INVERNESS, Calif. (KCBS) - A 22-year-old Tomales High School graduate was one of two soldiers killed in Mosul over the weekend.
The soldier's family said he was always talking about serving his country.
In high school, Jake Velloza knew he wanted to join the military. He first served in Baghdad, then "re-upped" for a second tour. "I guess he told his father that maybe I shouldn't go back, you know, but he had second thoughts about it," explained Velloza's grandfather, Richard. "He didn't know exactly where he was going but then when they told him he was going north of Baghdad, he said, well that's quiet up there, I think it would be better, you know."
He wanted to go back to help the friends he had made on the front lines.
KCBS' Holly Quan reports
Velloza was killed when a long gunman opened fire on a group of Americans. His grandfather described the slain soldier as somebody who was always looking to help out those who couldn't help themselves. "He always helped the little guy out, you know what I mean?"
Print Story
DW.pageParams = {
siteId: '255'
};
DW.clear();
DW.trackClicks();
