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Chief Warrant Officer 5 William J. Solmo enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1986 as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. After initial entry training, Solmo was assigned to HQ Company, 71st Infantry Regiment, NYARNG. In 1988 Solmo was assigned to Alpha Troop, 101st Cavalry Squadron serving as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. In 1990, Solmo was transferred to Alpha Company, 107th Infantry Regiment.
In 1992 Solmo was promoted to Sergeant and assigned as a senior mechanic with 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment. In 1996 Solmo was assigned to the 133rd Maintenance Company and deployed to Germany in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. After deployment, Solmo was once again assigned to 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment as a senior mechanic.
In 2001 Solmo received his appointment as a warrant officer. Following the attacks on September 11th, 2001, Solmo was activated and served at ground zero assisting with recovery efforts. Following his service at ground zero, Solmo remained with 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment and was promoted to chief warrant officer two in 2003. In 2005 Solmo deployed to Iraq with 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After returning from deployment, Solmo was assigned to Fox Company, 427th Brigade Support Battalion, as a unit maintenance officer. In 2010, Solmo was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer three. The following year Solmo was transferred to the 369th Sustainment Brigade and served as a senior ordnance ground maintenance warrant officer branch chief.
In 2019 Solmo was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer four. In 2020 Solmo returned to 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment. In 2022 Solmo deployed with 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, to Djibouti as part of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.
Solmo is a graduate of the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Small Group Leader’s Course, Warrant Officer Candidate School, Unit Maintenance Warrant Officer Basic Course, Senior Automotive Maintenance Officer Course, Warrant Officer Intermediate Leader’s Education Course, and the Warrant Officer Senior Service Education Course.
Solmo is the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon with gold star device, Armed Forces Service Medal with bronze star device, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral two device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with mobilization device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star device, New York State Medal for Conspicuous Service, New York State Aid to Civil Authorities Medal, New York State Medal for Humane Service, New York State Counterdrug Service Ribbon, NYS Defense of Liberty Medal with World Trade Center device. Mr. Solmo is also the recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice, and the Ordnance Order of Samuel-Sharp awards.
Solmo graduated with an associate degree in business administration from the Dominican College of Blauvelt in 1985.
He resides in Brooklyn, NY with his wife of 27 years, and they have two adult children.
Current as of MAR 4, 2025
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