Shane Nguyen

United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant Shane Nguyen (Ret.) passed away on October 10, 2025, after a courageous battle with service-connected melanoma.  

Nguyen was born on September 19, 1972, in Vietnam and was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. A resident of Annapolis, Maryland, Nguyen was driven to serve a greater purpose. He enlisted in the Marine Corps while in high school and left for boot camp immediately upon graduating. Nguyen served with dedication on active duty as well as in the reserves before retiring in 2020. Over the course of nearly 29 years in the Marine Corps, he completed several combat deployments and earned numerous awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2nd Award), Presidential Unit Citation (2nd Award), Navy Unit Commendation (2nd Award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (2nd Award), and the NATO Medal – International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan. 

A dedicated mentor and teacher, Nguyen was deeply respected for his unwavering commitment to developing the young Marines under his leadership. Following his passing, several of those Marines shared with his wife, Anneli, that he had been a steadfast, highly competent Marine who remained calm under fire. They admired him as a leader, credited him with preparing them well, and knew they could always rely on him to look out for their well-being. In addition to his military service, Nguyen faithfully served as an instructor for the U.S. Secret Service until his passing. 

Nguyen met his wife, Anneli, by chance in 1995 after being introduced by mutual friends. At the time, he was stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, while Anneli was in the United States for a year working as an au pair. Nguyen was charming, exceptionally intelligent, and had a wonderfully quirky sense of humor, qualities that quickly drew them together. 

Together, Nguyen and Anneli welcomed two beautiful children, of whom he was immensely proud. Among Anneli’s most cherished memories are the family traditions they shared, especially decorating the Christmas tree together each year, a tradition that brought them great joy. Dinner was another treasured time, filled with meaningful conversations around the table. She also fondly remembers the countless hours they spent at the ice rink, cheering on their daughter as she figure skated and their son as he played ice hockey.  

Leaving behind a legacy of duty and integrity, Nguyen believed in doing the right thing, even when no one was watching. He lived by that principle every day. In 2017, Nguyen was diagnosed with service-connected melanoma. He faced the disease with unwavering courage and fought it with remarkable strength and determination, never giving up. Through his strength and perseverance, he taught his children to stand up for what is right, face life’s challenges with courage, and to never give up.  

A man of many talents, but above all, Nguyen’s greatest loves were his family and his country. In his memory, his family plans to become involved with a melanoma cancer foundation and hopes to participate in races together in his honor. Through this commitment, they will continue to celebrate his life, honor his legacy, and carry forward the strength, courage, and perseverance that defined him. 

United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant Shane Nguyen (Ret.) is survived by his devoted wife, Anneli, and their beloved children, as well his sister and brother-in-law, nieces and nephews. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Nguyen family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.