Luke Mercardante

I miss you every damn day, brother. I got married and she and her children know all about you as well. You were more than my best friend. You were my brother. Not a day goes by that I don´t think about something that involves you. Semple Fi, brother. Guard those golden streets. I´ll take post when I get there.

I was one of his recruits for 2nd. Bn , Golf Co. Plt. 2002 back from 22 Oct. 1998 to 27 Jan. 1999 . Senior D.I SSgt Davis , Sergeant Mercandante ,Sergeant Schleinker . Sergeant Mercandante was a hard charger and was a force to be reconed with . The recruits in other Platoons jumped when he was around but , they all wish that they had him as their own D.I . He was a man of dicipline , morals and was well respected . He was always so squared away and sharp . We all wanted to be like him . He...

Every 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

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

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.

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!

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...

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!

Never forgotten my brother.
Semper Fi.