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Patriot Guard Riders Forum
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Uffda 
Posts: 9823
Wonder Lake, IL
Forum Moderator
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| 18 Apr 2008 10:23 AM |
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Updated 20 Apr 08 2033 edt S Sturgis
We will stage in the parking lot of the church at 0900
After the services
We will then have a procession to Evergreen Memorial Park for internment.
Evergreen Memorial Park
3655 Atlanta Hwy
Athens, Ga. 30606
_________________________________________________________________________
Updated 19 Apr 08 1638 edt S Sturgis
We have been invited to honor the life and service of US Marine 1stSgt Luke Mercardante
1stSgt Luke Mercardante, 35, was attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force that is hunting down insurgents in the southern province of Kandahar, Afghanistan, a former Taliban stronghold and was killed on Tuesday by a roadside bomb near the Pakistani border.
There is an extremely short notice airport escort for Sunday April 20th at Athens Ben Epps Airport
1010 Ben Epps Dr.
Athens Ga. 30605
We will stage at 0745am at the airport
Flagline at 0830
Touchdown of the airplane is expected at
0900
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday April 21st at
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home
1211 Jimmy Daniel Rd
Bogart, GA 30622
followed by the saying of the Rosary.
Stage at the funeral home at 5:00 pm
Flagline set at 5:30
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday April 22nd at
Mars Hill Baptist Church.
2661 Mars Hill Rd Watkinsville, Ga. 30677
Staging location and times will be posted shortly
Thank you
Jeff 'JayDub' Goodiel will be the RCIC
404-444-4770
______________________________________________________________________________
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 318-08
April 18, 2008
DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante, 35, of Athens, Ga.
Cpl. Kyle W. Wilks, 24, of Rogers, Ark.
Both Marines died April 15 while conducting combat operations in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. They were both assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejuene, N.C.
Media with questions about these Marines can contact the II MEF public affairs office at (910) 451-7200.
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Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ. 2. The American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom. |
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sneakysnake
Posts: 4118
Panama City, Fl.
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| 18 Apr 2008 10:33 AM |
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| Gail and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Mercardante family. A grateful nation mourns the loss of this HERO. His service and scarifice on behalf of our freedoms will never be forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace. |
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James Davis
Dixie Region Captain
AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, TN
Proud Patriot Guard Rider
It Ain't Easy Bein' Me!
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sig22
Posts: 2852
New Port Richey, Fl. Senior Ride Captain FL State Captain-Retired
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| 18 Apr 2008 10:51 AM |
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I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante. May the Lord comfort you in the difficult days ahead.
Godspeed Luke.....Godspeed..... |
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Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there…
RIDING IN HONOR AND LOVING MEMORY OF:
PGR FL Ride Captain (Ret) Tom "Flaman2u" Rowell - 24 Jun 2008
PGR TN member and friend John "SmokyMtnSporty" Deniakis - 09 Jun 2008
"Optimistically pessimistic about life"
PGR GA Ride Captain (Ret) Mike "Deltoid" Bland - 22 Feb 2008
"It's all good"
PGR FL Senior Ride Captain Jack "Jacklok" Loken - 20 Oct 2007
"Take care, ride safe"
Always in our thoughts....Forever in our hearts.... |
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wvhusker
Posts: 4542
Ashland, KY
NE KY R/C
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| 18 Apr 2008 11:17 AM |
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1SG Mercardante,
Thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and her freedoms and interests. Your untimely death brings much sorrow and sadness to the hearts and lives of your family, friends, military brothers and sisters, each and every member of the Patriot Guard Riders, and all who truly appreciate their freedom. We are proud of your service and dedication in that which you believed in and fought for. Your mission is complete. You are truly an American hero and the world in which we live is a safer place because of your commitment to freedom. We will now proudly stand for you with honor, dignity, and respect. We pray that you will now rest peacefully in the arms of God. May He provide peace, comfort, and understanding to each life you touched.
WVHusker
Tom & Kelly
Ashland, KY
NE KY R/C
US Army, 1988 - 1998
Operations Desert Shield/Storm
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"Heaven Was Needing A Hero" (Jo Dee Messina)
My personal thanks to HUDPatriotGuard for posting this on YouTube. May this touch your heart as it did mine. ~WVHusker
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BENDUSTY
Posts: 15
Watkinsville, GA
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| 18 Apr 2008 11:41 AM |
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| God bless you and your family during this time. We all thank you for your service to our country. I salute you. |
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sdoise
Posts: 3502
Kinder, La.
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| 18 Apr 2008 12:54 PM |
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| I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of 1st Sgt Luke J. Mercardante and my sincere appreciation of his service and ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life. May he rest in peace. |
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Schelly
Ride Captain for Lake Charles, La. and surrounding area
American Legion Post 318, Elton, La.
DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."
Author Unknown |
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BronsonKyle
Posts: 1
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| 18 Apr 2008 1:20 PM |
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| The Mercardardante family is a close family to mine and all the support and prayers are greatly appreciated. Luke was a true hero who truly loved his country. Please keep him and all other soldiers in your hearts and and your prayers. God bless our troops. |
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mailman
Posts: 12174
West Branch, MI - Michigan Regional Ride Captain Zephyrhills, FL - Florida Senior Ride Captain
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| 18 Apr 2008 2:28 PM |
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| Deepest condolences to the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante. Rest In Peace Hero. |
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"Eyes on the olive branch, but arrows at the ready."
Jim
"mailman"
US Army 1970 - 1972 |
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Ridley
Posts: 0
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| 18 Apr 2008 2:46 PM |
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| Our deepest condolences to family and friends of 1st Sgt Luke J. Mercardante, please know our hearts and prayers are with you. Thank you 1st Sgt Mercardante, for your service and sacrifice for my freedom, you are an American Hero and will not be forgotten. May God hold you in his loving arms. |
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1armymom
Posts: 399
Virginia Beach, VA User Accounts Support Team
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| 18 Apr 2008 2:55 PM |
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To the family and loved ones of 1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante,
It is with great sorrow that I extend my condolences upon the loss of your Hero, who gave his all in the fight for freedom, and in the defense of his brothers and our grateful nation. May God give you strength until you meet again.
1st Sgt. Mercardante,
May God protect and guide your fellow warriors as they carry on without you; and bestow unto them, courage and strength to travel this most difficult path. I pray The Lord will grant your brothers the grace and perseverance to see the mission through.
Your sacrifice will remain in our hearts for a lifetime, with intense gratitude.
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Honor Our Armed Services, Pay It Forward!
Proud Mom of U.S. Army SSG Worrell, 202 BSB 4B/2ID Stryker Brigade Combat Team
2 Time Blue Star Mom ~ OIF
Forum Moderator: WWW.STRYKERNEWS.COM
DAR, Blue Star Moms, PGR District 5 'Hampton Roads'
"Who kept the faith and fought the fight;
The glory theirs, the duty ours."
~Wallace Bruce
"For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men; not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men." ~Pericles (c. 600 B.C.)
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milktoast
Posts: 2203
West Branch, MI Zephyrhills, FL
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| 18 Apr 2008 4:32 PM |
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| My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Luke Mercardante. Words alone cannot express my debt and gratitude for his sevice and sacrifice. This hero will live on in my heart forever. |
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Janet
Michigan Regional Ride Captain/Region 6
Florida Ride Captain/Florida National Cemetery Ride Captain
Proud wife, daughter, daughter-in-law of vets from Vietnam, Korea, and WWII
"To share often and much...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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PGRLabLuvr
Posts: 8021
Bonita Springs, FL
Ride Captain
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| 18 Apr 2008 4:56 PM |
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My deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of this Fallen Hero. We thank you for your sacrifice, we are a grateful nation. May your pain be tempered in the knowledge that Luke is a True American Hero and he will Never be Forgotten.
Ride safe my Brothers and Sisters, I will be with you all in Spirit. Stand Tall, Stand Proud…An American Hero Is Coming Home.
Stand down, 1stSgt Luke J. Mercardante, your mission is now complete, may you rest in Honored, Eternal Peace.
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Joan "PGRLabLuvr" Colosimo
Florida Ride Captain
PGRLabLuvr@patriotguard.org
239.250.0015
Proud USAF Blue Star Mom
TSgt Jennifer and her husband, TSgt Mark McIntosh
Proud Grandma of AF Brat Emma Marie McIntosh
Standing the Flagline in Memory of:
Ed "oldiron6" Barrett
Jack "jacklok" Loken, Jr.
Mike "deltoid79" Bland
Tom "Flaman2u" Rowell
Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision.
~Ayn Rand |
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Slingblade3
Posts: 401
Hartwell, Ga
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| 18 Apr 2008 5:39 PM |
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| My deepest sympathy and sincere heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of 1st Sgt Mercardante, may God grant you peace and understanding during this trying time. 1st Sgt; Thank You for your service to this great country, your mission on earth is complete. Rest Easy for you will not be forgotten. |
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USAF (ret) 22 yrs.
DS/DS veteran,
Hart County Fire Dept. Sta 3
American Legion Post 109 Jr. Vice Commander
Royston Lodge #52 Jr. Warden
Combat Vets Motorcycle Assoc.
www.combatvet.org
CELL # 706-498-5045
"A true friend is the one who walks in as everyone else walks away" |
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SFC Rod
Posts: 297
Weston, Mich
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| 18 Apr 2008 5:51 PM |
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| My sincere condolences to the family and friends of First Sergeant Luke J. Mercardante. Luke, You Will Never Be Forgotten... Christmas in Arlington...
