Bruno G. De Solenni, 32

Army National Guard, Captain

Joint Forces Headquarters, Element Training Team

Supporting: Operation Enduring Freedom

Died: September 20, 2008

Kandahar, Afghanistan

Single

Gender: Male

Hometown: Crescent City

High School: Del Norte High (Crescent City)

Burial: Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Crescent City, Calif.

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.

Michael K. Clark, 10/07/2008

Marques I. Knight, 09/06/2008

22 memories of Bruno G. De Solenni

“

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.

“

Today, I went to visit, Bruno's grave site. I did not know him, though I've been renting his home the past couple months. I did not feel brave enough to search for information about him until now. You see, I was only here temporarily working at the hospital, as a travel technologist. I was told about, Bruno, by the property management company I rented from. Diana, had told me this was, Bruno's first home, that he was very excited about it and that he tragically died in Afghanistan. She told me he was a well loved hero. What I discovered on Friday, after looking up his information online and reading about the love you all have for him, I guess I found a love for him as well. How could you not? He stood for everything I like to think I stand for in my life. I was also in the military and though I was not at war during my enlistment; I understand the mentality it takes to do not only what needs to be done, but to do it with valor. Thank you, Bruno de Solenni, not only for your service, bravery and sacrifice, but for your love of family, friends and community as well. May we all see you in Heaven some day. If you see the red, white, and blue sparkly's on either side of his headstone, it was me honoring your loved one. May God bless you all.

” — Michelle, June 23, 2012 at 11:20 p.m.

“

Bruno was always "that guy". He was the guy that the girls adored, the guy that everyone wanted to hang out with, and the guy who always put family first.
I have had the pleasure of working for the De Solenni family.
I will say this; what Bruno did was not in vain. The patriotism that runs through the veins of the De Solenni family is a truly amazing thing. Now, the family, friends, and community are left to forever mourn the loss of someone who truly brightened the life of each person who knew him, as a selfless and courageous young man. A dude that always had a good joke, teased me about my height, and was a fantastic substitute teacher who made the kids put the cellphones away and listen.
He is missed every day.

” — Mary-Michelle (Gehr) Smith, May 26, 2013 at 12:27 p.m.

“

As I read this article and see all the articles as it relates to Bruno's tragic death it saddens me. I went to high school with Bruno and his brother Ricardo and had their mother as my Spanish teacher. Bruno was and always has been a leader that stood for the true values in life and lived life with the highest level of integrity. If you knew Bruno you knew that he always had your back no matter what. One of the funniest guys to ever be around and although we lost touch over the years I will never forget that man. Bruno always remember you are missed every day and your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten as you are a true American Hero and my thoughts, prayers and tears go out to your loved ones. RIP Bruno as we will see you again one day.

” — Jeremy Belfiore, May 31, 2016 at 8:59 a.m.

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Bruno G. De Solenni, 32

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22 memories of Bruno G. De Solenni

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