California’s War Dead

    Charles R. Soltes Jr.

    Charles R. Soltes Jr., 36

    Army Reserve, Major
    Based: Upland
    Mosul (northeast area), Iraq
    Gender: Male
    Hometown: Irvine
    Robbie loved the military. We knew he was probably going to be a soldier. His whole life from the time we were kids was about helping others, and that's what he did as a soldier.
    — Greg Liccardi, boyhood friend

    Soltes was born at the base hospital at Ft. Walters, Texas, where his father, a career Army officer was stationed, while an Army band played "Stars and Stripes Forever" on the adjacent parade ground. His wife was eight months pregnant with their third child when he was killed.
    Times obituary
    Charles Soltes' memorial website
    « Victor A. Gonzalez, 10/13/2004
    Morgen N. Jacobs, 10/07/2004 »
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    Seven memories of Charles R. Soltes Jr.

    It was truly an honor serving with you in Iraq and know that you shall never be forgotten.

    — Jeff Spangler
    May 25, 2008 at 5:04 p.m.
    Permalink

    A wonderful brother, father, son, husband and friend. I miss him daily and continue to reflect to keep him alive in my everyday life...until we meet again. xo
    www.robsoltes.com

    — Carolyn Soltes Matthies
    July 22, 2008 at 3:28 p.m.
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    Miss you Rob. Essayons!

    — Lori Sterneck
    May 25, 2009 at 3:15 p.m.
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    We take time today, 5 years on, to honor your memory. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

    — Felipe Perez, 426th CA Bn
    October 13, 2009 at 9:22 a.m.
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    There aren't words to describe my gratefulness. There is noway for me to feel the pain you feel. And there is no magic to make it go away. The only thing I may be able to share with you is the pride you have in Charles. Because whether WE think the war is right or wrong doesn't matter to people like Charles. They go and they do thier job. Its that simple. May the burden of loss be less for you from day to day.

    Adam Berger
    SGT.
    Ac0.,2nd BN, 27INF 1987-1990
    Firefighter/Paramedic presently

    — Adam Berger
    October 16, 2009 at 8:18 p.m.
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    I was so glad that Maj Soltes was deploying with us - he was a very intelligent and competent officer with great trust for his NCOs. He is still missed six years later.

    — Brandon Davis
    October 13, 2010 at 9:32 a.m.
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    Sir, I miss you!! I came back to Iraq and I still remember your last voice...

    — CPT Hong
    November 4, 2010 at 11:53 p.m.
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    Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 700 California servicemembers and 474 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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