Randy D. Collins, 36

The children of First Lutheran Church SAY YES center in Long Beach have made a Memory Stone memorial for Randy and are praying for his family and friends.

my son jason carroll went to high school with randy. god bless him and hisfamily,he was a real american.

wilson carroll and my family

As my platoon sergeant at Fort Irwin, California, I can truly say SFC Collins was a great man. He always had a smile on his face and never missed an opportunity to have a good laugh at someone's expense or his own. I wish his family well, especially his children. See you on the otherside Jedi.

If it wasn't for courageous men like this, we wouldn't have the freedom that we do now. My husband also served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan. My respect and heart goes out to this soldiers family for his bravery and honor.

Randy Collins as many people can see was my father that was also my bestfriend we did everything together i will never forget my father i love him with all my heart i wish he wasn't gone but he is here in spirit and that is just enough.I love you daddy

I graduated from Millikan HS in 1987...I don't think I knew Randy personally, but his name does ring a bell...but even though I don't recall his face, personality, etc., I feel that I know him from some undefinable place...I also fought in the Middle East (in the first Gulf War), and seeing his obit here online, brings back lots of memories of the Millikan Hi student body. Looking at other Millikan vets who never came home from foreign wars, I feel a great sense of sadness; a lot of it begs the question, "Why?" But I know I shoudn't feel this way because they passed to the other side because of an idea that they believed in, and were brave enough to defend this idea. Words can never bring back or replace the person that was Randy Collins, but I send my love and condolences to his family. I just want you to know that he belongs to a long line of Americans that have given their lives so that we may live here in safety and prosperity. May God bless him and his family. Know that his sacrifice and yours was not in vain.

i met randy through his sister gretta, he was the type of person you could never forget, he was always so nice to me and my family, when ever i saw him he had a smile on his face. i am so very sorry to hear about his death, but just knowing the type of person he was, i know he is with the angels.

As a former graduate of Millikan High School, your ultimate sacrifice is very well appreciated and may god bless your soul and your children and your family. God created us and to God we shall return.

God Bless you always Randy and your family. We shared some good times. Keep smiling upstairs!!

Our families attended the same church Lily Of The Valley on the westside of Long Beach. I remember Randy as one of the cool older kids who always amused the younger ones just by being older. Still can't believe he's gone. I only fond memories of Randy, one of the cool kids at church.

We had been through so much and I respected you beyond reason...I will never forget you, you are gone but NOT FORGOTTEN! See you again Jedi. May your family be blessed.

Hi baby, it' s your first lady in more ways than one as you stated. Six years ago today my life changed like never before when you were called home. I did not ever think that I could go on without you, but thru God's grace His mercy, and divine protection I've been able to do what you said. On May 3rd you told me that you're going on a mission as we discussed many other things where we laughed uncontrollably. I thank God for the friend I had in you first then for the awesome Husband, Father, and man of God that God allowed you to be. Randy I've never loved anyone as much as I loved you. Even to this day I haven't allowed anyone to penetrate the lasting impression that you made upon me! Untouched and proud of God Almighy for keeping me. You told me to get out of the military and to do what God have called me to do. You would be proud. Ministering in dance! He has truly turn my mourning into dance and the preaching that you said I couldn't help, I took it to the jails and my prayer cell to minister to the people of God. So thank you for the push!!!! It was and is still an honor to have been married to a man as wonderfully amazing as you! I miss you Soooo much sweetie. Love always, your bestest friend and wife!

SFC Collins was my Platoon Sgt. In Ft Irwin and I could tell you about all the good times we had in the field and the many many laughs! But let me tell you this man was a leader who I could never forget! Who out there remembers when he would march us around? This man could sing some cadence! Made everyone stand a little taller and stick their chest out a little farther! The world lost a great man! NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!

To this day it bothers me what happened with SFC Collins. He was a good man, and he will never be forgotten. I was with him when the tragic incident happened. Love you Brother.

When I found out what happened to SFC Collins, I was devestated. he took me under his wing at my first duty station in Fort Ord, Ca in 1992. He was one of those Hard-Core Corporals that you don't see anymore. We kind of connected when I found he was from Long Beach, as I am from Compton. We would always jest about each others city. He taught me so many things that made me successful in the military. We were stationed together at Fort Ord and Fort Drum together. He will truly be missed.

If you are family SFC Collins or can pass them a message requesting contact to me Laura Herzog 714-904-0253 or laura@honoringourfallen.org for an upcoming memorial event. Please contact me as soon as possible.

you were a friend a brother and a leader, always with your chest stuck out, even when sad, we went to the ebb of this globe and back and met again at the brink of beauty that this forsaken world has to offer, you were always a good singer such as i and a brother of the hood way westward, like me!. As i wake and walk to the mirror of reality waned in its cruelty i see nothing but reflection and remembrance of a warrior , daydreamer and friend......peace be to all kings!!

caarng-19 92-1996 inglewood armory
long beach armory

dexheim germany 1998-2001

ft lewis 2001-2007