At Portland Marathon, 2 National Guardsmen are brothers on a mission Portland News OregonLive com

On Oct. 4, Oto and the man who saved his life a year ago, walked the 26.2 mile Portland Marathon.

He and Master Sgt. Jerry Glessman wore their Army-issue uniforms, and 35-pound rucksacks.

"People look at us and ask, 'Are you crazy?'" Oto says with a laugh.

The pair started training in July. Oto, who works in Tigard and lives in Monmouth, and Glessman, who works in Salem but lives in Jefferson, were able to do more than just prepare for the marathon.

Oto and Glessman strengthened their minds while they trained their bodies. The pair talked through some of the hardships of surviving that fateful September day back in Iraq. Oto shared with his friend the guilt he carried over de Solenni's death.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Oto
• Oregon National Guard
• soldier wellness
• mental health
• IED
• Bruno de Solenni
• KIA
• Portland Marathon

[207OIFSoldier]

I went to basic training and AIT with Captain De Solenni. He was my best friend in Fort Leonard Wood thru are training. He was a better man then me too Captain Oto. I remember him like it was yesterday, he was so damn fast i could never catch him in our two mile run!!! I no that Bruno would of had bricks in his rucksack and doing pushups at the end. He always pushed me to my limit. Bruno you will be missed dearly, Thankyou

[VegasLNH69]

I grew up with Capt. de Solenni, and met Maj. Oto at Capt. de Solenni's services. Never got the chance to talk with Maj. Oto. Looking back, I wish I could have the opportunity again. Thank you, God bless, and God speed.

[chadicj]

I would also like to thank you for the Post Sir. I am still in the Guard and had the Pleasure of working with Cpt. Desolini. I remember him waking me up in the QRF cage in the Sanai, telling me to get up and lets go get a coffee. He was one of the finest officers I ever had the pleasure of working with. We lost a huge part of our organization when we lost him. I hope and pray though that we can always keep his memory alive. Thank you again sir.

[skyspiral77]

I served with Capt. Desolini in the 186 and deployed with him to the sinai. I was a pfc when he first got his commision and we had a classes together at sou. He was a great guy and a great soldier.

[heather33171]

Major Oto, thank you so much for posting this video and thank you for honoring Bruno. We all still love and miss him so much here at home in Crescent City, CA.