Rest easy, sleep well my brother, Luke.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell......
SFC Rod, Standing in Honor and Respect...
www.andyyost.com
www.jonmartinfoundation.org
www.daddywaskilled.com
www.ourfallensoldier.com
www.neverforgetourfallen.com
www.mathewtaylorwwo.com
LCPL Matthew Snyder, OIF, 03/03/06 |
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sandra63
Posts: 509
Huntsville, Al
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| 18 Apr 2008 6:01 PM |
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| Thank you for your service , Thank you for my freedom. I will be praying for the family. GOD BLESS YOU. |
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Pinger
Posts: 2143
Lisbon, NY
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| 18 Apr 2008 6:09 PM |
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Thank you Luke, for your service and ultimate sacrifice for the preservation of FREEDOM ........... I SALUTE YOU
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Luke J Mercardante, 1st Sgt, USMC ........... and a HERO |
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Charlie
USAF 60 - 64
USN 65 - 82
USN Retired 82
Viet Nam 71 & 73
"We need not be afraid of the future, for the future will be in our own hands. We shall need courage, energy and determination, but above all, we shall need faith-faith in ourselves, in our communities and in our country." --- Thomas E. Dewey |
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catfish athens
Posts: 19
Nicholson Ga
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| 18 Apr 2008 6:42 PM |
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| Our sincere heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante. 1st Sgt. you will forever be in our hearts and never be forgotten. John15:13 " Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Thank You Luke. |
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Johnny Sanders
PGR...PART OF IT....PROUD OF IT...... |
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sdfraser
Posts: 209
Watauga County, North Carolina
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| 18 Apr 2008 7:55 PM |
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| My thanks to you, Luke, for your service to our great nation and for your supreme sacrifice for our freedom. My heart goes out to your family and friends during this difficult time. They have my prayers for God's peace and comfort as they mourn your passing. You will be remembered as a true American HERO. |
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Suz
Standing in memory of:
James Lee Dodd, Sr. USA, 1920's
James Lee Dodd, Jr. USAAF, WWII, Korea
Ward Franklin Fraser, 1960-1998
and in honor of:
Ira Mundy Dodd, US Maritime Service and USA, WWII
Jim Couch, USMC, Viet Nam Veteran
Christopher Fraser, FL Sheriff's Deputy
Michael Mundy Fraser, USMC, 2008
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SOG Vietvet
Posts: 78
Bogart, Georgia
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| 18 Apr 2008 8:03 PM |
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| My sincere condolences to the family and friends of First Sergeant Luke Mercardante. I pray that the good Lord will hold you closely during these very difficult times. First Sergeant Mercardante your dedication to the preservation of freedom will not be forgotten. Rest easy now Soldier, your duties here are complete. I salute you Sir. |
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Jim Lytle
U.S. Navy 1961-1963
U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division 1964-1965
U.S. Army Special Forces 1965-1983
Bogart, Georgia |
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Slowhand
Posts: 3748
Northeastern, Maryland Senior Chaplain & Ride Captain
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| 18 Apr 2008 8:25 PM |
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| I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this American Hero who stood tall for his homeland during this very sad time in your lives, but remember that you knew a hero first hand while the rest of us just get to hear about their heroic deeds. My prayers are that our GOD may bring peace and comfort to all of you during this tragic time. Please know that not just me , but a country full of people like me owe you a debt that can never be repaid. But please know that your loved one is now serving in the Army of our LORD in heaven, and the LORD said if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and recieve you unto myself that where I am there you may be also. Know that it says in the Bible in 2nd Corinthians 5:8 , we are confident I say , willing rather to be absent from the body and present with the LORD. No one can ever say that your loved one isn't a HERO, they were willing to serve that the rest of us may enjoy the freedom we do today, and the sacrifice you and your family have endured so our nation can remain the home of the free because of the brave. We are all brothers and sisters in arms and we don't forget one of our own, rest in peace my comrade, your mission is complete and now it's time for you to rest. May GOD Bless each and everyone of you. |
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Russ "Slowhand"
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drpepper
Posts: 3089
Texas Gulf Coast
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| 18 Apr 2008 8:37 PM |
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My sincere heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this American hero, 1stSgt. Luke Mercardante, please know we share in your pain. May GOD bless and comfort you during this difficult time.....
Thank you Sir .....
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It is the Military who salutes YOUR flag, who serves beneath YOUR flag, whose coffin is draped by YOUR flag, and who by their service allows the protester to burn YOUR flag.
