
Mercer is survived by his wife, Pam, and three young children.
He died in a vehicle accident during a night patrol, the Waycross Journal-Herald reported in its Friday edition. National Guard officials in Georgia said Friday they had no information about the incident.
Mercer was a member of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, based out of the Cordele armory. He graduated from Ware County High School in 1998 and Georgia Military College in 2000.
“He was a great cadet,” said Col. Pat Beer, the commandant of cadets at the military college in Milledgeville. “He had the biggest smile you could possibly believe, always very friendly.”
Mercer was a member of the Cadet Chain of Command, meaning he was among the top 40 of 250 cadets in his first year at the college. Being in the Chain of Command put him in a leadership position during his second year.
“He always had a very can-do attitude,” said Beer, who also remembered that Mercer could “run like the wind.”
Mercer is the third member of the 48th Brigade to die since the unit mobilized in January for a yearlong deployment to Iraq. All three deaths have been from vehicle accidents.
Pfc. Carlton Newman of Landover, Md., who was attached to the brigade, died when his Humvee rolled over in January during training at Fort Stewart. In May, Sgt. Charles Gillican of Brunswick was killed in a vehicle accident in Kuwait as the brigade was arriving in the Middle East.
Mercer’s death was among nearly 70 for June, one of the deadliest months for U.S. troops since the invasion of Iraq 28 months ago. At least 68 U.S. soldiers, Marines and sailors were killed by hostile fire in Iraq, according to Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, a Web site that compiles official casualty reports.
Caswell, who remembered shooting BB guns in the woods with Mercer, playing video games and pretending to be GI Joe, said they went together to sign up for the National Guard a few months before graduating from high school so they could get scholarships to the military college. The two were on the competitive rifle teams at their high school and again in college.
Eventually, Caswell said he got bored with the Guard and decided not to re-enlist. Mercer stayed in.
“He was a good man,” said Caswell, now a Waycross police officer. “He stood up for what he believed.”
Mercer was recognized in 2004 as the 48th Brigade’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
Mercer served as a National Guard peacekeeper in Bosnia, and when he returned from that tour, he took a job as a salesman at Lee Hardware in Waycross in October 2001.
Co-owner Denise Lee said she and the store’s employees were still in shock Friday. She plans to close the store the day of his funeral, which is not yet scheduled.
Pete Pyrzenski, the Waycross city manager, said he asked the organizers of the community’s Fourth of July festivities at the local stadium to open the event with a moment of silence to recognize Mercer and his family.
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Carroline
July 1, 2005 12:46 PM | Link to this
My prayers and sincere condolences go out to his family. In times like these, be there for one another and hold onto the memories that have brought you the greatest joy. Physically he may not be here but he will never die in your hearts and minds. May you have strength and find peace in the moments to come.
And to his fellow soldiers, stay up and find strength in his fight. Don’t hesitate to shed a tear of joy and pain and don’t forget what he has done to touch your lives.
May God keep and bless you all.
By Frances
July 1, 2005 01:43 PM | Link to this
Our prayers are with his loved ones.
By Mark
July 1, 2005 02:02 PM | Link to this
Chad we love you and will always remember you. We are proud to be your family. Thanks for the prayers. We will continue to pray for the safty of all others.
By Phyllis Kassum
July 1, 2005 02:16 PM | Link to this
All of the Kassum family offer our condolences to this family and to the remainder of the unit. Please say a prayer, lift your head and eyes and pursue the mission that you were sent to accomplish. Sgt Mercer’s sacrifice is a harsh reminder to the rest of us that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE… We love you and stay safe.
By Patricia C. Anderson
July 1, 2005 02:32 PM | Link to this
To the families of Sgt. Chad Mercer, my prayers and my sincere condolences are with you at this time. May you always hold your days in your hearts of the times spent with Sgt. Mercer; as family member or army family. He has served his country well and it’s alright to cry or be sad. Because we all have aching hearts for the the losss of a good man. God Bless you each, one and all.
