Randy Erwin was born Columbus, Ohio.  He joined the Marines in September, 1967 at age 19; served in Vietnam, and was awarded the Silver Star.   

Randy never spoke much of his service, just saying he “did his job”.  Later in life, when asked about his Silver Star medal, he felt that ultimately, he would be held accountable for his actions.  Even though he was protecting his fellow soldiers, he was not sure that his actions were something to be proud of.

Randy found out a few years before he passed that he had a Vietnamese daughter that he left behind.  They were united just a couple of years ago and became extremely close with his daughter traveling from Buffalo, NY to visit him often.  His daughter, Lien, took Randy back to Vietnam where she grew up.  They visited her mother’s grave near Da Nang.  Randy said that trip helped bring some peace to his life and made him feel like something good came out of the difficulty he experienced during the war and after.  The experience helped make Randy’s last years among the happiest in his life.  He is the father of three other daughters as well.  He passed away in August, 2021.

He loved motorcycles.  Randy was very involved in his local AMVETS post in Lakeview, Ohio, serving in several positions, including commander.  He was a life member of the VFW post and American Legion Post in Bellefontaine.