Christopher Mercado

Maj. Christopher Mercado, 2017 Army Service Member of the Year, co-founded the Objective Zero Foundation, which provides suicide-prevention resources to troops, Vets and families. Mercado and the foundation created the Objective Zero app, where users can chat with someone via message, video or phone call at the push of a button. Mercado has also volunteered as a youth wrestling coach, mentoring his son and other young wrestlers. Through a Military fellowship with the College of William and Mary’s Project on International Peace and Security, Mercado assists an undergraduate student with research work on national security. Mercado has served honorably and received awards and decorations to include three Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, 10 Army Achievement Medals, and the NATO Medal.