Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Randy D. Collins

36, of Long Beach, California.
Collins died at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland of injuries sustained in Mosul, Iraq, May 4, 2005 during a mortar attack. He was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, California. Died on May 24, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Sgt. 1st Class Randy D. Collins.

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"Well my love I went to sleep last night 8/10/2014 and you visited me in my dream.when I saw you I said Randy and you hugged me and said I love you and I said it back. I woke up and realized it was just a dream so I was in a bad mood. Went to church cried and prayed. Miss you more than you will ever know and that smile was priceless..muah with huggs.. R.I.Heaven I'm sure your gods number one solider love you."
Billups of san jose, ca

"This is the day that the LORD, has made
I WILL REJOICE and be glad and sad. I do know this is the will of GOD. I hate you didn't get to retirement. I do believe you
made HEAVEN requirements. I am striving everyday to make it, Iam writing as if you can read this. I should have followed my mind back in February 2005.
I got so caught up trying to pass my promotion. Well u would be proud of me
now, I finally caught up with society I hooked up the computer and bought a
Smartphone this what iam using now. I
Miss u, I loved u, and Iam Grateful to have had a awesome Little brother like u."
your sister Gretta of Long Beach, CA

"SFC Collins was, is and always will be a true hero to me. I miss his leadership and mostly his friendship. I will always remember the year he played santa clause at the chriatmas party. That was a good time. You will NEVER be forgotten my friend. May the good light shine on you always"
Greg of Sacramento CA

"Just thinking about you my brother, I miss your smile, our talks in the old barracks on Fort Drum and how I use to have to run to keep up with you on the road marches. I miss you so much my brother."
Battle Buddy SFC Williams of Texas

"I'm sorry I'm so late, but I would like to send my condolences to the family. I just found out about this and I am truly saddend, SFC Collins was a true friend and that the way I will always remember him. so R.I.P brother and ride on. You will be truly missed."
Cory of San Antonio, Texas

"SFC Collins,
you are always remembered during Veterans Day by me and my wife, since you were there in the hardest day of our lives and brought happiness to a very unhappy event."
Hernandez Family of Killeen, TX

"Man its been over 6 years since the day I lost one of my closest friends, I have already posted on this site but I tend to come back often to check it out, hoping the pages change. I catch the tear with my smile. You changed the course of my life with your positive outlook, you changed me! I love you brother and will always remember you. Fiddler green waits us and jesus holds us in his loving arms!"
SFC Koenig of Forsyth, IL

"WE ALL MISS YOU MAN YOU WERE ONE OF THE COOLIEST MAN THAT I KNEW AND WAS HONOR TO MEET AND SERVE WITH GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN."
FORMER SSG BURGESS

",I placed a few flags in my yard today in memory of Randy and all the fallen heros. Randy left us to soon but he was doing something that he truly believe in. As a family member we still have the joy and pleasure of remembering Randy through his daughter Jazmine (his twin) when you see her smile you see Randy. My last letter that I wrote to Randy I said to him, God be with you until we meet again. Now I am sure of one thing, we will meet again."
Bunny of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

"On this Memorial Day...you cannot forget the fallen.....I ran into Randy's memorial book that was passed out during his service. I was there to carry the coffin during his service as part of the SAMC.....words cannot express the sadness I feel when I think of 'bootsy' as I used to call him. He was a big man, with a big laugh. He leaves a legacy behind him....he will never, ever be forgotten. Life goes on, things fall back into place, but he hole he has left in our hearts will never go away. GOD BLESS THE COLLINS FAMILY....this day is for Randy and all our fallen heros. God bless & much love."
1SG Crumley of Fort Benning, GA

"I had the Honor of serving with SFC Collins at Fort Irwin. He was a Man that not only lived the Army Values at work but in all aspects of his life. He is truly missed."
SFC Noble, Gregory M of Kalamazoo MI USA

"Its been 5 years now, and I still think about the Jedi from time to time. He was my platoon daddy, and although we were in different places in Iraq, it was a true honor to serve with him at NTC. He was a man of integrity and humor and he influenced the course of my life. Thank you, SFC Collins! Highlander, out!"
SGT Dan Copeland of Colorado

"i visited long beach july 31to august 6, 2005, i am so heavy hearted right now. i didnt know he was already gone. gretta i am so sorry, why didnt you tell me. my prayers are with you and your family. you are still my best friend even though ours lives have taken different paths. you were like my sister and i miss you. call me if you get this message.9852157122"
leona of amite, louisiana

