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Ride Report
Marine 1stSgt Luke J Mercardante was a leader and
mentor to his Marines of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, he was the glue
that bound them together.
He and another Marine, Cpl Kyle Wilks were killed while hunting
insurgents in the southern provinces of Kandahar, Afghanistan.
On Sunday April 20th we received the casket
containing 1stSgt Mercardante at the Athens Airport along with his family
friends and fellow Marines.
The PGR escorted the hearse and family with approximately 36
bikes including a 4 point escort with Night Sentry, SlowBull, SSweat and Sliver riding the corners. Athens Clarke
County and The Oconee County Sheriffs Office provided LEO support for a slow
roll escort led by Nano and GaShadow to Lord and Stephens funeral home where we
provided another flag line.
After the casket was removed to the funeral home we began to
stand down and roll up flags when I was unexpectadly embraced by Sheila
Marshall Gold Star Mother to Evan Marshall who we honored back in February. We
just stood there for long while hugging and talking in each others ear
With pure emotion and through a cracked voice she started
pouring out her heart in thanks for what the PGR did for her and her family. I
then called all the members together where she spent a few minutes on an
incredible speech of thanks to everyone. She even thanked the Vietnam Veterans
for their service especially. I just stood beside her hoping no one was seeing
the tears in my eyes. The Mercardante family slowly gathered behind her and
listened. It was the best endorsement we could have gotten.
Afterwards a very long line of PGR members and Mercardante family formed to
receive and give hugs to this special woman.
We all just spent awhile getting to know the family
after that and assured them that we would be back over the next couple of days.
The next day Monday the 21st 13 members returned and
stood 2 flag lines for the 2 hour visitation where Marines, family, friends,
local Police, district officials and politicians stopped in to pay their
respects to the family and to thank the PGR members for being there in support.
We received many positive responses as to our mission and talked to a great
many interested people about our purpose.
Thank you for your help Nano.
On Tuesday the 22nd I was pleasantly surprised when
we had 42 bikes and 3 cages for a total of 48 members for 1stSgt Mercardante’s
funeral. 6 bikes were sent to the funeral home to escort the hearse and Luke’s
family to the church. When they arrived they were met by an impressive flag
line and hundreds of mourners who were all there to show this family that
1stSgt Luke Mercardante’s life was one of honor, respect and remembrance.
This continued to be witnessed by the residents and
motorists along the route to Luke’s final resting place at Evergreen Memorial
Park, a place unfortunately the PGR knows all too well. We have been there 3
others times to say goodbye to fallen heroes.
Thanks to Crickets excellent hard work we were able to
provide 3 condolence books to Luke’s 2 children and stepson.
Thank you to all the leaders who helped me with all that
needed to be done to make this a successful home going and to all the members
who took time from their families and work to show this family and community
how the PGR honors a True American Hero
The Oconee County Sheriffs Dept and the Athens Clarke County
Police did their usual outstanding job in making this service a safe and
honorable one. You are greatly appreciated.
Thank you 1stSgt Luke J. Mercardante for all you have given
to a grateful Nation to remain free. Semper Fi Marine and Godspeed. Jeff 'JayDub' Goodiel PGR Ride Captain
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