By Tim Little
July 1, 2005 02:32 PM | Link to this
To Sgt. Mercers wife and family,
I have lived and worked with Chad Mercer for the last 5 months. My heart is broken for what you have to go through now. He was a good NCO and Man. He loved his family and the guys who worked along side him. I pray for you all at this time. God bless you.
By Melissa
July 1, 2005 03:22 PM | Link to this
My prayers also go out to his family, friends, and to my hometown of Waycross, GA.
By 2 Lt. Thomas Peavy
July 1, 2005 05:30 PM | Link to this
“A Soldier’s life on this earth below is filled with toil, troubles and war. He will serve his time like the oath he swore, salute his flag and ask for nothing more.”
It is the duty of old warriors such as I and others to offer more. This young Soldier and his family deserve all we can offer in this time of loss. May he be remembered as one who stood and accepted the call and may his soul rest now that his battle is through.
2Lt. T. Peavy GSDF HMCS USNR (Ret.)
By Penny
July 1, 2005 05:48 PM | Link to this
To both of his “families” (the one back at home and his fellow soldiers) my heart and my prayers go out to you. I pray that you find some comfort in this tragic time.
Sending (((((((((((( BIG HUGS )))))))))))) to all of you.
By Tommy J. Tucker
July 1, 2005 06:04 PM | Link to this
From all my family our deepest sympathy. I served in the 48 th when it was first formed.
By Melissa Haygood
July 1, 2005 07:37 PM | Link to this
I will most definitely keep you in my prayers.
By bill
July 1, 2005 07:48 PM | Link to this
i dont guess it really matters because no one will ever know this but me, but, this type of news brings tears to my eyes. GOD bless them all!
By cathy
July 1, 2005 08:19 PM | Link to this
My heart aches for this brave young soldiers loved ones. May he rest in peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
By S. Farrell
July 1, 2005 10:08 PM | Link to this
Our prayers are with you.
By Aunt Lisa
July 1, 2005 10:36 PM | Link to this
My heart breaks for the entire family. May they find peace in each other and 25 years of happy memories. You take a piece of my heart with you, Chad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful little family as well as your fellow soldiers.
By Laura Lee
July 1, 2005 11:27 PM | Link to this
My heart is heavy with Pam’s loss. Her children will need her to be strong and her spirit will need support. I just pray that she can find the strength to carry on. Her husband, the father of her children, was a hero to us all. He lost his life as a soldier protecting his family back at home. They lost a piece of their hearts and mine is just breaking knowing that the same could happen to my husband. May god place his hand upon Pam and heal her wound. I am here for you Pam.
By Amy Price
July 2, 2005 02:25 AM | Link to this
I pray from the bottom of my heart that God will bring comfort and strength to SGT. Mercer’s family. No words can express how sorry I am. Every member of the 48th is like family, and every death is a stark reminder of the danger our loved ones face. May our nation stand proud for ALL of our servicemen/women. I love you all. God Bless
Amy
By Tammy
July 2, 2005 05:07 AM | Link to this
To Pam Mercer, May God give you His strength and send many loving friends to hold you up. To Sgt Chad mercer’s 48thBCT family, his sacrifice and all of yours are not in vain. God Bless All of You.
By John Pike
July 2, 2005 08:01 AM | Link to this
Our prayers are extended to your family in this time of grief. Thank you for the willingness to serve your country. May God bless you and the children.
By David
July 2, 2005 09:37 AM | Link to this
I was sorry to hear of the death of Sgt Mercer. I am from Americus,GA and have several friends over here in Iraq. One of my Junior Marines(Cpl Jeremy Campbell) went to high school and graduated with Sgt Mercer. I pray that God will be with this family during their time of loss. SSgt David Smith US Marinres Camp Taquqddum,Iraq
By Hayley
July 2, 2005 10:47 AM | Link to this
I knew Chad in college. He was such a great person, always had a smile on his face. This absolutely breaks my heart for his wife and kids. They will be in my prayers.
