California’s War Dead

    Jeremiah P. McCleery, 24

    Army, Specialist
    Mosul, Iraq
    Gender: Male
    Hometown: Portola
    I asked him one time not to go, that we needed him to take care of us. He told me that was his way of protecting his family. All I could do was support him and tell him how proud and brave he was.
    — Chastity Sobrero, sister

    McCleery was a Boy Scout and also joined the Civil Air Patrol. He had planned to join the Army right after his 2004 graduation from Portola High. During his senior year, his mother was diagnosed with cancer. After her death in 2005, McCleery went forward with his plan to enlist. McCleery and fellow Californian Spc. Jake R. Velloza, 22, of Inverness, were shot to death at a combat outpost in Hammam Alil, Iraq, north of Baghdad in an attack carried out by two gunmen later identified as Iraqi soldiers. The attack wounded three others.
    Times obituary
    Times story on attack that killed McCleery
    « Jake R. Velloza, 05/02/2009
    Ray A. Spencer II, 04/16/2009 »
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    15 memories of Jeremiah P. McCleery

    mccleery is my best friend i loved mccleery like a brother he was a great friend i do have memories of jeremiah mccleery but i have so many great memories that i don't know really what to use it hurts not having him around and he will be sorely missed by all who served with him

    — anthony voll
    May 6, 2009 at 12:37 p.m.
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    Jeremiah was my soldier, what some people dont know about him is he was just like me he loved the outdoors, and loved his truck. To his parents I am deeply sorry for your loss.

    — SSG Stockton
    May 6, 2009 at 5:27 p.m.
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    Jeremiah was a great man who loved his family and was loved by all who knew him. He loved being a soldier. The time I got to spend with him was cut short but the love I feel for him is eternal. Losing him is a great loss to all. For all the fisters in 1-12 he loved you all just as I know you loved him. His body is gone but his memory lives on forever in each and everyone of us.

    — Amanda Harazin
    May 6, 2009 at 11:48 p.m.
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    I'm Lynette Flanagan, Jeremiah's oldest sister. Jeremiah wanted to go into the Army since he was four years old. It was hard for me to see him get shipped off to Iraq, but I supported him. I knew that his choice was rooted in his need to live with honor, integrity, and justice. Even as my baby brother, he was always brave and stood up to bullies twice his size. Even as a child he was my hero. Now he's a nation's hero. I miss my brother, but I am so proud of him and the life he lead. He will live forever in my memory and heart.

    — Lynette Flanagan
    May 7, 2009 at 4:06 p.m.
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    "Jeremiah was a hero in the army, and in our family. He was a great soldier. I liked how he tickled me and blew on my belly. I liked riding in his big truck. I'm going to miss him."
    ~Jeremiah's nephew, Matty. Age 5.

    — Matthew Flanagan
    May 7, 2009 at 7:13 p.m.
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    I do not know Jeremiah, but I have traveled to Killeen, Texas several times. The soldiers and familes from Ft. Hood are the most inspirational, competent young people I have ever had the honor to stand in the same room with. I'm so sorry, family of this brave young man, for the loss of your loved one.

    — Norma Green
    May 10, 2009 at 11:21 a.m.
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    I'm DeWayne Tutton,Jeremiahs uncle Jeremiah may not have known that he was an inspiration and Hero me.I am proud of his accomplishments he acheived in his short time with us. and I honored to have had him defend our rights and Freedom and most of all to have him as
    a nephew. Jeremiah you will be missed but your memory will live forever in our hearts.
    DeWayne Tutton

    — DeWayne Tutton
    May 13, 2009 at 9:17 a.m.
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    I am a Proud Portola resident.I remember meeting Jeremiah McCleery acouple years ago but did not know him as my children do. Today I watched as this Soldier came home with tears in my eyes. Such a tragic loss for his Family who LOVED Him and yet Im sure they are full of Pride for this fine young Man. My truest condolences go out to the Family.....I hope you know Jeremiah was Loved by MANY in our small comunity. God Bless You and God Bless America

    — Jan
    May 14, 2009 at 4:09 p.m.
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    Jeremiah's father worked at our company and he was so proud of his children. He always talked about Jeremiah and what a great son he was and how much he enjoyed spending time with him.
    Our heartfelt condolences to all of Jeremiah's family, friends and fellow soldiers. With deepest sympathy and profound honor for this fallen soldier and son,
    Dale, Norah, Kahlin and Avery Sliger

    — Norah Sliger
    May 14, 2009 at 9:02 p.m.
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    May we all have comfort in knowing that GOD promise that he will wipe out every tear from our eyes,and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor oucry nor pain be anymore.The former things have passes away.

    — Joy
    May 29, 2009 at 12:43 a.m.
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    On April 28th I joined a group called Adopt A Soldier. It is a pen pal group started by a military mom. I was assigned Jeremiah and have written several letters with no reply.
    I just found out why. My deepest condolences to all who knew him well.
    God bless our troops.

    — John Johnson
    June 3, 2009 at 9:24 a.m.
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    Jeremiah was like a little brother to me. I have been friends of the family for years. I miss him and think of him everyday. I am extreamly proud and lucky to have had Jeremiah in my life. He is and will always be a hero to me... we all miss and love you Miah.

    — Lilah Berry Mower
    August 3, 2009 at 5:04 p.m.
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    McCleery was a good friend to me and a great soldier. He was always willing to lend a helping hand no matter what and was a good friend to all who were fortunate to meet and know him. It was a tragic loss to all of us who knew him and we all want to convey how much we miss him. To his family I extend my condolences.

    — SPC Robinson
    November 28, 2009 at 1:53 p.m.
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    Son I love you and thank you so much !!!! I remember 09/11 Norah and I listen to the radio and you at home just waitin four the news of youre mom sisters you couldnt wait to get into it . Iam proud to call you my son so strong so staidy so vaiglant it was what you were called for (a warror ) and you were the best. I love you and that will never change !!!! you are sitting at the worrers
    table desiding the fate of this grate nation make the very best of what you have been given I LOVE YOU AND THAT WILL NEVER STOP (NEVER) YOurDad
    Joe L.McCleery

    love you
    and as you last words were
    FU,,it
    youre the very best

    — joe l. mccleery
    April 20, 2010 at 4:49 a.m.
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    Im Jeremiahs cousin Kimberly. Today is
    Memorial Day 2010,I was looking through old photos yesterday and found the last picure of you, your mom colette gave me. I am so PROUD OF YOU...I love and miss you dearly. Thank you

    — Kimberly Yarbrough
    May 31, 2010 at 3:58 p.m.
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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 700 California servicemembers and 474 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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