Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Staff Sgt. Juan M. Solorio

32, of Dallas, Texas.
Solorio died in Mosul, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle as his unit was being attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington. Died on March 4, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Staff Sgt. Juan M. Solorio.

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Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

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"I miss you Brother."
SSG Rogers of Cocoa Beach, Florida

"I was in Bco 3/505 in '99-'00 but volunteered to go next door to Bno 2/505 for the MFO tour in Sinai. I was in 1st plt. but they attached me to 3rd plt. for the rotations out to the OP's. Ssg. Shurko was my squad leader while out at SCC-5 off-site and Sgt. Solorio my team leader. I spent time with him in Israel, Egypt and Jordan and have some photos of us and him and great memories. He was a leader in every sense of the word. Always made you laugh but also made you work to be the best soldier possible. He had the ability to make you want to be the best. I didnt find out he was KIA until 2017 and it hurt then and still does. Til Valhalla "Solo""
Marc Bromberg of Jensen Beach Florida

"You will never be forgotten!
"No Slack, Jack!"
Ft. Hood TX"
Jesus Sandoval of San Diego, CA

"I just want you to know I'm thinking of you and your family, brother. You are missed. I will never forget you."
Simon Maestas of 2 Panther brother

"Mr.Juan Solorio, I may have not known you but I am a past student of your brother's wife, Mrs.Solorio. I just want to thank you for fighting for our country's freedom. That means the world to me and many other teenagers across the country. So in other words, thank you, Mr.Solorio. I hope to serve my country just as you have done."
Brianna Michelle Lugo of Dallas, Texas, United States

"Juan, thinking of you and your beautiful family today. As a new platoon leader in the 82nd, you, Shurko, Oglesby, and crew took me in and showed me the ropes. It was my privilege to serve with you in the 82nd and later in 1-25 in Mosul. You are missed by many!"
Rob Shaw of Lacey, WA

"Dear Gabby & Kids, Juan was a great friend to me & I always miss him. He was a great leader & role model for all NCO's to follow. I had the privileage to meet such a amazing man. He has changed my life forever & I hope to become such an excellent husband, father, & friend. Gabby, I miss your friendship & your advices on life... Take care Familia Solorio, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask or call!!!"
SFC Jose G. Cortez of Ft. Lewis, WA

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,600 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna"
Kenna - Project Compassion of Manti, Utah USA

"February 28, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Juan M. Solorio:
Juan 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

""Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers is an organization of over 235 knitting groups throughout the country. Since October of 2007 we have sent out over 2,900 prayer shawls to families of our fallen sholdiers. If you or a member of your family would like a hand knit prayer shawl in memory of Juan, please contact me at barbconway@comcast.net or 774 487-8618.
Sincerely, Barbara"
Barbara Conway of Cape Cod MA

"TO THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF SSG JUAN SOLORIO, I USED TO BE IN HIS PLATOON AND WE BOTH SERVED AS A TEAM LEADER DUE TO HIS EXPERTISE I BECAME A GREAT NCO I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. I DEDICATE MY 2ND DEPLOYMENT TO IRAQ TO "SOLO" I KNOW IT IS GOING TO BE TOUGH BUT GOD HAS HIS OWN REASON FOR US"
SFC NACINO of FORT LEWIS, WA.

"We never knew Juan but we know his brother, Gerald. He teaches us science at Quintanilla Middle School. By what he has told us, Juan stood up for what he believed in, and what he believed in was good. He always put others before himself, was selfless and dedicated to his men. (Sort of like our teacher, so I guess we do know Juan.) He lives on through his brother and all the people he touched in his life. We thank Juan and his family for Juan's sacrafice for America, Iraq, and freedom. God Bless."
Quintanilla Middle School Students of Dallas

"Juan was a corpral and my squad leader in 25th (light) wolfhounds and the 505 panthers. He was always squared away. He was all motivation and set the example. god bless the Solorio family, you have my respect. AIRBORNE!!!"
J. Chatmon of Alexandira, Va

"Juan was a corpral and my squad leader in 25th (light) wolfhounds. He was always squared away. He was all motivation and set the example. god bless the Solorio family, you have my respect. AIRBORNE!!!"
J. Chatmon of Alexandira, Va

