Dear Friends,

Major Charles Robert Soltes Jr., an East Coast Native and proud “Army Brat,” lived a life defined by service, compassion, and dedication to others. A graduate of Norwich University, the Military College of Vermont, he was commissioned in 1990 and served on active duty as an Army Optometrist, caring for service members and their families in Texas, South Korea, and at West Point Military Academy. In 1999, he settled in Southern California, continuing his service in the Army Reserves while building a life with his wife and children.

But when called to serve again, he stepped forward.

In February 2004, Rob joined the 426th Civil Affairs Battalion and served as a Preventive Medical Officer. He was deployed to Iraq in August 2004, where he helped rebuild hospitals as the commander of a public-health team. As a proud member of the humanitarian effort, he helped restore care and hope to communities devastated by war.

On October 13, 2004, in Mosul, Iraq, Major Soltes was killed when a suicide bomber drove into his convoy.

He was 36 years old.

Leaving behind his wife, his children, and a legacy defined not only by how he served, but by why he chose to serve.

In recognition of his service and sacrifice, the Major Charles Robert Soltes Jr. Blind Rehabilitation Center at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System was named in his honor; a lasting tribute to a life dedicated to healing, service, and humanity.

But Rob’s legacy did not end there.

In the years following, his mother, Nancy Soltes, transformed grief into purpose as a Gold Star Mother. What began as unimaginable loss became a lasting legacy of love, compassion, and service. Determined that military and veteran families would never face medical crises alone. Nancy helped bring the Fisher House at VA Long Beach to life. It opened in 2016, creating a place where families can remain close to loved ones during times of healing and uncertainty.