Wife of Gillem victim says husband loved Army - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Wife of Gillem victim says husband loved Army

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — A soldier who was shot to death by a fellow reservist at a post south of Atlanta was a family man who loved to watch movies and fish, his wife said Sunday.

Master Sgt. Pedro Mercado died at the Army Reserve Center located on Fort Gillem after he was shot several times Thursday afternoon. The 47-year-old New York native lived in Stockbridge.

“If you didn’t get a chance to meet Pedro, you missed out,” Kimberly Mercado said. “The Army has lost one of their best soldiers. You couldn’t ask for a more dedicated soldier. He upheld the values of the Army to the utmost.”

The couple had known each other for 24 years and had been married for 12, Kimberly Mercado said.

Mercado loved the Army and dedicated himself to taking care of other soldiers, his wife said. He enjoyed watching scary movies but more often ended up watching animated movies with his two young granddaughters, she said.

The suspect turned himself in and remains in custody. Authorities say his name will be released if charges are filed.

Kimberly Mercado declined to comment on the shooting, saying she didn’t want to compromise the investigation.

Mercado and the suspect were assigned to the Army Medical Department Professional Management Command. The unit helps with the recruitment, retention and readiness of medical units and personnel.

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