Widow, family grieve loss of Norfolk soldier killed in Baghdad

Posted to: Iraq Military Norfolk

Video: Soldier's widow speaks.
Delores Johnson | The Virginian-Pilot

Click for full view

Nikita McNeal wipes away tears Wednesday afternoon as she talks about her husband Staff Sgt. Jeremiah E. McNeal. (Bill Tiernan | The Virginian-Pilot)

CORRECTION: The original version of this story misspelled the name of the McNeals' son, Jordien.

Previous: National Guardsman from Norfolk reported killed in Iraq

By Louis Hansen
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 10, 2008

NORFOLK

She was cooking a chalupa in a Taco Bell fryer.

He watched from across the kitchen.

He approached cautiously, said, "You're pretty," and left. A few days later, they went out for dinner together.

For the next six years, Nikita and Jeremiah McNeal shared almost everything - fast food shifts, big meals, church and eventually, a son named Jordien.

One thing they could not share - McNeal's two deployments to Iraq as a National Guardsman. On Sunday, a roadside bomb struck Staff Sgt. McNeal's vehicle and killed him.

Nikita McNeal wiped tears and spoke quietly Wednesday afternoon at the Norfolk Virginia National Guard armory. "Jeremiah will always be watching over us, because Jeremiah will always be my angel," she said.

Fellow soldiers remembered McNeal, 23, for his professionalism and upbeat attitude while stationed in Baghdad.

"Our mission is dangerous, yet Staff Sgt. Mc-Neal faced it with a cheerful smile and alleviated the fears of many soldiers solely through his presence," said Capt. Beau

Mason, commander of the 237th Engineer Company, in an e-mail. "It will be impossible to fill that gap."

Nine soldiers and airmen from the Virginia National Guard have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman, Adjutant General of Virginia, praised the several hundred Virginia soldiers serving in Iraq. "They are being given the toughest missions," Newman said, "and they are getting those missions done."

About 100 soldiers from the 237th Engineer Company, based in West Point, were activated in July for a one-year tour. McNeal's Comanche Company arrived in Baghdad in September to clear debris from supply routes and spot improvised bombs.

The company lost two soldiers in an Oct. 26 roadside bomb explosion in Baghdad. Spc. David E. Lambert, 39, of Cedar Bluffs, was killed instantly. A week later, Sgt. Derek Banks, 24, of Newport News, succumbed to wounds suffered in the blast.

McNeal grew up in Norfolk and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 2002. He joined the National Guard soon after graduation to support his mother and three younger siblings. He studied computer technology at Tidewater Community College and landed a job at Raytheon, his wife said.

In 2004, McNeal deployed with his engineering unit to Iraq for the first time. A quiet, shy young man, he became popular with other soldiers and earned the nickname "Preacherman" for his religious ways.

He married Nikita in February 2007, about the time he learned he would be returning to Iraq.

Nikita McNeal cried Wednesday as she recalled his nickname for her.

"He always called me 'Beautiful.' He said Niki just didn't sound right."

Louis Hansen, (757) 446-2322, louis.hansen@pilotonline.com

Remember the Parents of fallen soilders

Submitted by sarahe222 on Sun, 04/20/2008 at 5:13 am.

After reading the story of Sgt.McNeal losing his life in Iraq, I was disturbed that there was no mention of his parents. As young as he was I assume they are still living. Parents who lose a child experience the deepest anguish, their pain is life long, it does not go away, time does not heal it, they just have to live with constant pain. Parents should always be recognized.

Tribute to a fallen hero

Submitted by fireball514 on Sat, 04/12/2008 at 10:37 pm.

I was SSG McNeal's team leader on his first tour in Iraq. I remember how mature, trustworthy, hardworking and good-natured he was, considering his young age at the time. He took being away from his family and having limited time with his newborn child prior to us leaving Fort Dix incredibly well. It was a sign to me of what a special young man I had working for me. It is no surprise to see that he became a leader in his own right. America lost a good one in him, but I take comfort in knowing he rests with the Lord now. My thoughts and prayers go to the family. Please take comfort in knowing Mac touched a tremendous number of people in a positive way in his short life.
SGT T.E. Curtin
C/276, 1st Platoon 2003-2005
tecjac@verizon.net

A Soldier's Farewell

Submitted by Daniel Causey on Sat, 04/12/2008 at 8:54 pm.

My thoughts and prayers go out to this soldier's family and friends. I thank this good man for his service to this country. Rest in Peace. History is on our side.

THANK YOU ALL !!!

Submitted by nikita on Fri, 04/11/2008 at 1:24 am.

Hello everyone this is Staff Sgt. McNeal's wife ,I would like to thank everyone on this site that has been praying for me and my son Jordien ,it means a lot to me ,I see that Jeremiah or as you guys call him "Jey" was loved by many ,and please don't think you are crowding us with your prayers and jokes ,and just good old talk about my baby ,I know you guys miss him and love him ,I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. for seeing the good in him and the love he gave to all that came across him ,I love you baby and please remember he is watching us ..

I was with SSG Mcneal on 6

Submitted by ucfsoldier on Thu, 04/10/2008 at 11:38 am.

I was with SSG Mcneal on 6 April. I commanded an element that he was clearing for that evening. My Soldiers are alive today because of him. We will never forget that and honor his memory.

Rest in peace Big Mac!

Submitted by bcgeorge on Thu, 04/10/2008 at 9:22 am.

I'm going to miss McNeal. I was in this unit with him when he first joined the Guard. I remember the day we first met. I got a call from command telling me about a new soldier joining the unit and asked if he could ride with me to our monthly training meetings.

I could tell, as we all could, that he truly loved his wife and son with no equivocation. He is an outstanding role model for the youth today. He had a full time job (Raytheon), a part time job (the Guard), was a full time student, and had a family to raise. And he shouldered all that responsibility with an ever present smile on his face. He was like the younger brother that you look up to; sure he may be younger than you, but he possessed such wisdom that surpasses your own. I'm really going to miss McNeal.