"To the family and friends of SSGT J.M. Solorio,

While we have not met and I never knew Juan, my family and I are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice. Tomorrow morning, this family will raise our flag in his honor and remembrance. 03/24/07"
Duane R. of Bedford, TX USA

"Sgt. Solo I can still rember my time in B co. 3rd PLT with you. You tought us all soo much. From my time as a cherry until I was passing on my own knowledge. The "spotted owl" will live on forever. Muldoons forever!!!!"
Spc. Peter P Mohan of Mantague, MA

"I did not know Juan or his family. But I came across this page because I was looking for information about my brother, Ismael Solorio who was injured in Iraq. But I felt it in my heart to stop and tell his family that I am deeply sadden by their lost and to let them know that I will be praying for them. God bless you and keep you always. Even though I never met Juan, I now have much respect for him and I am thankful for the sacrife that he made in Iraq. Hopefully one day we will meet in heaven. God be with his family."
Sarai Solorio of San Luis, Arizona. United States.

"Solo was a good man. A real, deep-down-inside good man. He really cared about his soldiers and his students. I will never forget him, or the day he beat me for the National Match trophy at school. RIP Juan."
Mac of Seattle

"Solo was a good man. A real, deep-down-inside good man. He really cared about his soldiers and his students. I will never forget him, or the day he beat me for the National Match trophy at school. RIP Juan."
Mac of Seattle

"I was fortunate enough to be Juan's roomate in Iraq. He talked about Gabby and the kids all the time and how he couldn't wait to get back. He deeply cared for his men and was a true hero.You will always be "Assassin 3". I know he's watching over us...until we meet again my friend."
Kevin Robinson of Fort Lewis, Wa

"To the family of:Juan M. Solorio 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"

"Elsa, please contact me, or if anyone else knows how to get in touch with her, please email me. Our Marine Comfort Quilt organization has a quilt for her and no address. I need to talk with her.
From our military family to the Solorio family, please accept our thanks for the sacrifice of your loved one, Juan, who honored his country and is now guarding us all from above.
Please email contact information for Elsa to me at
teacher32@charter.net"
Patricia Messmer of Benton, Mo

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

"UNCLE: IN NAME OF ALL MY FAMILY I WRITTE THIS , I KNOW THAT U´R GONNA BE OK WHIT GOD AND GOD WILL CARE U´R FAMILY , I DIDN´T HAVE THE OPORTUNITY OF TALK WITH YOU AND KNOW YOU BUT I KNOW THAT YOU WERE A GREAT MEN ,A GREAT SOLDIER , A GREAT HUSBAND AND A GREAT FATHER ; U ARE THE HERO FOR THE ASCENCION FAMILY . GOD BLESS YOU"
FABIAN ASCENCION SOLIS AND FAMILY of MORELIA ,MICHOACAN (MEX)

"To Juan's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Honor the "Spotted Owl" RIP Juan

MULDOONS- 3rd PLT, B Co 2-505... Juan kept the boys in awesome spirits through his VERY vocal and baudy humor... leading soldiers thru singing the Muldoon song prior to many a jump or Live Fire. I was with him in the Sinia and supported him when he slogged through the "JMPI circle" torture at Jumpmaster School. He is missed and it will never be the same without him. Gabby, you have my prayers.... always."
SSG Samuel A. Oglesby of CP Casey, ROK

"uncle juan i want to say that i love so much but i think you were really great to me becasue the things that you do are cool so i will miss you very much but you will be with god that will take care of you p.s in september i barly knew you love you so much"
itzel munoz of chicago il

"It was an honor to have known and met Juan about 15 yrs ago. I had met him when we had worked at Traders Village. I remember what a nice, sweet and funny guy he was. I'm so glad to have known him. I'm sorry that I lost contact with him and his brother Gerald. I am proud of Juan and what he has accomplished. He is a hero in my heart. My prayers go out to his parents, wife and children and brothers. May God Bless you and give you strength at your time in need. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
Sandra DeLaCruz of Arlington, TX

"I met Juan about 15 years ago? while working at our first job at Traders Village and even though we lost contact, I was not surprised by what he accomplished and what he did for our country, he certainly was that kind of a person! To his family, wife and children, you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope God will help you through this difficult time. He was a great person and I am so thankful I came across such an amazing person who gave so much of himself and did so much for our country. To his brother Gerald, Im thinking of you too and miss you and may god bless you all."
Rachel Saenz of Bedford, Texas

