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Petaluma

Body of Inverness soldier returns next week


By GUY KOVNER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Friday, May 8, 2009 at 11:07 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, May 8, 2009 at 11:07 a.m.

The body of Jake Robert Velloza, a 22-year-old Army infantryman from Inverness, will be arriving at a Petaluma mortuary Wednesday and his burial service is set for May 16 in Olema.

Velloza, a Tomales High School graduate, was one of two soldiers killed last Saturday in Mosul by a lone gunman, relatives said.

Velloza, who joined the Army in 2006, was a specialist serving with the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas, the Pentagon said.

His body is scheduled to arrive at San Francisco International Airport on Wednesday morning and a Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle escort will accompany the hearse to Parent-Sorensen Mortuary, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma.

Visitation at the mortuary will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway.

The motorcycle brigade will also provide an escort for Velloza's trip to Sacred Heart Church, 10189 State Route 1 in Olema on May 16. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at the church.

Burial will be at the Olema Cemetery on Highway 1 in Olema.


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  1. Pera says...
    May 9, 2009 10:28:32 am

    RE: Link

    You will not be forgotten. May God bless you and your family. The Men you served with will always have a place in their heart and mind for you and your sacrifice. The country of Iraq has a chance now because of men and women like you. RIP.

    Report this post

  2. DaveG says...
    May 13, 2009 1:08:59 pm

    If that's the same Pera I know of, you're quite the hero yourself.

    Report this post

  3. Taxbase says...
    May 13, 2009 1:44:08 pm

    RIP, Soldier.My condolences to the family of this brave man and may God give them the strength to see them through this difficult time.

    Report this post

  4. truthbetold says...
    May 13, 2009 2:37:07 pm

    My thoughts and prayers go out to this young soldier and his family. Rest in Peace.

    Report this post

  5. PitBull says...
    May 13, 2009 5:58:20 pm

    God Bless you for your sacrifice over there, for us here.

    Report this post

  6. Pera says...
    May 13, 2009 6:43:29 pm

    No I am not a Hero. This is a Memorial page for the fallen, who are Heroes. If you don't have the sense to show respect while trying to start a debate, then please start another forum link.
    This is for the Dead Soldier, not for you and your Soap box. Thank you

    Report this post

  7. Townsville says...
    May 13, 2009 7:30:52 pm

    Pffft! I show my support for the troops by demanding that they not die (and KILL) in false wars! Don't go all high and mighty on me - if you enlist, you know what you're in for. I didn't ask any soldiers to die for my freedom any more than I asked for Jesus to die for my sins. The only people responsible for this man's death are former members of the Bush administration. May they be rightfully punished for their crimes. And may we see less and less of our soldiers returning deceased or damaged as the troops are gradually drawn down. It's time to end our involvement in these senseless wars.

    Report this post

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