Thomas Mercado exemplifies the I CARE values of VA. Thomas was seeing a Veteran and discovered the Veteran had 7 Purple Hearts but was only 70% service connected. He directed the Veteran to Benefits and the Veteran received his 100% rating shortly after his Benefits meeting.
On his return appointment, this Veteran expressed his extreme gratitude to Thomas for helping him. This 7-time Purple Heart recipient even called Thomas his "hero" for all he had done for him. The Veteran and his family expressed that Thomas had changed their lives.
Thomas acts as an advocate and goes above and beyond to assist all Veterans with not only their medical care but also helping them get the benefits they deserve. All Veterans have been very thankful for his hard work and assistance and the positive changes he has made to their lives.