"I'll do my best, to let everyone know what kind of person you was and still is and all of our hearts. I new you as Sgt Collins from Long Beach (16s ADA)& I'm from Los Angeles. We had the west cost conection. I aspired to be just like you and asciended to the same rank of you all because of you I will always be in debt to you. I love you SFC Calvin your high speed private from 1991 LOVE YOU BROTHER! I'm sorry it took so long! It's hard to say good bye!"
Carlis Calvin IV of FT Hood TX

"TO JEDI 1 AS WE KNEW HIM, RANDY WAS MY PLATOON SERGEANT, AT HHT 1/11TH SUPPORT PLATOON, AND WAS A VERY GOOD FRIEND THAT WOULD ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF US, I REMEMBER THE DAYS WE WOULD GO TO THE FIELD AND TELL OUR STORIES IN FRONT OF THE BONFIRE, AND LOUGH AND JOKE ALL KNIGHT, I WILL ALWAYS HAVE THESE GREAT MEMORIES, REST IN PEACE BROTHER."
SGT QUIROZ of ARIZONA

"To my Lil Big brother; I miss the times we use to hang, trip out, laugh, trying to get the Audie Murphy club together, lunch, playing PS2 during lunch, dominoes and all the stuff we use to do when we kicked it. I still have your favorite recliner in my home even though doesn’t go with anything in my house anymore, it’s still here for you bro. The world is not the same without you. Even though you are no longer with us physically I know that you’re here spiritually. You will never be forgotten; my prayers constantly go out to you and your Family."
Patrick Dixon

"SFC Collins will forever be in our hearts and minds. We still honor him every day (by wearing his fallen comrade bracelet). We miss him everyday and it was an honor and privilege to know him. He definitely made an impact on all that he came in contact with. Love you brother, ride on Blackhorse. HHT, 11th ACR."
SGT Jabe and Tamara Thompson of Savannah, GA

"Well let's see where do I start??????
He was the most adorable BIG smile that always used to come to my desk every single day in the HHT office and eat my darn carrots. BUT no matter what he would always replace them with a baggy of small fresh carrots the next day..
He was always the positive attitude and loud, extravagant voice that would fill our office with joy and laughter. I miss you DEARLY SFC and you will forever be on our minds and in our hearts, To the beautiful wife and gorgeous children he blessed this world with u are loved.
Love you always and forever my friend and Brother in Arms,
Sgt Taralin Goldman
HHT, 11th ACR
Mosul Iraq (FOB Courage)"
Sgt Taralin Goldman of Ventura, CA USA

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"I had the privelage to serve with Randy in the 11 ACR both at Fort Irwin and then in Iraq. SFC Collins was part of my crew but more importantly, a freind to all of us. I don't have to tell anyone who knew him for more than a day, that he always kept us smiling. Forever your friend and proud to have served with you, I give my best to honor your sacrifice."
LTC T. Pike of Lodi, Wisconsin

"To Randy,
Brother I miss the arguements and the agreements we had during those few months that we worked together in Mosul. I want you to know that you are never forgoten. I look forward to seeing you at Fiddlers Green when I finialy leave this life to join you and the rest of my Cavalry brothers.

To the family,
I have known about this site for a couple years but have never had the nerve to leave a message becouse I just didnt know what to say. I was there with Randy when he was injured. Its taken me 4 years to be able to deal with the fact that I couldnt do anything more to help Randy that day.
We lost a great American, soldier, father, husband, and most of all friend. I only hope that one day I can be as great a person as Randy was. As i sit here this May 4th remembering that day and Randy for the great friend he was i finialy decided its time to leave my condolances."
A friend and brother forever of 11th ACR Fort Irwin

"To my dear brother's family, I send you my deepest condolences! I met Randy while stationed in Germany and I will always remember him for his kindness, smile and especailly his sincere friendship! But, I know that God had other plans for Randy but he touched so many hearts with just his kindness!!!"
Katherine Romar of Killeen, TX

"SSG Collins helped me prepare and sponsored me at the Audie Murphy board at Ft. Irwin, CA. I was in C Trp 1/11 and he had moved to Reg. HHT. When we deployed to Iraq, the Regiment separated. Some went to Mosul and the others went to Camp Taji. I heard about his passing while i was there and was devistated. Just the short time that he prepared me, he had a great impact on my life and my career. He will be missed!"
W01 (Formerly SSG) Melvin Thomas of Fort Polk, LA