By Staci Cortez
July 2, 2005 01:10 PM | Link to this
My heart is heavy for the Mercer family. Let God’s strenght hold you up and keep you going. My prayers are with you. My prayers are also with all of the members of the 48th and the other soldiers in Iraq.
STACI
By Matt Lee
July 2, 2005 02:58 PM | Link to this
I worked with Chad at Lee Hardware. I looked up to Chad as the brother I never had. To me he was a role model. He was the bravest man I knew. He never backed down from anything and had a strong heart. I will be praying for Pam and the kids(who he loved more than anything). He would have given his life for his family, which is what he did and for all of America.
By Nadine
July 2, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this
In times like these, it’s so hard to find words for comfort. But know that God is our “refuge and strength”. We pray that God’s peace & his peace only be upon the Mercer family. Rest, young soldier, rest in Jesus.
By Danny Wells
July 2, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this
I realize that there are no words that I can say to comfort Chad’s family during this time. I would like to say though that my son Brian is currently serving in Iraq and is in the same unit that Chad was in. I have spoken to him since the accident. He said that the entire unit was in disbelief and deeply saddened by the loss of Chad. He said that everyone there had nothing but good things to say about him. I also know the other soldiers involved in the accident. I am sure that they are having a very hard time accepting what happened. My prayers go out for them as well as Chad’s family and all of our military.
By Florence Osborne
July 2, 2005 07:22 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to the family. My son Sgt John Wilson is in Iraq and last week lost one of his best friend Spec.Manny Hornedo. His wife Ada is in New York helping out with getting flowers for him today. It is so sad that we have to lost our love ones to this war, but we have to be proud of our children for they are doing the right thing. God bless this family and make it a little easier to deal with the death of our love ones. I pray everyday that God will send him back to me and that this war will be over soon.
By April
July 2, 2005 08:16 PM | Link to this
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thank you for all that you do.
By Patti Ingle
July 2, 2005 09:21 PM | Link to this
My prayers go out to the Mercer family. Im so sorry for your lost. Stay strong for your kids Pam. Let those kids know there Dad was a hero.
Wife of a fellow soilder in the 48th
By Bravo 1/121-Covington FRG
July 2, 2005 10:39 PM | Link to this
((((((((( Pam and children ))))))))) If there is anything that you need, please let us know.
By Glenn Wiederman
July 2, 2005 10:46 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to the Mercer family for their loss. My thoughts and prays are with them in this time of need and to all who havelost someone since this war has started. I am a Navy man myself on board a submarine and can fully understand the pain and hope all will be well.
By Brooke Harrison
July 3, 2005 12:46 AM | Link to this
My prayers and thoughts are with your family!! I am so sorry for your loss. Please contact me if there is anything that you need. God Bless, ~Fiancee of a 48th soilder.
By proud wife of sgt. chad mercer
July 3, 2005 01:20 AM | Link to this
My family and I have seen all of your comments online and we thank you for your prayers and thoughts on Chad. I love him so much! We are VERY proud of him. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. He will be greatly missed by myself and his children.
By Rusty & Stella Sinquefield
July 3, 2005 02:05 AM | Link to this
To the family of this brave soldier. There are no words that we could possibly say to ease your pain. When we got the call from our son, (who is also from the 48th in Cordele)we were in total shock. My family’s hearts and prayers go out to you. Even though we didn’t know him personally, our son did, you can’t help but feel that one of the family is missing. Please accept our sincere condolences in this time of your loss. Just allow God to get you through this and He will. You are in our prayers.
By Maria Daehn
July 3, 2005 04:33 AM | Link to this
My heartfelt prayers and sympathy are with you.
By Sonya Recker
July 3, 2005 09:02 AM | Link to this
There are no words that can describe the feelings and emotions that this family is having. My husband went to Bosnia with Chad and his heart is heavy with sadness too. He is currently serving in Iraq with the 48th. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Have faith in the All Mighty God and He will bring you through this tragedy. God Bless You and your family.
