Jesse Pittman could “squeeze a smile out of a rock.” Born in Arcata in 1984, Jesse’s family moved to Willits where he grew up.  Eventually, he became a member of CalFire where he fought fire for two seasons.  Then he joined the Navy and worked hard to become one of the elite Seal Team 6.  Jesse was killed along with 30 other Americans and 7 Afghans when the helicopter he was in was shot down in what was called the worst American loss of life during the war.

Next Saturday, September 24th a memorial service honoring Jesse will be held at the Redwood Empire Fair Grounds at 11am. A press release states,

The extended family and friends of Jesse Pittman ask the community of Mendocino County and beyond to come out and show their support for the sacrifice made by Jesse and his family by lining the streets of Ukiah as the family is escorted to the fairgrounds for the service.

The procession is scheduled to travel from U.S. Highway 101 to the Perkins Street exit, head west to State Street turn north and travel to the fairgrounds. The approximate time the procession should exit the freeway will be between 10:00am and 10:15am on Saturday September 24, 2011.  Please bring a small American Flag if possible and pick a location on the designated route to help do your small part to let Jesses family know that we all care and send deepest condolences their way at this time of tremendous loss.

For those who would like to make a donation to help with this memorial honoring our local Fallen Hero Jesse, please send your donation to:

Agape Bible Church

290 S. Lenore

Willits, CA  95490

C/O Jesse Pittman Fund