Soldier Honored: Christopher A. Bartkiewicz

Army Specialist Christopher A. Bartkiewicz, of Dunfermline, Illinois, was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 6^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Armored Division, based in Baumholder, Germany. While serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom, on September 30^th, 2008, Specialist Bartkiewicz died of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol using small-arms fire. He was 25 years old.

Specialist Bartkiewicz worked at a Morton factory and then at Coca-Cola in Bartonville before joining the Army because he thought it would be a good way to support his family. He had grown up near military bases while in North Carolina and was pulled to service. “Bart was a great man and a loving father and husband. He was a hero, he gave his life for our country. What more can you ask for.” He leaves behind his wife, Emily, and their two daughters.