Randy D. Collins, 36

Army, Sergeant 1st Class

Based: Ft. Irwin, Calif.

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

Supporting: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Died: May 24, 2005

National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., USA

Married, 2 children

Gender: Male

Hometown: Long Beach

High School: Millikan Senior High (Long Beach)

Burial: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside

Collins died at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of injuries suffered in a mortar attack 20 days earlier in Mosul, Iraq. Shortly before he died, Collins called his ex-wife and told her: 'No matter what you do in life, always be happy.'

Ricardo A. Crocker, 05/26/2005

Stephen P. Saxton, 05/03/2005

27 memories of Randy D. Collins

“

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.

” — Marcus Russell, June 6, 2010 at 3:26 p.m.

“

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!

” — Roxanne Collins, May 24, 2011 at 3:40 a.m.

“

Randy was fellow soldier and friend! We coached youth baseball and basketball together. Collins was well respected by the kids so much so that we couldnt practice without him. I had ask him to bring Jasmine with him se we could pratice. We won the championship in both sports because of Collins love for kids. He kept them smiling from ear to ear and all of them admired him even my own kids. Randy was a true professional! We did a furneral detail together and Randy did such a great job that the family tried to pay us with a large check that we couldnt take. I will never forget that he took such great pride in work burying a World 2 vet. He cared about his family and would always talk about them. We served at Fort Ord andFort Drum together. Randy impacted so many people evrywhere he went.

” — SGT Brooks, August 10, 2012 at 11:01 a.m.

“

I really miss Randy, he was an awesome guy to know and be around. We were both SSGs in Dexheim, Germany with 123rd MSB from 1996-1999. We hit it off instantly as we competed against each other in everything. I loved this Brother because he always maintained a positive outlook - besides how could you not like that smile.

One of my fondest memories together with Randy was when we added him to our flag football team and went on to win the USAREUR championship that year (1998). He was always encouraging the team and me - this was an awesome time and I got to spend a lot of time talking and laughing with him.

My heart goes out to the Collins family, especially the wife and children. You have done a wonderful job memorializing Randy - please know that he will never be forgotten!!!!

Sincerely,

Carl

” — 1SG (R) Carl Prator, March 6, 2016 at 12:44 p.m.

“

To the family of Randy D Collins,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My name is Paul Press. I served with Randy from August 2001 until June 2004 with the 11th ACR FT Irwin CA.. I met Randy upon in processing at Ft Irwin. I, Randy and Dennis San Feilpe all in processed together, Randy named us the THREE AMIGOS. It has been 12 years now since his passing. I retired in June 2004. I actually did not find out about his passing until sometime later, Today on 29 may 2017@ 3:30 AM I awoke only to remember that my good friend Randy Collins was gone. My good friend Steven Beard actually gave me the news. I was in AWE. I am so sorry for your loss, please forgive me to take so long to post. I will never forget that Randy used to tell me (Get Your Roll On). Randy IS A TRUE HERO!!! I love that SOLDIER...88 MIKE...Drive On My Friend...

” — Paul G. Press, May 30, 2017 at 9:22 p.m.

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Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org

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Randy D. Collins, 36

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27 memories of Randy D. Collins

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