He was just a loving, caring, happy guy. But he was also one of the most professional, dedicated [non-commissioned officers] we had in the regiment.
    — Sergeant Jared Allen, served in same company

    Solorzano Valdovinos died Oct. 29 in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit on Oct. 27 with small arms fire in the Yahya Khel district in Afghanistan. [An earlier version of this post incorrectly gave his rank as specialist.]
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    19 memories of Diego A. Solorzano Valdovinos

    Diego you will always be remembered as a very brave soldier. Rest in Peace.

    — Rosa de Alba
    November 1, 2010 at 9:51 a.m.

    Dude, I can't believe you're gone. I've known you for 12 years and I still can't believe you're gone; even as I write this. I know you went down in an epic battle and took care of your men. You died a hero and that's what you will always be remembered as. A hero. Watch over me once I become a cop. Then, we'll trade war stories between us dude. I miss you and I love you bro.
    See you on the other side.

    — Daniel Gonzalez
    November 2, 2010 at 12:07 p.m.

    I hope he rests in peace and may god bless him and his family, amen.

    — JC
    November 10, 2010 at 9:38 p.m.

    Diego - Thank you and my heart goes out to your family & friends. My sons are your age and they had wanted to join and I would appreciate anyone that sent blessings. I don't know you but I am so proud of you and that you were there for our country.
    God Bless.

    — Theresa
    November 11, 2010 at 4:35 p.m.

    Thank you so much for your service. You gave up your life to protect our country, our freedom, and out lives.May God bless your family and give them peace. Thank you Diego .....

    — Maria
    November 11, 2010 at 6:38 p.m.

    To a fellow Curahee. May God keep you in the palm of his hand. Rest in peace.

    — Tommy Kirk
    November 11, 2010 at 10:29 p.m.

    Mis condolencias a la familia y Dios tenga en su gloria a Diego.

    Diego, you had a mission here on earth and now God opens his arms to take you with him.

    — Silvia
    November 12, 2010 at 7:05 p.m.

    Diego,

    I have fond memories of you from high school. I was saddened when I heard of your passing but then I told my self that you payed your country such a great honor. You were fighting for us. Now you're a soldier in heaven watching down on all of us here. Rest in peace old friend for one day we'll all see you in heaven.

    — Jenny
    November 13, 2010 at 2:40 p.m.

    Diego,

    We go through life meeting people that we call friends. I didn't really have many. I question everyday since I heard you had been taken from us whether I could have made a difference. I will always remember you and realize that you were not just a friend to me, but a brother. I will forever miss you.

    — clinton
    November 16, 2010 at 4:54 p.m.

    Diego,

    My thoughts, prayers and best wishes for you and those you left behind. Thank you for all you did for this country and your unit. My son is serving in your unit and I know they are all keeping you in their thoughts and continue the fight with you Sgt. McAnnich and Spc. Byrd in their hearts. May God bless all of you and may He guide your brothers left in the fight.

    Ken

    — K. Brooks
    November 17, 2010 at 3:45 p.m.

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I thank you with all my heart for the highest sacrifice you paid to protect us and give us our freedom. Thank you with all my heart! God bless your family, your soldier brothers still fighting for our freedom.

    — Blanca
    November 18, 2010 at 5 p.m.

    Dear Valdovious Family:

    Please except my condolence. Death is not easy to except, especially under the circumstances. There will come a time soon when wars will be no more according to the Bible at Psalms 46:9. Please read what it says when you have some time in your Bible. May Jehovah the God of Comfort be with you.

    — Muriel Mahan
    November 23, 2010 at 11:33 a.m.

    My heart goes out to the Solorzano-Valdovinos on your loss. You gave your son to this country. May God bless and keep Diego next to Him.

    — David Hinojosa
    November 27, 2010 at 8:37 a.m.

    I read a recent story from the Washington Post and cried when Sgt. Solorzano died. God Bless you and thank you for your sacrifice.

    — Dave
    November 28, 2010 at 5:29 p.m.

    Sergeant Diego A. Solorzano Valdovinos. Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service to your family, community, and country. The greatest loss to any country is the loss of one of it's own sons.

    — Rick Curiel
    December 5, 2010 at 6:11 a.m.

    Damn bro I'm gonna miss ya... Thanks for all the fat jokes u made high school a great memory... Rest in paradise my brother... Ill keep u in my prayers like I did...

    — victor sibrian
    December 8, 2010 at 2:23 p.m.

    He was one of the funniest people I have ever met. He made the best of bad times. You'll be greatly missed solo.

    — Brad Bourassa
    March 6, 2011 at 4:03 p.m.

    Diego you devoted your life to your country, i could not be more proud. Though i wish we could have had more time i know you protect us from above. Help guide us through these tough times. You are truly missed.

    — Ivette Valdovinos
    October 20, 2011 at 9:10 a.m.

    I learned a lot from you and still cant believe you are gone. Continue to protect and watch over us brother.

    — frank
    October 29, 2011 at 9:29 a.m.

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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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