By Paula and Jere Cribb
July 3, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this
Our family wishes to express to you our deepest sympathies in the loss of your son and our hero…. May the God of peace and all understanding bring you comfort in the days ahead…. Please know his sacrifice will not be forgotten in our heart or in our home…
By Barbara Anderson
July 3, 2005 11:23 AM | Link to this
On behalf of the Montana Marine Moms, we wish to extend our most sincere condolences to your family. You can be proud of Chad and his service to his country, and while nothing will ever fill the aching void you are now experiencing, know that he is with you with every breeze that touches your cheek, every raindrop that falls from the sky, and every ray of starlight that touches your upturned face. Our sons and husbands are part of us always and forever�they do not really leave us. God promises that we will be reunited one day and we all hold that promise as a precious gift.
May the Good Lord hold you in his hands, surround you with loving family and friends, and somehow comfort you through this most difficult time and throughout the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Barbara Anderson Moderator, Montana Marine Moms VPMM of Cpl. Kristian E. Anderson 29 Palms, California
By Karen Stark
July 3, 2005 02:48 PM | Link to this
Dear Ones,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that all of America joins you in your sorrow. The loss of any of our brave military members diminishes us all.
We appreciate your loved one for their dedication to God and country and know that the world was a better place with them in it.
Respectfully,
Karen and Ray Stark Proud Military supporters thehugsproject@cox.net Edmond, OK
thehugsproject.com
By mema
July 4, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this
my prayers are with you all .we will never be able to thank him for his love for his homeland and family . so iam thanking his beloved family .i am so proud of him .he will never be out of our thought’s. and on this day of joy for our nation we remeber him this day. i know GOD will hold youall in his hands and give you what you need .
By marine mom donna
July 4, 2005 12:46 PM | Link to this
my dad always said “ANY MAN THAT THOUGHT OF OTHERS MORE THAN HIMSELF, TO GO AND FIGHT FOR FAMILY, FLAG, AND COUNTRY, WETHER HE THOUGHT HE WAS A HERO OR NOT, WE SHOULD STAND PROUD AND SALUTE HIM. NOT BECAUSE OF THE UNIFORM HE WORE, BUT BECAUSE HE CHOSE TO MAKE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO KEEP THE ENEMY FROM OUR SHORES. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO FIGHT THE ENEMY ON THEIR TERRITORY THAN TO BRING THEM HOME TO OURS AND HAVE MORE LIVES LOST.” DONALD DOOLEY NAVAL UNSUNG HERO ON THE PACIFIC 1926-2002
By nancy and jimmy temple
July 4, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this
we are very sorry for your loss. you and your family are in our prayers.
By CRECENCIA JETER
July 5, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this
To the Mercer Family: May God bless you and keep you in his arms forever. I am really sorry for your lost and prayed that God will wrapped his arms around you forever. Form all the soldiers in the army I want to thank SGT Mercer for giving it his all. May God watch over you forever.
By Mackie Kimbrel
July 5, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this
I wear three arm bands 24/7: YELLOW: SUPPORT OUR TROOPS RED: UNTIL EACH ONE IS HOME SILVER: HONORING AN AMERICAN HERO SERVING IN THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD I PRAY FOR EACH OF THEM DAILY. GOD BLESS AMERICA
By Mandy
July 5, 2005 05:23 PM | Link to this
I am at a complete loss for words….I know there is nothing that can be said to take this pain away, however, I would like you all to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you tightly in his loving arms, and instill his peace in your time of loss. To all of the boys still fighting…Thank you for protecting us all….We love you, and will see you soon. May God speed…
By Melissa
July 6, 2005 12:45 AM | Link to this
My deepest sympathy to the Mercer family during this extremely rough time. Please pray for his wife Pam and her three children, Adam and Lara - Chad’s siblings, and to the parents of Chad Mercer. He will be remembered forever.
By Tammy
July 6, 2005 09:54 PM | Link to this
He sounded like a true American. Has there been a trust fund established at a local bank in Waycross to donate money to the family? If so, please post.
