PO2 Justin Jacob McNeley

2010

Freedom Quilts Heroes

Justin Jacob McNeley, 30, a petty officer 2nd class and father of two, was due to return to the U.S. in August. He followed his father’s footsteps into the Navy, enlisting about eight years ago and re-upping when his term was finished.

McNeley was found by a search patrol near a bullet-riddled sport utility vehicle. Burial services were held at the Archdiocese of Denver Mortuary and his burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery on Friday August 6, 2010.

This quit was made by Freedom Quilts for his mother in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Kimberly A. Voelz.

Email from Sharon Wood, Mother of PO2 Justin Jacob McNeley

Hello Betty,

I wanted to Thank you so much for the beautiful memory quilt(s) that you made for me and my Grandson. I love, Love, LOVE them, I can’t think of a finer gift and they will be CHERISH always. I also want to let you know how much I appreciate your kind and heartfelt letter of encouragement so very much of what you spoke about is like you have eyes into my heart and soul, either you are very intuitive or may have had to endure similar loss.

Justin was killed the day after my 50th birthday, and just one month short of returning state side. So birthday’s both mine and his, are by far the hardest days still, but never does a day go by that I don’t think of him and wish that I could hug him and hear him say “ I Love You, Mom” We were very close and shared many dreams and had made many future plans for ourselves once he retired from the Navy. So many things that we wanted to accomplish and we’ll never have the opportunity to do.

I have attached a picture of myself with the quilt for you to use on your website or as you feel appropriate. I sincerely appreciate all the work, love and prayers that you put into each and every stitch, you are an Angel, May God bless you.

Warmly,

Sharon Wood
Hualapai, Arizona
Mother of PO2 Justin Jacob McNeley