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Uploaded: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 1:25 PM
Army Spc. Jake Velloza, 1986-2009
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by Samantha Campos
Army Spc. Jake Velloza, 22, of Inverness, was one of two U.S. servicemen killed May 2 in an ambush by enemy forces near Mosul, Iraq.
Spc. Jeremiah McCleery, 24, of Portola (Plumas County, also in Northern California), was also killed in the attack. Three other soldiers were wounded.
Velloza was a graduate of Tomales High School, where he was a star football player. He joined the Army three years ago; this was his second tour in Iraq.
He was the only son of Robert and Susan Velloza, who live in West Marin. A funeral for Jake Velloza is scheduled for Saturday in Olema.Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
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Posted by Moving Man, a resident of the San Anselmo neighborhood, on May 14, 2009 at 2:08 pm As I drove past the huge American flag along highway 101 in San Rafael today I found myself crying silently. I have two boys who are completing their individual training for the Army in Oklahoma as I write this. My wife and I flew to South Carolina a few weeks ago to watch them graduate from basic training. They are 99% headed to Iraq in December. I didn't really completely understand the tears however. Was I crying over the loss of life of this incredibly brave young man from Tomales who died for myself, my family, my community and my country? Was I crying for fear my two beautiful boys could possibly die over there as well? I thought for a few minutes while driving and it suddenly became clear to me. I was crying out of pride. Pride for Jake Velloza. Pride for my boys. Pride in my community. Pride in my country. I may not agree with all of the details, philosophically, but how can anyone be against heroes? I guess what this long-winded blog comes down to is, because of Jake, my boys, and that great big American flag along the freeway........I'm DAMN proud to be an American. God bless our soldiers and keep them safe and may God bless the United States of America.
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Posted by USsoldier2004-5-7-8, a resident of another community, on May 16, 2009 at 6:25 am Thank you, you speak the words of my heart. God bless each and everyone of our heros, and may God have mercy on the United States of America. Amen
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Posted by pfcrensmom, a resident of another community, on May 16, 2009 at 7:14 pm Thank you to Moving Man for your thoughtful words as well as your brave sons, USsoldier for your service & sacrifice to our country & to Spc Jake Velloza & Spc. Jeremiah McCleery for the Ultimate Sacrifice each of them has made...your families are in my prayers. These young men & women who have stepped up voluntarily to serve our country in such a way are all Heroes...I am very proud of them all as well as the families that wait at home. God Bless!
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