Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I also had the honor and pleasure to serve with Roderic "Solo" Solomon while stationed with the 82nd Airborne's LRSD unit. I remember how welcomed I felt by Solo when I first joined Team Six and I will forever remember his infectious smile and laughter. To Lisa, his children, his family, his friends, and those who had the pleasure of knowing him, I send my heartfelt prayers and regards. I will remember him and you always in my thoughts and prayers."
Patrick Foley of Minneapolis, MN

"Sgt. Solomon,
On today, the 10th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Rock Of The Marne!"

"Roderic "SOLO" Solomon was a SPC when I first met him on TM 6. He was our RTO in LRSD. I was an E-2 when I came to the team and I learned a lot from Solo as he was known on the team. He helped me on a ton of road marches and even though he was afraid of the water, he still took a scuba course with me. He went down to the line to C.CO. 3/505 and I eventually ended up there also. I basically spent all my time following Solo in the DIV. I was out and first read about his death in a US Today. I then contacted other team mates and friends who knew Solo and I let them know about his death. I even contacted SSG 'Ski our former TL and let him know. There isn't a day that I don't think about Solo and how he helped me, even though he didn't know it. I pray for his kiddos and hope they find out what kind of man he was."
SSG Joseph G VanDyck, TM 6 82nd LRSD and C.Co. 3/505 PIR of Manistique, MI/ US

"My cell number is 601-749-1734."
Matherne of Picayune,Mississippi

"This is Joseph matherne I served with sgt Solomon & was in the Bradley with him when he passed away. He was a good man, he helped me get a Kevlar helmet bc the one I had didn't fit. I wish I could go back in time & change things & have more time with him & the men in my whole company. If the family needs anything at all I will do what I can."
Matherne of Picayune,Mississippi

"This is Joseph matherne I served with sgt Solomon & was in the Bradley with him when he passed away. He was a good man, he helped me get a Kevlar helmet bc the one I had didn't fit. I wish I could go back in time & change things & have more time with him & the men in my whole company. If the family needs anything at all I will do what I can."
Matherne of Picayune,Mississippi

"I just want to say thank you to everyone out there that has taken the time to leave a message....Roderic "roddy" was the love of my life...Its comforting to know he touched others lifes as he did my children and mine. Everyday my children and me still talk about his favorite foods and favorite hobbies... We have our good days and our bad days...jesus has helped us along the way...very testing. As we come around to the 8th anniversary..we tend to fight back the tears....but we thank each and everyone of u for your kind thoughts. My contact information for updates on his children can be sent to las0526@yahoo.com. again thank you."
Lisa Solomon of Fayetteville NC 28304

"" My name is Ssg Burdette, I served with Sgt Solomen in Iraq. Sgt Solomon is, and always will be remembered. I remember a good man. I wrote a song while our platoon was in Bagdad for him and the others that had fallen. Just want to say, God be with Sgt Solomon's family. And to Sgt Solomon, Go rest high man, you've earned it. We'll take of it from here."
Burdette, John of Kansas City, KS/ US

"my name is ssg adams. i waqs in the vehicle when sgt solomon passed. not one day goes by that i dont remember the people of that night. he will never be forgotten. he will always be in our hearts"
ssg adams of ft. wainwright ak

"To all who knew this fine soldier:
I had the pleasure of serivng with Sgt. Solomon when we were young soldiers in the 82nd Airborne Div. 1993-1994. Many of us that still keep in touch talk about him often. All good memories. He was a fine man and a fine paratrooper. It is truly my honor to have known him.
My sympathy to his family.
Sgt. Aaron Snively
C Co 3/505 PIR 82nd Airborne Div."
Aar on Snively of Belleville Illinois

"July 4, 2007
To the family of Roderic A. Solomon. Roderic gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"To the family of:Roderic A. Solomon I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Roderic,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

"Willing And Able"(7th Inf. Motto)"

"The HOme of the Brave Quilt Project would like to present Roderic's family with a memorial quilt but have been unable to get an address. If anyone has contact with the family, please have them contact me at carolsquilts@earthlink.net Thanks"
Carol Smith of Holly Ridge, NC

"I give my prayers to Roderic and his family.I was a neighbor and he had a caring wife and sweet young children,who wore his hats after he died and talked proudly of their FATHER who they deeply loved.I give all my prayer to his family.RODERIC,will be miss and never forgotten."
Kayla of Fayetteville,NC

