Heroes Spotlight: 1stSgt, United States Marine Corps Retired, Khanh Nguyen

Written By Liz Hensel - Content Coordinator

Meet 1stSgt, United States Marine Corps Retired, Khanh Nguyen

Khanh was born and raised in the “Air Capital of the World,” Wichita, Kansas, and is the youngest of 10 children. His father was a former South Vietnamese Air Force Imaging Analyst and came to America in 1975 after the war. His mom and the rest of the family fled communist-controlled Vietnam in 1982 and made it to America in September 1983. In the 80s and early 90s, his family became the main points of contact and sponsors, of other Vietnamese refugees who would make Kansas their new home. He grew up watching his family doing goodwill for their community, hosting gatherings at their house for socials or evening rosaries, and handing out toys to

children during the holidays. He can confidently state that his family played a big

part in developing the Vietnamese community in the Wichita area when he was growing up.

His love of soccer ended up with an athletic scholarship to college before enlisting in the Marine Corps. 

He is married to the fabulous Mrs. Louie Anne Batac-Nguyen, of Capital Sake LLC, and they have two wonderful daughters. 

The one thing about Khanh is that he will often give unsolicited advice/recommendations, and life lessons, to help people with their current circumstances. When he gives a speech, he commands the room. A trait he picked up while serving as a Drill Instructor on Marine Corps Depot San Diego. 

How does your family feel about serving?

“They are proud. I love that my daughters mimic me whenever

they see me in uniform doing my thing and how my wife supports me in what I am doing.”

What is your favorite part of your neighborhood?

“We have some very enthusiastic people who love to make a difference in our

neighborhood and our community, from hosting field meets, volunteer basketball coaching, decorating

their houses for the holidays for everyone to enjoy, or just lending a helping hand, our neighborhood isn’t perfect, but it’s ours. Our home is here, and we just love it. Hi neighbors!”

After 20 years in the Marine Corps, he will continue to serve by focusing on community engagement while balancing family life.

Thank you for your service 1stSgt Nguyen, Ret. 

We would love to feature our neighborhood heroes. If you know a service member, veteran, nurse, teacher, or first responder please email lizhensel@bestversionmedia.com 

Liz Hensel - Content Coordinator

Liz has been living in the Stafford area for the last two years. However, her ties are rooted to Virginia, as Virginia was her first duty station while she was on active duty with the Marine Corps. Her husband is still on active duty, and they hope to make Stafford their forever home with their two daughters and two rescue dogs.

While serving in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps reserves has allowed Liz to see all parts of the country and the world, there is truly no place like home. Working on this magazine gives Liz the opportunity to meet her neighbors and the local businesses and more importantly, she gets to showcase them to others.

Liz is also the founder of a nonprofit called Leave No Paws Behind USA. She led the campaign to have legislative change to include pet transportation fees included in military moves. With her leadership, the bill was passed in the FY23 National Defense Appropriation Act.

Liz is excited to continue to write the stories of the FXBG Neighbors

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