"To the Family of Juan, my family honors your hero. His Bravery, Valor, honor and courage will never be forgotten. We are grateful for his loyal service and are so proud of him. He was so brave to give his life for the gift of freedom and will always be remembered as an amazing soldier.
All of our prayers are with you and please remember you are not alone in your saddness.
God bless Juan and his family."
Jennifer and SSG Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"to the solorio family from the family. we are deeply sadden by the lost of Juan. An our heart and prays are with your family. All this is not easy on your family. Our family understands that. we lost our son ten months ago. An I am so thankful, even with the fact Juan didn't know my son. That both served together as brothers in the Military. Juan is a true HERO! Juan has toudhed many many hearts. An all those that knew can test to that. Not knowing him personally. I do now! For he is the elite of all AMERICANS. Not many Americans willing to serve his or her country. Knowing he or she risk his or her life everyday. My prays are Juan and your family always. God Bless."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"A nuestros primos Gerardo y Alicia, a Gerardo Jr. y Fabian, a Gaby e hijos, vayan nuestros deseos de paz y reconciliación por la prematura y difícil partida de Juan. Compartimos su dolor y tristeza. Un abrazo fuerte a todos ustedes y nuestro cariño."
Rebeca e Ismael Guardado of Zacatecas, Zac. Mexico

"I went through Basic Training with Juan and was his room-mate in Fort Hood. He was a big brother and good friend. I am saddened and my heart goes out to Gabby and all of the Solorio family."
Matt Arias of Atlanta, GA

"To Juan's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your hero's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons.

Sincerely,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern"
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Mi familia y yo les acompañamos en esta gran pena, deceando que el Señor Jesucristo les de paz y fuerza para continuar y recordar a nuestro Juanito como el mejor Hijo, Padre,Esposo, Amigo, Primo y porsupuesto como un gran Heroe, God Bless Solorios's Family."
Judith y Familia Salazar. of Guadalajara, Jal. México.

"I went to basic training with Juan in 1993 and lived with him in our room in the barracks at Fort Hood for over a year. It was a shock to me to see this on the news this morning in Dallas. To his wife and adult family members, I cannot express my sadness. To his two sons, I was proud to have your father as a friend and I am sure that you will grow up to be the fine man that he was."
Brian Ward of Texas

"Please accept our deepest condolences for the great loss of Juan. His bravery, valor, and unselfish sacrifice will not be forgotten. I pray that you will have the strength and courage for the hard days ahead. God has blessed our country with Juan and many men like him, and may you find comfort in the memories of your loved one, and in knowing what a true hero he is. God Bless you, your family and friends.""
The Edward Todd Family of Springfield, GA USA

"Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Solorio Family. Juan Solorio was the son of a truly wonderful family. I am proud to say that I knew him as a child and his family. I am saddened by his departure, but proud that he grew up to be an awesome man; who, represented all that is great about this country. Los acompanamos en tus sentimientos. Rezamos por Juan y su family. Que dios les de fuerza en este tiempo tan doloroso. Rezamos por Juan Solorio y su padre, Gerardo y madre, sus hermanos, Gerardo y Fabian, su esposa y dos hijos. Aunque doloroso sea que orgullo mas grande en haber tenido un hijo, hermano, esposo y padre que se realizo como una gran persona. Es una persona por quien se debe todo el respeto en este mundo por lo que hizo en Iraq. El representa el orgullo de ser Mexicano Americano. Dios los bendiga y siempre este a su lado."
Sandra Nunez de Lopez of Dallas, Texas

"Juan M. Solorio...GOD Bless you...All our orations will lead that God sends peace and strength to all Solorio`s family, so that all this painful process will pass quick. we remember you with love"
Garcìa Siordia´s Family of Guadalajara, MEXICO

"Juan M. Solorio.....God Bless you!!
Todas nuestras plegarias y oraciones seràn para que Dios mande paz y fortaleza a toda la familia Solorio para que todo este doloroso duelo pase rapido.Te recordamos con amor......"
D.D.S. Sergio Garcìa Siordia of Guadalajara , Mèxico

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Juan, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Juan Solorio, 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

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Juan Solorio:
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 Juan 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 Staff Sgt. Juan Solorio:
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 Juan, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on