Sergeant Jeremiah Wittman

Sergeant Jeremiah Wittman, of the 12th Infantry Regiment, was serving his 3rd deployment in the Middle East when he was killed in action on Feb. 13, 2010, in Afghanistan, at the age of 26. He was born in Billings on July 9, 1983. He attended Bench and Lockwood Elementary Schools and graduated from Lockwood Junior High in 1998.

While in the Job Corps, he enjoyed learning the skills of carpentry and fire fighting for the U.S. Forest Service. He earned his high school diploma from Trapper Creek High in Darby, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004.

Jeremiah spent endless hours riding his dirt bike with friends and family in the Pine Hills area where he grew up. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting and riding his dirt bike with his family and friends in the mountains of Western Montana.

During social gatherings, he was a friend to everyone and could make anyone laugh. Always the life of the party, his sense of humor, soft heart and love for his family and friends will always be remembered. 

Sergeant Wittman was serving as a forward observer in the Alpha Company for the 2nd Platoon when he lost his life while patrolling to help secure the local Afghan population. During his military service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Jeremiah is survived by two beautiful daughters, Ariauna and Miah; his wife, Karyn; his father, Robert Wittman and wife Carrie; his mother, Cynthia Church and husband John; three sisters, Charity, Jenell and Natasha; and one brother, Robert H. He also leaves behind numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents and many friends.

His military funeral was held in South Carolina on Feb. 27.

A memorial service for friends and family to celebrate Jeremy's life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Cherry Creek Community Center, 1955 Cherry Creek Loop, Billings. For more information, call 248-1334.