"To the friends and family of Roderic A. Solomon:
I would like to say how incredibly sorry I am for your tragic loss. I pray that God will bring you comfort through his wonderful memories. Roderic will live on forever in your hearts. I lost my husband to the war in Iraq on June 4, 2004. These men were all so strong and brave and their sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA

"To Remember Them..In loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"To the family (The Mother)of Sgt. Roderic Solomon :
I cannot begin to understand your heartbreak at the loss of your son. There can be no hurt to equal losing a child. I would, however, like to share something with you that may help. I recently read the article where you shared that your faith has been shaken. I DO understand that feeling. One of my closest friends died at the age of 42. She had a husband and six children, 3 of them under the age of 10. She loved God and served Him all her life and she believed, as did we all, that God was going to heal her. When I learned that she had passed on, I was stunned. Never for one minute did I think she would die. I knew what kind of life she lived and I knew her children needed her so much, I just couldn't believe God actually let her die. It took me a long time, but I finally came to a place of comfort. My faith has never been the same. What I mean is, I have ALL FAITH that GOD CAN DO ANYTHING. No one can convice me otherwise. However, I have learned that my believing that He can do anything, doesn't mean He will do things the way I want Him to. While my faith changed, so did my TRUST. I had to learn to trust that God was all-knowing, all-powerful, all-seeing and though I may not understand why things happen, I MUST TRUST HIM. To this day, I still don't understand how my friend's death did any good, but I trust that God had (and has now) her in His hands and I may not know the answer behind her passing until I'm in Heaven myself. It's ok to get mad at God, to question His actions, but please, never turn from Him. He loves Roderic as He loves us all. Until you know why this happened, please put your trust in God. Never lose your belief that you will someday be with Roderic again and your joy will be full. My prayers are with you, your family and Roderic's family. My family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to you and "Roddy" for giving the ultimate sacrifice to insure the safety and freedom of this country. May God truly bless you always."
Cheryl Ebersole of Mobile, AL

"Sergeant Solomon, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"We Will NEVER FORGET !" As the first anniversary of the death of your loved one arrives;
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Roderic, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Roderic Solomon, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"Was Sgt Soloman ever stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany? I think I was in his unit. 2/15 INF. Does anybody know?"
mderr@bellwork.com of Roseville, CA

"This is to solo's (day walkers) family. My name is Scott Morgando. I was with sgt solomon the day he passed. We were in the same platoon. Sgt solomon and myself had many conversations together late at night especially at the tent TAA in kuwait before we crossed the border. When I came into the unit He was the first person to sit down and talk to me. He and I had alot in common. We were both prior service and combat vets. I served in the marines and he never gave me any static about it. He was the most professional soilder I have ever had the honor to serve with. He was a leader not by words but by his actions. His men followed him all the way to the end. Trust me when I say from the bottom of my heart we all felt a huge loss when he left us. He was our insperation and motivation during the entire war. As we prepare to come home now his memory will always be with us. He stood tall while he was here, but now with his passing his spirit makes all of us stand alittle taller. So please with the gratest gratitude, take our thanks and our love to be blessed with his presence alive and in spirit."
scott morgando of baghdad Iraq

"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrifice will nerver be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Roderic Solomon:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Roderic for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Sgt. Roderic Solomon:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Roderic, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia

"Look God:
I have never spoken to You,
But now I want to say,
"How do You do."

You see God,
they told me You did not exist;
And, like a fool,
I believed all of this.

Last night from a shell hole
I saw Your sky;
I figured right then
they had told me a lie.
Had I taken the time
to see the things You made,
I would know they weren't calling
a spade a spade.

I wonder, God,
if You would shake my hand;
Somehow, I feel
that You will understand.
Strange, I had to come
to this hellish place
Before I had time to see Your face.

Well, I guess there isn't
much more to say,
But I am sure glad, God,
I met You today.

I guess the zero hour
will soon be here,
But I am not afraid
since I know You are near.

The signal - well, God,
I will have to go;
I love you lots,
this I want you to know.
Looks like this will be
a horrible fight;
Who knows, I may come
to your house tonight.

Though I wasn't friendly
with you before,
I wonder, God,
if you would wait at the door.

Look, I am crying,
me shedding tears!
I wish I had known you
these many years.

Well, I will have to go now, God.
Goodbye
Strange, since I met you,
I am not afraid to die.

RIP Brave Soldier"
The Taylors, USMC of NC

"Wow, i can't imagine your loss! My boyfriend's gonna be driving a bradley once he gets deployed, which is predicts will be in may, so i definitely relate! God bless you!"
Sarah of Dahlonega, GA