Sgt. Major Josephine Solis, (US Army Ret.), age 87, of Brady, Texas, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Brownwood. Josephine was born on April 18, 1938, in Brady, Texas to Victoria Solis. She grew up in Brady and enlisted in the U.S. Army in May of 1968. Josephine felt it was her calling, and she knew it in her heart. She served honorably for over 30 years, retiring at the rank of Sgt. Major in 1998. She was promoted to that rank in August of 1991.
She recalled that her first attack as a soldier would not come from war with a foreign country, but from the people they were serving at home, being targeted with reticule and harassment from Vietnam War protesters.
Sgt. Major Solis’s military career began at Ft. McClellan, Alabama, where she completed basic training and clerical school. Her first duty assignment was HQ 6th USA at the Presidio in San Francisco, California. She completed her mandatory three years and later re-enlisted in 1970 for a tour to Vietnam. From April 1970 through August 1972, she served with the 1st Aviation Brigade in Long Binh.
Other assignments included HQ CMD at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, multiple overseas tours to Korea, and four tours at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, where she served as a Drill Sergeant. She also spent six weeks in Ecuador, South America, as part of the U.S. Task Force Exercise “Abriendo Rutas 87” (Opening Roads) off the Amazon jungle.
She was awarded the Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star; Army Lapel Button; Meritorious Service Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Army Commendation Medal with 5th Oak Leaf Cluster; Humanitarian Service Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award); Marksman (M16 Rifle); Army Achievement Medal with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Unit Citation Badge; Drill Sergeant Identification Badge; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3); Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 3); and Sharpshooter (Hand Grenade). She enjoyed playing baseball. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brady for many years.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Sgt. Major Josephine Solis, US Army Ret., will be held Monday morning, June 9, 2025, at 10:00am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brady with Father Terry Brenon officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with the Holy Rosary being recited at 6:30pm at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels. Friends may view and/or sign Josephine’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com.
Josephine is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bernardo Moreno and Antonio Martinez.
