Solhjem received a Bachelors of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries from North Central University in 1982.

Solhjem has given direct religious support to soldiers, totaling more than 68 months in combat zones.

In July 2015, Solhjem was promoted to brigadier general and assigned as the 25th Deputy Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army.

[2] In May 2019, Colonel William Green Jr., an African American Baptist minister, was nominated to succeed him as Deputy Chief of Chaplains.

[3][4] On May 31, 2019, Solhjem was promoted to major general and assigned as the 25th Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army.