"May 29, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Randy D. Collins:
Randy gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"My prayers go out to SFC Collins family and friends. He was a great man and always tried to cheer up anyone who needed it and I'm sure he will never be forgotten. May God bless all of you!!"
Vee of Ft. Gordon, GA

"To the family of:Randy D.Collins I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"SFC Collins God bless you and your family and I know your still looking over the rest of the troops, cause that's the man you are. Your in my thoughts and prayers. GO LAKERS!!! Your boy from HHT 11th ACR SGT Morales"
Mr. Modesto Morales III of moralesaguil@msn.com

"I was stationed with SFC Collins at Ft Irwin, CA. he was my platoon sergeant at the time. I'll never forget when I found out that he liked Star Wars as much as me, I always loved going on an FTX and getting to watch The Phantom Menace with him. I had just PCS'ed when they deployed and didn't even get the word about his passing until later, and just now found this. I take a part of him with me today, and will always remember him fondly. May The Force Be With Him Always"
SPC Tyson Bradford of Ft Campbell, KY

"Sgt Collins,
My husband Johnny used to talk about you all the time. I still remember that Christmas when you threw a party at your house & invited people in the platoon in Germany. You were always nice when you came to our house & was always smiling, laughing and very polite. May God bless you and your family. You will truly be missed. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice, you are our hero. Love Always, Johnny & Marlena Martin marlenamartin@hotmail.com"
Johnny & Marlena Martin of Killeen, TX

"to the friends and family of SFC Randy Collins, "Sergeant C"
i must say that i just herd of this site today, and i wanted to leave my upmost condolences that i know are very late, however i must say that you are not forgotten even for a moment my friend. SFC C, SFC Wright and i had dinner the night before he was taken from us. we had a very nice peaceful meal, talking about his two wonderful children and his plans for his future with him and his wife. it was shock for us to have him taken from us. he and i would chit chat and carry on jokes, but the one thing that noone in that palace would forget was his hearty laugh and loud voice that carried about in that palace. I will never forget that night nor the very short time we spent. but know that you are never forgotten! to your family i leave my most heartfelt condolences, and thank you for making him into the man he was.
thank you

Take Care my brother.. Ride On."
SSG Ryan Clement, and SGT Angelic Clement , RHHT, 11th ACR, of Fort Irwin & Barstow California, (FOB Courage, Iraq)

"Just want to say GOD Bless to Roxanne and the Kids. I knew you both before you even wed. I was estatic to know that God brought you both together for the sole purpose of enlighting his Devine plan. I am going to miss you I know you are smiling down on us now."
SSG Johnny M Rodgers Jr of Tampa Florida

"To SFC Collins and your family....
I never got the chance to take the support platoon as planned, but I sure was looking foward to working with you. I met you one time, and your handshake and smile were enough to convince me of the type of soldier and man that you were. Your smile could light up a room. My heart aches for your family, and I can only say to them, thank you and I will never forget. Godspeed."
CW2 Christian Kennerly of Camp Eagle, South Korea

"To the family and Friends of Randy, I have a lot of pictures from when we trained Iraqis together. In the short time that I knew him I considered him my brother, even though I am 5'4" and he towered over me like a skyscraper. They fellow soldiers we trained with called as the odd couple cause all we did was argue but were always there for each other. If you would like some pictures that I have please email me @ brent.e.koenig@us.army.mil"
SSG Brent E. Koenig of Fort Irwin, CA

"SFC Collins was always cheerful. I was stationed with him in HHT 1/11. We used to play basketball at the gym during our lunch. He even gave me a ride home once since it was on the way to his house. I will never forget Jedi One"
SPC (P) Licher, Wesley J of FOB Warhorse, IRAQ (Ft Carson, CO)

