Iowa Native Killed in Iraq

Pfc. Michael P. Pittman who was born in Davenport, was killed Friday in Baghdad, Iraq, from what his wife called an "ambush from a complex IED," or improvised explosive device, while he was on patrol in a Humvee.He had been serving in Iraq since February. It was his first deployment.

Pittman was born in Davenport and attended high school in Rock Island, Ill. He and his wife, Jennefer moved from the Quad Cities in 2005 when he joined the Army. He leaves behind four children.

The 34-year-old Pittman was a member of a Calvary Regiment based at Fort Riley, Kan.

Jennefer Pittman said her husband was a selfless person who cared about everyone and loved giving to people. She said her husband will be cremated and that a memorial service is scheduled for next week in Kansas.

He died for what he believed in. He died for his country," his mother, the Rev. Sandra Hughes, Rock Island, said Sunday.

Her son, who was living in Fort Riley, Kan., with his wife Jennifer and their four children, joined the Army for what it could do for him, said Rev. Hughes, of Road to Recovery Church of the Quad-Cities, Moline.

"He wanted some stability for his family," she said "He wanted what the military could offer him as a career."

The Pittmans also wanted to travel, and saw the military as a way to do it, she said.

Mrs. Pittman said from Fort Riley that her family and friends are keeping her company.
"I'm still in shock," she said Sunday. "Sometimes, it doesn't seem like it really happened. Other times, I'm bawling. I don't really know how to take this."

Services in the Quad Cities are pending.