Briefing Document: Tevan Lee Nguyen

Subject: Life and Military Service of Corporal Tevan L. Nguyen, USMC

Date: October 26, 2023

1. Overview

This document summarizes the life and military service of Corporal Tevan Lee Nguyen, a U.S. Marine who was killed in action in Afghanistan. The information is primarily derived from the provided text, likely an obituary or biographical piece.

2. Key Biographical Details

Birth and Family: Tevan Lee Nguyen was born on June 20, 1989, in Travis County, Texas, to Esmeralda Amy Salazar and Tam Van Nguyen.

Early Life and Education: He was an athlete in high school, participating in track and football at Hutto High School in Williamson County, Texas. His football team reached the state championship in 2005. "His room at his parents' house is filled with sports medals." He graduated from Hutto High School in 2007.

Family: He had a girlfriend, Monique Stearns (also a Hutto High School student), with whom he had an infant son, Tevan Lee Nguyen Jr. According to Stearns, "You could never be mad at him. He always made you smile."

Military Enlistment: At the age of 16 he signed up for the Marine Corps and officially enlisted on June 11, 2007, shortly after graduating high school.

Military Training and Service: He completed boot camp in San Diego, California, and trained as a combat rifleman, qualifying as a Rifle Expert. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, California.

Combat Deployment: Afghanistan was his first combat deployment.

3. Military Service and Death

Unit: Corporal Nguyen served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Operation Enduring Freedom: He was killed in action on December 28, 2010, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Repatriation: His body was recovered and returned to the United States, specifically to Brownwood, Brown County, Texas, where his grandfather, Salazar, resided.

4. Funeral Arrangements

Services: Funeral services with full military honors were scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2011 (year correction based on the date of death), at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Father Serafin Avenido officiated.

Interment: He was interred in Indian Creek Cemetery, where his grandmother, Salazar, is buried.

Rosary: A Rosary was held at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening prior to the funeral.

Funeral Home: Arrangements were made through Davis Morris Funeral Home.

5. Key Themes and Observations

Early Patriotism/Sense of Duty: Nguyen’s signing up for the Marines at age 16 suggests a strong sense of duty and willingness to serve his country.

Athletic Background: His athletic achievements in high school highlight a commitment to physical fitness and teamwork, qualities that likely served him well in the military.

Beloved Individual: The quote from his girlfriend, "You could never be mad at him. He always made you smile," indicates that he was a well-liked and positive person.

Ultimate Sacrifice: His death while serving in Afghanistan represents the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

Family Support: The repatriation of his body to Brownwood, Texas, where his grandfather resided, and his burial near his grandmother show the importance of family ties and honoring those who have passed. The level of detail in this notice suggests a close-knit and supportive family that was highly impacted by his loss.

Impact: The information provided showcases the life of a young man who served with the military in combat in Afghanistan and sacrificed his life for the country.

6. Conclusion

This briefing outlines the life and military service of Corporal Tevan Lee Nguyen, a young man who served his country and made the ultimate sacrifice. His story is one of patriotism, athleticism, and a positive spirit that touched the lives of those around him. The information provided is based on the given text and further investigation might reveal even more details regarding his life and service.