TITLE: In memory of U.S. Army Specialist Omar Soltero of San Antonio.

SUMMARY: In memory of U.S. Army Specialist Omar Soltero of San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt at the loss of U.S. Army Specialist Omar Soltero of San Antonio, who died on January 31, 2011, at the age of 28; and WHEREAS, Assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Specialist Soltero was based at Fort Polk, Louisiana; he was killed in action while bravely serving his nation in Afghanistan; and WHEREAS, Omar Soltero was born on May 23, 1982, to Gustavo and Maria Soltero; he knew as a child that he wanted to become a soldier, and he realized his dream when he joined the army in 2000; during his first period of enlistment, he was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York; he subsequently joined the New York National Guard in 2003 and the Texas National Guard in 2004 before returning to active duty with the army in February 2010; in addition to serving in Afghanistan, he deployed twice to Kosovo; and WHEREAS, Among the numerous military awards conferred on Specialist Soltero were the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star; moreover, he received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with star device, the Kosovo Campaign Medal with bronze service star, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and WHEREAS, Omar Soltero enjoyed the love and companionship of his fiancee, Stephanie Steele, and he was the devoted father of two sons, Ethan and Alan; this courageous soldier was proud of his country as well as his Mexican heritage, and he is remembered for his kindness, his warm smile, and his joyful nature; and WHEREAS, Specialist Soltero embodied the highest standards of the U.S. armed forces, and his valiant efforts and immense sacrifice are deserving of honor by every American; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of U.S. Army Specialist Omar Soltero and extend deep sympathy to the members of his family: to his fiancee, Stephanie Steele; to his sons, Ethan and Alan Soltero; to his parents, Gustavo and Maria Soltero; to his brothers, Ricardo and Adrian Soltero; to his sister, Maria Alviso; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Specialist Omar Soltero. Castro Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 755 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 17, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House