Sergeant Dean E. Pittam
20 SEP 1948 – 27 APR 2022
Dean E. Pittam was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on September 20, 1948 to Eldon and Byrleta (Hoehne) Pittam. Dean was a 1966 graduate of Adams Public School where he participated in many activities and sports. In 1967, Dean graduated from Southeast Community College with Electronics Certification.
He joined the United States Air Force May 5, 1968. During his time in the service, Dean was a USAF Phantom Fighter Airplane Radar Instructor and Technician, a F-4E Missile Guidance System Technician, an Aerospace Team Member, and a Weapons Control Systems Mechanic and Instructor. He was promoted to Sergeant on April 4, 1971. He was assigned to Da Nang, South Vietnam on May 9, 1971 and served on the 366th Avionics Maintenance Squadron from 1971-1972. He was exposed to Agent Orange which was stored on base during that time. He returned home from Vietnam on April 28, 1972 and was Honorably Discharged from Active Duty on May 1, 1972. He served in the Air Force Reserve until June 1974. He received a Certification of Appreciation from President Nixon.
During his career beyond the Air Force, Dean worked in Electronics and Heavy Equipment Sales and Management; Weed Control and Tree Services; Burlington Northern Rail Inspector; and as a Fireworks Pyrotechnician. He was a jack of all trades and master of many. He was a member of Tempe Arizona Jaycees; Adams American Legion #221; and Pheasants Forever. He enjoyed ATV riding, fishing, hunting, camping, fireworks, athletic sports, cards, and traveling. He was a born leader. Dean met his soulmate, Wendy Citta, in 2015. They became engaged, but pancreatic cancer took his life before they could be married. Dean's outgoing, friendly personality earned him many dear friends.
Dean was very patriotic and proud he was able to serve his country; but like many veterans details of his life close to the war zone was a closed book. A book he didn't want to open, even when he met with his dear Vietnam Veteran buddies, Rich Minor and Bruce Bagin. Family could re-read his letters home and imagine the scene: brutally hot and humid weather; and constant noise of the helicopters, bombers, and bombs exploding nearby. Waiting, waiting, and then scrambling to configure electronics on another bomber. Dean made this world a better place with his dedication to our country; his optimism and humor; and his steadfast love for family and friends. Dean's family wishes to honor our Dear Hero, Dean E. Pittam, with this memorial tile.
