Staff Sgt. Juan M. Solorio, 32, of Dallas died Friday in Mosul when a homemade bomb detonated near his military vehicle.

The bomb exploded as Solorio’s unit was under small arms fire from insurgents.

Solorio was assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, from Fort Lewis, Wash.

His younger brothers said he loved adventure and had a close relationship with his family.

Gerald and Fabian Solorio say their brother Juan shared stories about Iraq with them. In one e-mail, he told them of seeing the area where, according to the biblical story, Jonah was swallowed by a whale.

Solorio served as a scoutmaster, which allowed him to share his love for the outdoors with his sons, 11-year-old Julian and 8-year-old Maxmilian.

He also is survived by his wife, Gabby.

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