Bogart, Georgia
Bogart - Luke was born May 10, 1972 in San Diego, California and moved to Athens when he was almost 4. He was killed on April 15 in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb near the Pakistani border. He was 1ST SGT, Battalion Sergeant Major for Combat Logistic Battalion 24 stationed in Afghanistan in a...
Read MoreEvery time I have the opportunity to discuss leadership in any of my classes,I use you as a prime example. I am sure you are still motivating Marines behind the Pearly Gates. Semper Fi
Greg Seeger
June 09, 2016 | Naugatuck, CT
I remember Luke way back at st.Joseph catholic school.he was in 6th grade,I was in 5th grade.he was a cool kid,also lived close to me@my family in Athens,ga.he was a real cool kid.sorry to hear about his passing,thank you Luke for every thing you did to keep us a free country,and for your service.you are that man.my family is saddened by your passing.rip luke
John England
January 05, 2016 | Atlanta, GA
I was one of his recruits: 2nd Battalion, Golf Co. Platoon 2098 Paris Island, 1999. He served along side Senior Drill instructor Askew, Drill instructor Sergeant West, and Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Mezger (at the time...). He was an AWESOME Drill Instructor and relentlessly pushed us to be our best. An example of someone who was seeking the Lord in his life. He will always live in my heart.
Michael Alexander
May 29, 2015 | Amarillo, TX
Luke you were the most outstanding young Marine I ever enlisted into the Marine Corps! I just received the news today. God bless you Luke and Semper Fi!
Ron Clemmer
May 12, 2015 | Knoxville, TN
I still miss you. Every now and again, especially today, I let myself grieve. I still tear up whenever someone does the fallen comrade table speech at a formal event, a little bit because you are one of them, but mostly because you said it from memory, without reading it, and you said it with such intensity that I can still hear it. I just wish someone would put even a tenth of the passion in it that you did. I know you wouldn't want anyone to dwell on your passing too much. You want us out...
Scarlett
April 15, 2015
My Son is now a Marine...I wish he could have met you Merc..so he would have an idea of what a true Devil Dog looks and sounds like. You will never be forgotten Brother!
Capt Canney
April 15, 2015 | ME
Never forgotten my brother.
Semper Fi.
Hunter
April 14, 2015
Merc,
It is coming up on 7 years since that horrible day in April 2008. I think about you and your family all the time. It was an a honor to serve with you at Parris Island in the early 90's and again in Afghanistan with the 24th MEU, CLB-24 in 2008. Your truely missed my friend and you will never be forgotten. I tell anyone who will listen about the impact 1stSgt Luke "Merc" Mercardante had on everyone he came in contact with. My thoughts are with your family as well. Your legacy...
GySgt DeLong (ret)
March 18, 2015 | Carmi, IL
I miss nothing more then serving under you beside my brothers ... Today I start a journey to go active and sharpen the tip of the spear ... I will carry u with me where ever I go and ask you to give me the strength motivation and stability to push forward and continue fighting next to my family on the battle field ... Oorah first sergeant Semper fi ...
Cpl. Lewis
January 16, 2015 | IL
