Hundreds say farewell to Crystal Lake soldier
A Crystal Lake soldier killed in Afghanistan last month was remembered as an all American hero who loved his country, his family and his friends.
More than 200 people on Friday filled the chapel of the Davenport Funeral Home in Crystal Lake to say goodbye to Sgt. Jason McLeod, 22, who died Nov. 23 after his unit was attacked with mortar fire near Pashmul.
Mourners filled the two sides of the L-shaped chapel and many stood listening in the lobby. A collage of photographs and a portrait of McLeod stood near his flag-draped casket as the Rev. John Gow of Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Cary read some of McLeod's favorite Bible verses, including from the Gospel of Paul.
U.S Navy Petty Officer Ryan Cannon, a childhood friend, recalled memories of "fireworks and rat tails," from their youth.
"His memory will live on in our hearts forever," said Cannon, who also assured McLeod's wife, Aimee Ghannam, and their 15-month-old daughter, Jocelyn, that their husband and father did not die in vain.
Gov. Pat Quinn addressed the audience, telling families and friends gathered that the entire state "has to pause and thank God for the life of Sgt. Jason McLeod."
A procession led by members of the Patriot Guard escorted McLeod's remains to the Windridge Memorial Park Cemetery in Cary, where McLeod was laid to rest with full military honors.
McLeod was deployed to Afghanistan in May and was killed less than a month before he was due home on leave. McLeod also served for a year in Iraq in 2007. He was a mechanic who worked on Humvees and was assigned to the 704th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, out of Fort Carson, Colo.
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Photo Galleries</h2> <ul class="gallery"> <li><a href="/story/?id=339918">Images from McLeod tribute in Cary </a></li> </ul> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=341148">Procession brings slain soldier home to Crystal Lake <span class="date">[12/02/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=339908">A tearful tribute to Crystal Lake soldier killed in Afghanistan<span class="date">[11/26/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=339601">Crystal Lake soldier killed in Afghanistan <span class="date">[11/24/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>