Eduardo M. Soler

Eduardo M. Soler, 88, of Chantilly, Va., a retired Army colonel, died Feb. 10, 2009, at Fairfax Nursing Center after a long illness.

He served in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years before retiring at Ft. Monroe, Va., where he was director of Research and Development at Headquarters, U.S. Continental Army Command. He then taught science and math at a private school in Newport News, Va.

Col. Soler was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and attended the University of Puerto Rico for three years before entering the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated with the Class of June 1943. His military service spanned three wars; he saw combat in both World War II and Vietnam. His army career took him overseas to New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies, the Philippines, Japan, Puerto Rico, Spain, Vietnam, and Bolivia, where he was commander of the Military Group. His stateside assignments included tours at Fort Sill, Okla.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort McPherson, Ga.; the Pentagon; Fort Rucker, Ala., where he obtained his Army Aviator's wings in 1964; St. Louis, Mo.; and Fort Eustis, Va., where he was commander of Aviation Laboratories.

He was a graduate of the Spanish Staff School in Madrid, Spain, and the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. He received a master's degree in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and a master's degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. His military decorations include, among others, the Legion of Merit (four times), the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal.

He was a member of Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge No. 2188 and the Capital Cotillion Club, where he and his wife enjoyed dancing and socializing with friends. He also enjoyed traveling and did so extensively for many years to England, Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States. A previous marriage to Lila A. Miranda ended in divorce. She passed away on Jan. 31, 2009.

Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Aida Soler of Chantilly; his children, Lila S. Clements and her husband, Brandon, of Petersburg, Va.; David A. Soler and his wife, Joyce, of Mt. Holly, N.J.; Rita Soler Ossolinski and her husband, Matthew, of Washington, D.C.; his stepchildren, Frances Menjivar; William A. Font, both of San Antonio, Texas; Victoria Font diSalvo and her husband, Mimmo, of Palm Desert, Calif.; Michael E. Font and his wife, Kim, of Pottstown, Pa.; 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Col. Soler will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.