'It's about his legacy' | Parents of slain Army Lieutenant continue advancing conversation about racism in America by honoring son's legacy

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A Prince George’s County family dealing with an unthinkable tragedy is now on a mission to advance their son’s legacy and to make a change to a military policy they say is unfair. 

It’s been seven years since 2nd Lieutenant Richard Collins III was murdered on the University of Maryland’s campus in what authorities say was a hate crime, and a totally unprovoked attack. He had just been commissioned into the United States Army and was a student of Bowie State University. 

"After he commissioned he said, 'Mom, the world is going to know my name,'" said Dawn Collins. 

Dawn and Richard Collins II had no idea it would take losing their son for others to know who he was and the values he stood for.   

"Richie was full of life...when Richard was murdered, my husband and I knew that this could not be the end of the story... another man on the street dead for no reason because of what he looked like," added Dawn. 

Seven years after his murder at the University of Maryland’s campus, the Collins say starting this fall the university will offer a course in his name dedicated to teaching students about hate crimes and racism in America. 

"When you hear that a course is going to be offered to students who may not even know who Lt. Collins is or was and the impact of that, it’s amazing," Dawn said. 

Through the 2nd Lieutenant  Richard Collins III Foundation, over 280 students have become commissioned officers, and over 900 students have been able to use the fund to attend Morgan State, Bowie State, and Coppin State Universities — advancing legacy of their son, and at the same time, helping others fulfill their dreams in serving the nation. 

"All of this is bittersweet because it should have been Richard continuing on with his life but because we’ve been able to do these things in his name, the legacy continues," Dawn said. 

One battle yet to be won is getting their son buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. 

"Due to the technicalities of our son not officially having executed the orders that he had, the Army’s decision or position was that he wasn’t officially in the military," said Richard Collins II. 

"Our son was a commissioned officer, he was an officer of the United States Army he had nothing to do with the fact he didn’t show up he was murdered, he was murdered by someone who didn’t think he should exist," Dawn said. 

"We went through a very extended process with our state representatives to finally get him recognized as being in the military however we never secured the benefits and honors normally accompanying a service member who passes while on active duty to include burial," said Richard Collins II.  

The Secretary of the Army denied the couple’s special request. When WUSA9 reached out, an army spokesperson said they had no update since their last statement they provided in 2022 which reads: 

"Arlington National Cemetery offers its heartfelt condolences to the Collins family. Their request for an exception to the burial policy at Arlington National Cemetery underwent a thorough review. While 1st Lt. Collins' death was tragic and his commitment to serve in the Army extremely admirable, the Secretary of the Army made the decision to deny the request. Exceptions to policy are rarely approved. Unfortunately, burial space at Arlington National Cemetery is extremely limited and service members with no active-duty military service other than training do not qualify."

"This policy let’s just say is not necessarily a good policy and we think it should be changed," said Collins' father. "It’s going to take Congressional approval and that’s always a challenge no matter what you’re doing  when you’re getting the Congressional or the legislature involved it can be daunting to say the least," he added. 

"We just continue to fight on. I’m ready to even speak to the President of the United States," said Dawn.

A tragedy, has now turned into a life of advocacy for the Collins. 

"I did not see myself as an advocate but what I did see myself as a mom with a broken heart...there’s nothing that I would not do for my children, " said Dawn Collins while fighting back tears. 

"Lt. Collins was ready to lay his life down for this country...a thing that most individuals do not do and he was going to do that and we’re going to be stuck about a policy…that’s insulting," added Dawn. 

The Collins have also worked with the families of victims of hate crimes across the country. 

 "We met individuals from Pittsburg, Buffalo, Uvalde and my very good friend Susan Bro who’s daughter Heather [Heyer]  was murdered in Charlottesville so we’re part of a club that no one wants to be a part of," said Dawn. 

In August, Bowie State University will unveil a new mural honoring 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III.