When an Afghan comes up to you thanking you for everything that you have done to help them and for making their (home) a better place now that the Taliban are gone...this is probably the biggest reason why I proudly enjoy being over here.
— Bruno G. De Solenni, in an e-mail sent nine days before his death that was later published in his hometown paper, the Daily Triplicate
De Solenni and his identical twin, Ricardo, hunted through Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming in November 2007. On the trip, Ricardo told his brother that he had "a bad, bad feeling" about him going to Afghanistan. Ricard said his brother wouldn't hear anything of it. When De Solenni was killed, wood that he had sawed and milled on his civilian job as a timber faller became his coffin.

10 memories of Bruno

How can one cope with today's news headlines after reading that Bruno de Solenni has been killed in Afghanistan? The mess greedy CEO's have made on Wall Street pales in comparison to the knowledge that one very vibrant life was given up for the right for those greedy bastards to intentionally screw up the American economy.
Bruno was only in my life for as long as it takes to fly from San Francisco to Crescent City but I have thought of him often and have prayed for his safety.
I can not remember specifically thanking him for fighting for what he felt was his duty to accomplish (supporting his fellow soldiers and helping make life a little better for the common Afghan people), but I hope I did. I tried remembering his full name but I knew Bruno was all I had to remember to check on him through the Triplicate, from time to time. I missed the hopeful, positive articles in early September and only read them along with his death announcement today.
He told me most of what was in the paper and gave me other glimpses into his life and his beliefs because he knew I was truly interested in him as a person and as a American soldier. He represented, very professionally, his profession, his choices, and the causes he felt were worthy his efforts. He seemed to live every moment of his life, which is something most of us do not do. And he seemed to live with commitment and purpose, which most of us do not do. I truly believe he was put in my life for a moment to motivated me to develop a purpose and to accomplish that purpose when I retire next month, and move home to Brookings.
Thank you Bruno de Solenni, and those like you, that are committed to making a difference. And my condolences to the many people that knew and loved him.

— Judith Powell
September 25, 2008 at 12:34 p.m.

There was a time in my life where I was lacking in faith and then I met Bruno. He is the answer to a prayer. He unlocked a passion for life that was hiding in the fear of my heart. All of a sudden my goals became clear. Never will I ever forget Bruno's kind smile and invigorating spirit. I wish I could have known him better but God made him so well that just a little bit of his light will last a lifetime. Bruno was a hero every day of his life. I am very lucky to be able to call Bruno de Solenni my friend. He is everything I would like to be. Godspeed, dearheart. You are our shining star and we will love you forever. I love you forever. Watch over us, if you will.

— JKS
September 26, 2008 at 11:41 p.m.

Bruno was my really good friend and neighbor across the street from me. This has been a devastating time for the family and his friends. He was a great guy. He will be sorely missed.

Jennifer :(

— HumbleCounty
September 27, 2008 at 1:25 a.m.

I have the deepest sorrow for his famliy I will miss seeing him at the store in orick ca he came in for lunch when he was logging was a very funny guy and could always put a smile on your face no matter what. you will be greatly missed Bruno

— MaryDawn Childs
September 28, 2008 at 3:03 p.m.

didnt know the guy, but thanks for your commitment, bravery and sacrifice. Deepest condolonces to the family and friends.

— frank
September 28, 2008 at 9:36 p.m.

I didn't know Bruno but often look at this website for men and women that have given their lives for freedom. I'm writing to say "Thank You Bruno" for serving our country. May these words bring comfort to your loved ones.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
I will pray that your family finds peace and comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ.

— Rachel Perez Laguna Niguel California
September 30, 2008 at 9:17 a.m.

I am honored to have known Bruno. "A man, who had the heart of a child". I'm going to miss all of the stories, talks & teasing you like a lil brother, and just hanging out at Jen's house. Your heart touched many and you will never be forgotten.

— Lisa
September 30, 2008 at 12:01 p.m.

I think that knowing Bruno and hearing of his death has affected everyone and anyone who knew him in one way or another. I will forever be a more patriotic American than I was before. We live in a wonderful country and owe a thank you to all the brave men like Bruno who serve in the military. No 4th of July, Memorial Day or Veterans Day will ever be "just a day off of work" for me again. He will always be remembered and prayed for on these days. God Bless Bruno and the sacrifice he made. He was very special.

— Erica
November 20, 2008 at 3:27 p.m.

I was a brand new 2nd LT when I first met Bruno. He was a 1LT and took me under his wing for my first Annual Training in the National Guard. Bruno, LT Bird, Lt Hathaway and I had a very memorable time both during training and with Bruno’s help after as well. I was in Airborne school when I got the news. I called his name as I left the C-130 on my final jump. With the families permission I will wear his name on a bracelet as I serve this next year in Iraq. Bruno, you were my friend, we are going to be a good man short as we go out this next time and I will miss you.
1Lt Van Zallee
D Co 1-186IN

— 1LT Van Zallee
February 17, 2009 at 4:41 p.m.

Bruno passed away one year ago today. He was a GREAT man and a great friend. Today, here in Iraq, five of us who were friends with him met for a breakfast in memory of Recon DeSo. I miss him dearly and wish he was still here with us. I posted two of his photo's today at our HQ building to remind us all of the sacrifice he made. DeSo, you are not forgotten by us and never will be!!!

— Reconnaissance Ranger
September 20, 2009 at 2:20 p.m.

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