R.I.P. Sgt. Jeremy R. McQueary

Marine Sgt. Jeremy R. McQueary
Died February 18, 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom

27, of Columbus, Ind.; assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died Feb. 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

(The following was taken from www.thestarpress.com of Feb. 28, 2010) NASHVILLE, Ind. — Hundreds gathered in Nashville this afternoon to pay tribute to fallen Marine Sgt. Jeremy R. McQueary, who was killed earlier this month in Afghanistan.

The hour-long ceremony at Nashville’s Seasons Lodge and Conference Center included a Marine Honor Guard with a 21-gun salute, and videos honoring the 26-year-old McQueary, his wife, their baby and his tour overseas.

During the one of the videos, his mother Deborah Kleinschmidt, Columbus, wiped tears from her eyes; bagpipes played “Amazing Grace” at one point during the ceremony.

McQueary’s wife, Rae, sat surrounded by Marines who had served or befriended McQueary at some point in their lives.

One of them was Patrick VanOstran, 26, Jacksonville, N.C., had toured with McQueary in Iraq and was a close friend.

“He had a magic about him that would brighten all situations,” he said. VanOstran also recalled the day McQueary called him to tell him he was a father.

“He was uncontrollable,” VanOstran said. “That’s all he talked about, was being a father.”

McQueary’s son, Hadley, is now five months old.

Rep. Baron Hill, who represents the 9th Congressional District, and officials from Gov. Mitch Daniels’ office also were on hand for the day’s event. Also present were members of the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders, who were requested by the family.

There was no viewing; McQueary’s body had been cremated.

McQueary, who was killed by an explosive device Feb. 18 while clearing bridges and roads, was the 28th person with Indiana ties to die in the war in Afghanistan.