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Cadets lose great mentor
Volume 49, No. 13, July 26, 2007 |
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LARGER THAN LIFE: SGT (AAFC) Gordon Mercovich shows 334SQN cadets how to traverse a river the hard way.
Photo courtesy of 334SQN AAFC |
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The Australian Air Force Cadets lost a great friend, colleague and mentor when SGT (AAFC) Gordon “Gordo” Mercovich from 334SQN AAFC passed away recently. He was 29.
AIRCDRE Dennis Green from Air Force Headquarters and GPCAPT Phil Edwards and WGCDR Kerry McDonald from Headquarters Australian Air Force Cadets joined more than 400 people who came to Canberra from around Australia to farewell him.
Gordo was a larger-than-life character both physically and literally. At 210cm tall, he was an imposing presence.
SGT Mercovich joined 334SQN on February 1, 1993. Noted for his dedication and determination, he became the squadron’s first Cadet WOFF by 1996 and then became an adult instructor as soon as he was old enough.
He attended every camp and activity he could get to, was a regular on most 3WG AAFC promotion courses over the last decade, led 334SQN to win the 3WG AAFC drill competition, and then led the AAFC drill team to a combined-Services drill competition.
Gordo affected everyone with whom he came into contact. He would go to considerable lengths to support his cadets and friends.
He was unstoppable in the pursuit of what he thought was right and just. He was ‘a tiger’ when it came to protecting cadets and friends.
“I remember my first night at 334SQN,” said SGT (AAFC) Melissa Keevers. “I walked out onto the parade ground. The first drill lesson started and Gordo was my instructor. From that moment I was in awe.
“For someone to have such an open heart and mind, to be so kind and up-front, to want to teach and inspire others. I thought to myself, ‘wow, I want to be just like him’.”
“The man stood (quite literally) a head above the rest, in all things,” said Cadet Under Officer John Wishart.
“Like my fellow squadron members, I looked upon him as the ultimate role model.
“He was firm, fair, an incredible mentor, and a great guy.” |
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