Honoring Service and Family: A Visit with the Mercado Family

At the beginning of this week, I spent time with some special guests. U.S. Army PV2 Raymond Anthony S. Mercado, his wife Shaylene Flores Mercado, their super cute son Tepoeaofeani Moki F. Mercado (aka Moki Boy) and I had the opportunity to meet and talk about life and family during their time in Washington, DC. Raymond just completed his Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and is a 91B wheeled vehicle mechanic. Now that he has completed his AIT, he will soon be leaving for his next assignment in Germany. Our servicemen and women make the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedoms. Not only do they make a sacrifice, but so do their families who support them every step of the way. It was an honor to spend time with the Mercado family, and to witness the strength and dedication of both the soldier and their loved ones.