Jake R. Velloza, 22

Army, Specialist

Based: Ft. Hood, Texas

1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: May 2, 2009

Mosul, Iraq

Engaged

Gender: Male

Hometown: Inverness

High School: Tomales High (Tomales)

Burial: Olema Cemetery, Olema, Calif.

Velloza was one of two U.S. servicemen shot and killed by two Iraqi soldiers near the northern city of Mosul. The attack wounded three others, the latest in a series of incidents involving security forces firing on Americans in the troubled area. Velloza, an only child, had been a standout athlete in high school, according to the San Jose Mercury News. His uncle told the newspaper that people flocked to the family home after news of his death. Army Spc. Jeremiah P. McCleery, 24, of Portola, Calif. also died in the shooting.

Omar M. Albrak, 05/09/2009

Jeremiah P. McCleery, 05/02/2009

14 memories of Jake R. Velloza

“

I did not have the pleasure of knowing this beautiful young man. However, I had the pleasure of being a part of the procession from the mortuary in Petaluma to the church in Olema on Saturday May 16th. I was invited by the motorcycle group that I ride with of whom Mr. Velloza is a member. Never have I experienced something as heart-wrenching and moving as this event. My prayers go out to the parents of Jake. My heart is so heavy with sorrow for the loss of this young man who gave his life for the people of another country who may not even know it or appreciate it. God can only hope that they do!! I pray that Jake's life was not given in vain. May God bless you and your family as they deal with the aftermath of your untimely demise. You are a beauthiful soul of which you will never be forgotten!

” — Kathy McCubbin, May 17, 2009 at 6:49 p.m.

“

First of all, I love you Bob and Susy! My hearts with you two. I remember when I first started hanging out with Jake. It was right around the time of little league baseball and soccer. He was such an amazing and strong athlete, even at such a young age, that they had to move him up in age groups for soccer because he was too strong. In baseball his pitching was so fast that I was scared to bat against him. But beyond his physical abilities, he was also a great person to hang out with. He taught me so many priceless life lessons full of positive advice, qualitie morals, and important values. He was, is, and will always be my best friend, just like an older brother. He helped me become who I am today. Jake was always the first person to speak his mind and let me know what he really thought, which showed me that his honesty would form a loyal friendship for life. We will never, not for one second, forget you Jake and from the bottom of our hearts we love you. Your spirit will always survive with our memories of you and may your soul rest in peace.
Love, Riley OG

” — Riley O'toole - Genazzi, May 2, 2010 at 11:39 p.m.

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Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org

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Jake R. Velloza, 22

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14 memories of Jake R. Velloza

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