Pleasant Grove soldier killed in Iraq

Relatives recall staff sergeant's daring spirit, zeal for family

11:19 PM CST on Sunday, March 6, 2005

Associated Press

A Dallas-area soldier killed last week in Iraq loved adventure and had a close relationship with his family, his younger brothers said.

While in Thailand, Army Staff Sgt. Juan M. Solorio tried local dishes made with insects and snakes and then shared the experience with his brothers.

"When it came to food or trying new things, he was doing it," Gerald Solorio Jr. said.

Sgt. Solorio, 32, of Pleasant Grove was killed Friday when an improvised bomb went off near his vehicle in Mosul. The explosion occurred as his unit was being attacked, military officials said.

Before deploying to Iraq in October, Sgt. Solorio served as a sniper instructor at Fort Lewis, Wash., where he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.

An avid outdoorsman, he used his free time to camp, hike and rock-climb with his brothers. He also served as a Scoutmaster, which allowed him to share his interests with his sons, 11-year-old Julian and 8-year-old Maxmilian.

The soldier's wife, Gabby, issued a written statement that described Sgt. Solorio as "an extraordinary son, husband and soldier."

"He died with his boots on, and we would have had it no other way," she said.

Sgt. Solorio joined the Army after graduating from the School of Health Professions at the Dallas school district's Townview Magnet Center in east Oak Cliff. He decided to make the military his career.

His wife said: "When he found out his deployment to Iraq was coming, he did not hesitate. It was a just cause for him to fight for his country."

Sgt. Solorio was the 144th Texan to die since fighting in Iraq began in March 2003.