Riding in memory of my home town friends who didn't return from Vietnam:
Pete Clark, Dennis Fisher (next door neighbor), & Tommy "Saba" Clark
377 Combat Support Group, 21st MedEvac, Vietnam 1969-1971
Riding a HD Fatboy....
Support your local
Viet Nam Vets MC / Legacy Vets MC
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Fire Chief 801 "Chief"
Posts: 677
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| 18 Apr 2008 8:44 PM |
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My deepest condolences to the friends and family of CSgtMjr Luke Mercardante. Please know that he will remain a hero in our hearts and minds forever. My he hear these welcoming words ' Well done good and faithful servant, enter now into the Kingdom of heaven'
Till we ride again God Bless and stay safe
Tom
'Chief'
Ballground. GA |
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GEORGIA PGR…PART OF IT….PROUD OF IT!
Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says "I'll try again tomorrow."
author unknown
Proud son of W.W.II veteran USA 2nd Lt. Lois Mae Johns, surgical nurse Aversa, Italy German POW hospital 1943 - 1946
Riding in her Honor. |
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690MedCo
Posts: 4048
Huntington Beach, CA
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| 18 Apr 2008 9:17 PM |
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| Thank you 1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante for your dedicated service and sacrifice to defend this great country of ours!! Our thoughts & prayers are with you, your family and friends of this fallen hero to ease them through these difficult times. You will never be forgotten! Rest in peace. |
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Glen Owsley
SP4 U.S. Army 1976-1979
Medical Specialist
690th Medical Co (amb)
34th Medical Btn
Ft Benning, GA
U.S. Army Reserve (IRR)1979-1982
Patriot Guard Rider
Leave No Veteran Behind!
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
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Jasper54
Posts: 5879
Columbus, Ohio
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| 18 Apr 2008 10:46 PM |
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I wish to offer my most sincere prayers and extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of US Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante who has made the ULTIMATE SACRAFICE of his Life while fighting to defend our nations freedom in the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanastan. I pray that the Lord Jesus is there with you to hold you and to give you His Peace and Comfort as you bring your loved one home to be laid to rest in American Soil.
SEMPER-FI MARINE |
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GySgt. Roger Casto, U.S.M.C. Ret. 1972-1992
Iran/Iraq War Veteran 1988 (Op Earnest Will)
Veteran of Foriegn Wars, Life Member
Double Blue Star Dad
El Shaddai Ministries Chaplain
GOD HATH NOT PROMISED US, SKIES ALWAYS BLUE, FLOWER STREWN PATHWAYS ALL OUR LIVES THROUGH. GOD HATH NOT PROMISED US SUN WITHOUT RAIN, JOY WITHOUT SORROW, PEACE WITHOUT PAIN.
BUT GOD HATH PROMISED US, STRENGTH FOR THE WAY, GRACE FOR THE TRIALS, HELP FROM ABOVE, UNFAILING SYMPATHY, UNDYING LOVE...
Visit Me At: WWW.MySpace.com/ChaplainRoger
Riding in honor of:
Sgt. Millard Archy, US Army, WWI, Purple Heart - Exposed to mustard gas in France.
Sgt. John Meyer, US Army WWI, France
Sgt. Alva Pete Osborn, US Army, WWII, KIA - France.
Seaman Bob Schneider, US Navy, WWII, Purple Heart; Battle of Leyte Gulf
T/Sgt. Russell Casto, USAF Congo Revolution, Viet Nam.
Sgt. Ron Casto, USMC C.A.P. Viet Nam 1966.
My son, SPC Sean Casto, TennANG. Iraqi Veteran
My daughter, Spc. Angela West, US Army
SrA Micah Burgess, US Air Force, Afghanistan Veteran
In Honor and Memory of Ten HMLA-267, MAG-39 Marines who Answered the call and made the ULTIMATE SACRAFICE while ensuring the safety and security of our nation:
Lt. Col. Knott
Capt. Dillon
Capt. Dolvin
Capt. Hurley
Capt. Cronin
Sgt. Kilkus
Sgt. Keller
Cpl. Romei
Cpl. Monahan
LCpl. Adams
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82ndairborne195760
Posts: 185
Bremen, GA
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| 18 Apr 2008 10:49 PM |
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Thank you Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante for your service to our country to protect freedom for my family and others. I extend my family's prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Mercardante. He has made the ultimate sacrifice. May you rest in peace Soldier and that we never forget your sacrifice nor the hardships of your family. Standing by in Bremen, GA.
Robert F. Smith
504/325 ABG, 82nd Airborne Div.
GEORGIA PGR……..PART OF IT !...........PROUD OF IT !
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