Captain Linh TuUyen Nguyen, US Army (Ret.)

Linh TuUyen Nguyen, affectionately known to many as "Chut," passed away on October 4, 2026, at the age of 58 in Raeford, North Carolina.

Born on September 4, 1968, in Vietnam, Linh was the beloved son of the late Nguyen (“Gwen”) Collins and his step-father, the late James (“Jim”) Alfred Collins.

Linh proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. Beginning his career in the enlisted ranks as a Non-Commissioned Officer, he served as an elite Special Forces Green Beret with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), deploying in support of the Global War on Terrorism, including combat service in Afghanistan and Iraq. He later earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2009 and served as a Military Intelligence Officer, completing his final duty assignment with HHC, 519th Military Intelligence Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade before retiring at the rank of Captain in 2015.

A highly decorated combat veteran, Captain Nguyen earned the coveted Special Forces Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Wings. His military career was defined by exceptional heroism, leadership, and unwavering dedication under fire, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device for Valor. His military decorations in order of precedence included the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (6th Award, w/ "V" Device), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award).

Linh was baptized in 2013 and was a regular worshiper at Fayetteville Church. Following his military service, he lived a quiet, humble life centered on faith, generosity, and quiet goodwill, consistently offering a helping hand to his family, friends, neighbors, and community. He carried forward the strength, courage, and selfless devotion of his family throughout every chapter of his life.

He was predeceased by his cherished daughter, Grace Lin Nguyen, who passed at birth on November 11, 2005; his mother, Nguyen “Gwen” Collins; his step-father, James “Jim” Alfred Collins; and his step-brother, Tony A. Collins.

He is survived by his loving siblings: his brother Phuong “Chim” T. Nguyen of Virginia Beach, his brother James “JC” A. Collins II of Virginia Beach, and his sister Minh T. Nguyen of Columbia, SC. He is also remembered by his step-siblings Cirillo “Leon” M. Collins of San Antonio, TX, Veronica “VC” R. Wilkins of Virginia Beach, and Dawn D. Gunn of Chesapeake; his step-children Valerie Basco, Yvonne Isidro, and Maria Haring; alongside extended relatives, brothers-in-arms, and friends.

A dedicated soldier, leader, and brother, Captain Nguyen’s extraordinary legacy of valor, duty, and quiet service will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and served alongside him.

A service to honor his life will be held on Wednesday, November 4th, at 1:00 p.m. at Fayetteville Church, located at 1700 Elliot Farm Road, Fayetteville, NC 28311.