"SFC Collins, you could have done anything with your life, but the hero in you made it where you didn't have a choice but to serve your country. You were proud of your job. I could hear it in your voice when you stood in front of the platoon. Never could keep a straight face though. Smile after smile. Maybe it was just one smile you held all day. What I learned from all the smiling even when times were tough was, no matter how hard the road gets and how bad things may seem, it never hurts to smile. IT NEVER HURTS TO SMILE!! So for now on I'm smiling for you. My soldiers will hear of a great man that was once in my platoon. That once had me at parade rest for thirty minutes. I've taken a little from every NCO I've come across to better myself as a leader, I owe you so much for showing me the good and the bad which allowed me to be the NCO I am today. I'm sure you helped a lot of young soldiers in your career. R.I.P. SFC Collins. God bless your family and I pray that he helps them through these troubled times. SSG Michael A. Murray"
Michael Murray of Peoria, IL. USA

"i didn't know him for too long and didn't know him very well, but everytime I saw him or talk to him He was always cheerful... God Bless SFC Collins"
SSG Rivera of El Monte, CA

"Randy D. Collins is my brother and I miss him very very much. No one will ever really know how much our mom and the whole family miss his crazy laugh. Last but not least I love him more than anyone could ever imagine. Loving you always your baby sister."
Teresia Collins-Hodge of Paramount, Ca.

"SFC Collins,

I know this is late, but I just foung this web site from a friend, I was sadden to hear of your passing, Remember the first time when we met?, it was on our way to the filming of the 'Family Fued' (2004), for the Armed Forces Week, It was you and I who had that show going, we brought out the laughter and excitement to the game. I've tried my hardest to get a copy of the filming for the week that aired in mid year of '04. What alot of people don't know is that you and I joined the military about the same time, same recruiter and location, you was in ROTC at a different school, I was at LBC, after talking with you on our way to Hollywood, it was weired that we competed at the drills meets and when you joined you went to Korea and I went to Germany. Well, the thing that got me, was that we spent the same number years in the military and deployed to different occupations, we still ended up at fort irwin together. your personality and smile will never be forgotten, I remember the last time talked with you at the P.X., you was excited to go and get things done, I was sadden 'cause I couldn't go with all of you. I hope and pray that people find the show and watch. It was a pleasure knowing and playing the game with you. You will not be forgotten. We all miss you and honor you. Take care Randy and see you soon.
Friends will never be forgotten

SFC Gilbertson, John"
SFC Gilbertson, John of Richmond, Ca., USA

"I know that this is sorta late Randy (Jedi-One), but you know me...I will always remember our talks that went from tower guard to late-night gym work outs to versing whose hometown was better. I celebrate your life and the amount of people you enhanced while you was here. I feel really ashamed that I cannot recall your favorite song that your grandmother taught you, but I can still hear your voice singing it in these palace walls. Things ain't the same without you brother, but that's because you taught me in more ways than one. I love you man. To the family and friends of Randy, I thank you for sharing Randy with us, he was truly one of a kind. I extend to you my deepest condolescences."
Jabe Thompson (T-Cat) of Camp Courage,Mosul, Iraq

"AS I read of your loss my heart goes out to you. I pray that you may find comfort in the arms of our Saviour Jesus Christ. To Randy's wife and motherI can only imagine your pain, and pray that in time you will remember the happy times when you think of him."
Michelle of Utah, USA

"RANDY WE MISS YOU! RIDE ON FROM YOUR BROTHERS of "THE BLACK HORSE""
of MOSUL IRAQ

"Sergeant Collins, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Randy we here in the hood will miss you. You did everything right, and this is a trajedy. from the LBC we will always love and miss you. Peace"
James Clement of Long Beach California

"6/3/05 - Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the family of Sgt First Class Randy D. Collins. For many reasons you will never celebrate another Memorial Day Weekend without tremendous sadness, yet a great sense of pride. Randy is a true hero and will go down in history as a great man who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation. May God give you strength to endure this most horrific painful loss.
John 15:13 Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for his friends.""
Webster and Ruth Reed (Father and stepmom of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Iraq on January 28, 2005) of Krotz Springs, Louisiana

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

"Collins,Your beautiful smile will never be forgotten. You are truley a hero. Many prayers go out to the family."
Specialist Rivard,Jessica of Mosul,Iraq

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Randy will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"A smile not forgotten. Randy you have touch so many people with your personality and wisdom, you are one person that will not be forgotten. My prayers go out to his beatiful family may God bless you and keep you. Thank you for serving our country.
Love always"
Andrea Moncrease of Fort Irwin, CA

"Thank you Randy Collins, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Sgt. First Class Randy Collins:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Randy for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Sgt. First Class Randy Collins:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Randy, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on