This picture of me bleeding on the floor passed out was captured by a free lance photographer who was attached to my unit. It will always remind me of how lucky I am and to always appreciate everything that I've got.
Ten years ago today I was leading my fire team into battle in Tekrit, Iraq. Even though this was my 3rd deployment and not my first fire fight this day means the most to me. I lost a lot of great friends that day. I even nearly lost my own life when our position was hit hard by insurgents and mortar attack. As I told my team to egress from our current position we were hit hard by mortar fire. After making sure my team was safe I left my position so we can regroup. 10 feet away from the door a mortar landed 5 feet in front on me and blasted two holes on my left leg cutting my femoral artery. I should of died that day from my injuries and the amount of blood I lost. My brothers saved my life and I'm always grateful for that but in reality a part of me did die that day along side with my brothers who gave up their lives for the Freedom a lot of us take for granted today. In memory of my fallen brothers I would like to say once again like I do every year THANK YOU for your sacrifice and I truly miss you all. One day I'll get the chance to thank you myself but until then Semper Fi!
Sgt. Mercado
USMC
Stay Frosty!
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