Army Spc. Christopher A. Bartkiewicz

Died September 30, 2008 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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25, of Dunfermline, Ill.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died Sept. 30 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol using small-arms fire.

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Spc. ‘wanted the best for his family’

The Associated Press

Spc. Christopher A. Bartkiewicz had grown up near military bases in North Carolina and was lured to service.

“Being a part of the Army was something he’d always wanted to do,” said his mother-in-law, Carol Hubbard. “He was just a hardworking kid who wanted the best for his family. He knew when he went in that chances were great he’d go to Iraq.”

Bartkiewicz, 25, of Dunfermline, Ill., was killed Sept. 30 in Baghdad by small-arms fire. He was assigned to Baumholder, Germany.

“Bart was a great man and a loving father and husband. He was one of our brothers and will be missed,” Pfc. Eric Williams, a medic who treated Bartkiewicz’s injuries, wrote on his blog about his friend.

Bartkiewicz worked at a Morton factory and then at Coca-Cola in Bartonville before joining the Army about 1 1/2 years ago because he thought it would be a good way to support his family.

He also is survived by his wife, Emily, and two daughters, McKayla, 6, and Morgan, 2.

“He was a hero,” said Hubbard. “He gave his life for his country. What more can you ask for?”