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Jason McClary was born on August 13 in 1994 to Raymond and Jolynn Maiolie. Jason was a hard worker who spent his free time working on run-down cars or his beloved Corvette, riding dirt bikes, shooting guns, and attaining his certification in machining. He was a devoted Christian and regularly attended church at the Keystone Christian Church in Export, Pennsylvania. As a student at Kiski Area High School, Jason talked about how he wanted to serve his country and join the Army. After his graduation, it was finally his time to enlist, but due to several health reasons, Jason was turned away again and again. After months of working hard to get healthy, Jason McClary enlisted in January 2014 and fulfilled his dream of joining the Army, excited to finally serve his country and do the job he was meant for.
Over the span of four-and-a-half years, Jason McClary would become Staff Sergeant McClary, serving in the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a devoted husband to Lillie (Ashbaugh) McClary and father to his two boys Jett and Jason McClary, spending as much time as he could with his family during his time off. Sgt. McClary was an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, out of Fort Carson, Colorado and served honorably as an “up-armored vehicle gunner.”
On November 27, 2018, while serving in Afghanistan in the Andar district of Ghazni Province, an IED struck his vehicle and severely injured Sgt. McClary. Spending his final moments with his wife in Landstuhl, Germany, Jason passed away December 2, 2018 from the injuries obtained by the IED. Sgt. McClary was with three other soldiers who also tragically passed from the incident with the “improvised explosive device. ” Those soldiers were Green Berets Capt. Andrew Patrick Ross and Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond, both of the Fort Bragg, N.C and Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, from Hookstown, PA, and a special tactics combat controller assigned to the 26th Special Tactics Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Jason received many decorations of service during his time in the Army: The Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device, Army Commendation Medal with Service Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal with Combat Service, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Combat Service, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
His appreciation and gratitude towards serving his country is unforgettable. Jason McClary’s optimistic outlook on life was one-in-a-million; he will be remembered forever for his service to our country and his determination and bravery while doing so.
Memorial in front of Kiski Area High School.
Memorial in front of Kiski Area High School.
A special thank you to the Kiski Area High School teachers and staff for their generous donations that helped make this plaque possible.
A special thank you to the Kiski Area High School teachers and staff for their generous donations that helped make this plaque possible.
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