By Chris L Thrift
July 7, 2005 01:23 AM | Link to this
Like many others my initial response to this news was disbelief, and shock. Anyone who knew Chad, or even knew someone who knew Chad will agree that one of Chad’s many successes in life could be clearly measured by the positive impact that he had on those around him. His integrity and personal values set him apart from his peers as far back as early high school. He has always been a role model for me even though he was two years younger than I was. When I called him after learning that he was going to Iraq he told me all about his children. The love, and pride that he had for them was very obvious. You will never be forgotten Chad and our own pride in you is immeasurable. My prayers are with the Mercer family.
By Darlene Maxwell
July 7, 2005 08:03 AM | Link to this
May you sense his tender words being spoken to your heart, “I am your GOD and I will be your comfort” Praying that the Lord will comfort you with HIS PEACE…. surround you with HIS LOVE… and encourage you with HIS PRESENCE… To the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, wife and children of our friend and hero CHAD MERCER, you are in Our Hearts, Our Thoughts, and Our Prayers.
SEEK THE LORD AND HIS STRENGTH. 1 Chronicles 16:11
By Tori
July 7, 2005 11:22 PM | Link to this
I will miss Chad very much. Thank all of you who fight for our country. God bless you. I will be praying for the Mercer family.
By Amy M.. Hall Gifford
July 8, 2005 12:04 AM | Link to this
Chad was my best friend and he will be remembered by my family forever. As to daddy mac and mrs d, laura and adam I love you guys and have you in my prayers. Also i am keeping you in my prayers as well pam, allana amber and gavin. AS always, amy, larry and Ian Gifford
By Valarie Lee
July 8, 2005 05:09 PM | Link to this
Words cannot adequately express how sad I was to hear about the death of this young man from Waycross, Ga. I grew up in the area as a small child for several years and still carry a soft spot for the state. Our communities join you in your sorrow, as two of our military personnel from the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and Arizona will be laid to rest this week. Lance Corp Kevin Joyce, 19, of Klagetoh, Ariz., (died in Afghanistan) and Corporal Lyle Cambridge, 23, of Shiprock, NM, (died in Iraq) will be laid to rest this week. Our Navajo Nation mourns and grieves as does the great state of Georgia for the loss of these fine young Americas. We remember both young men, as well as Chad, and take comfort in knowing they died doing what they loved mostâ€â€?which is protecting America, serving their country and trying to make the world a better place. I offer the family of Chad our sincere condolences. While he’s gone in body, he will live on in spirit and memories. To Chad’s wife and children, please know I keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers. Beauty before me, Beauty behind me, Beauty above me, Beauty below me, All around me is beauty. In beauty it is finished. â€â€?Navajo prayer
By Lambert
July 9, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this
My husband came home from work and told me this sad news Friday. I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. My husband is working with the National Guard in Newnan and one of the recruiters was the one who helped him enlist, he did not take it well at all. Our prayers are with you all and we can say “HES A HERO”!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY !!!
By Merle
July 9, 2005 11:55 AM | Link to this
To the family of Chad Mercer, my heart and prayers go out to you. May God’s mercey and grace carry you through this sad and difficult time. As a mother of one of the Guardsmen in the 48thBLT from GA now serving in Iraq, I can only immagine what it must be like for your family. God Bless!!
By Randall J. Wisham,SGT, Retired
July 11, 2005 11:50 AM | Link to this
To the wife and children as well as the entire family of SGT Chad Mercer. You have every reason to be proud of Chad and his dedication to duty. I did not have the honor of personaly knowing SGT Mercer but I too was a 48th Bde member. I retired 1 Jan 2004, but I considered all 48th Bde members as a brother. Every time I hear of another loss I feel that I have lost another family member. Therefore it is with the greatest sadness that I express my most sincere heartfelt condolences. Please know that you are in my prayers. I salute you all for your strength in the most difficult of all situations.
By Amanda
July 12, 2005 11:21 PM | Link to this
My cousin is also in the 48th.I just want to say that my family is saddened about Chad and want his family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them all. Most of all we want to say thank you to Chad, for serving his country proudly. -Amanda