Photo By Pfc. Jordan Foster | U.S. Army Sgt. Martin Solis, physical therapy assistant attached to 3rd Security Force...... read more read more
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ERBIL, Iraq – For U.S. Army Sgt. Martin Solis Jr., serving as a part of 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) while deployed is more than a career obligation, it’s a chance to build connections, support allies, and grow resilience both personally and professionally.
Sgt. Martin Solis, from the Illinois Army National Guard, serves as a physical therapy assistant and medical advisor assigned to 3rd SFAB, focusing on preventive medicine and rehabilitation. Solis’ mission is to help partner forces, such as the Peshmerga located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, improve medical readiness while also ensuring U.S. Soldiers stay fit and healthy during deployment.
“Our work is about strengthening the Peshmerga’s ability to become a self-sufficient, effective force,” said Solis. “We advise them on medical processes, connect them with their Ministry of Health, and share best practices so they can prevent disease and treat injuries more effectively.”
Originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina, Solis grew up moving frequently before settling in Chicago, Illinois, due to his father’s occupation as a construction business owner. Later in life, Solis’ father left the family picture, causing hardship and uncertainty. While the family faced challenges, Solis said those early experiences taught him resilience.
Despite his rough childhood, Solis later earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science. He worked both at a cardiac rehabilitation center and managed a hotel before joining the United States Army 10 years ago. Solis credits his fascination with military history and tactics as the spark that led him to enlist.
“I always loved watching medieval movies about armies going into battle,” Solis said. “It’s amazing to be part of something bigger than yourself, knowing what you do makes a difference.”
Though the Army was not what he expected at first, Solis said he quickly understood his presence in the grand scheme of the Army’s mission and quickly adapted. “People are yelling at you in the beginning, but once you’re in, it’s different — and it’s for the better,” he said.
Later in his military career, Solis was assigned to 3rd SFAB where he helps design and track treatment plans under the supervision of physical therapists as a physical therapist assistant. Solis also specializes in preventive medicine, advising partner forces on sanitation, disease prevention, and health practices that reduce long-term risks.
Beyond the mission, Solis said the people he serves alongside have been the most rewarding part of his career.
“Honestly, the people are what I enjoy most,” Solis said. “You get put into situations you’d never experience in regular life, like being in the woods for weeks with no showers. You end up bonding with others through those experiences.”
Solis recalls a training exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center where heavy rains flooded his unit’s tent, forcing Soldiers to dig trenches late into the night. “It was tough at the time, but it brought us closer together,” Solis said. “Experiences like that build camaraderie.”
That same sense of teamwork carries over into deployment. Solis said being part of a diverse team of advisors has already created strong bonds and lasting memories.
Despite the distance from home, Solis stays focused on the mission and motivated by thoughts of family. “At the end of the day, the goal is to go home safe,” he said. “Knowing my family is waiting for me keeps me resilient.”
Sgt. Martin Stollis shared some words of encouragement towards all uniformed service members ready to be deployed. “It’s normal to be nervous or slightly afraid of being away from your family and friends for a while,” pointed out Solis, “As long as you’re here with a good group of people, and you know what you’re doing, and you’re confident, you’re going to meet possibly new friends that you make lifelong connections with. While you’re here, get more proficient at your job and come back home with some awesome stories.”
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2025 03:30 |
| Story ID: | 549023 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 4 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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