Colin Ismail Arslanbas

Colin Ismail Arslanbas was born May 19th, 2001 in Ormond Beach Florida to Evren and Nicole Arslanbas.  He grew up in O'Fallon, Missouri where he met his future wife, Gracen, in 4th grade. They were each other's elementary school sweethearts. While they went their separate ways in High School, they remained close friends. Gracen went to college at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and Colin enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and reported to MCRD San Diego.

After completion of Basic Training, Colin went on to the Infantry Training Battalion at the School of Infantry West. Upon the completion of entry level training, Colin (PFC Arslanbas) reported to the Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC) where he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and earned the Reconnaissance Marine Military Occupational Code, 0321.

After completing BRC, Colin (Lance Corporal Arslanbas) continued on to his insert schools pipeline to include Army Airborne School, Military Free-fall School, and SERE School. Following the insert schools pipeline Colin (Lance Corporal Arslanbas) was assigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Alpha Company, in North Carolina where he was promoted to the rank of Corporal on May 1, 2022.

Meanwhile, Gracen had transferred from Ole Miss to Lindenwood University where she graduated, also in May 2022, with her B.S. in Exercise Science. Just as she was about to start another educational pursuit, she and Colin reconnected when he asked her to attend the Marine Corps Ball (scheduled for November). Gracen thought this was a bit presumptuous as it was a long ways away. Colin, being Colin, suggested a visit to North Carolina for a weekend at the beach. From that point on, they were inseparable. Shortly thereafter Gracen moved to North Carolina and together with their families, they wed in a private beach ceremony on February 18, 2023. They lived happily together in Surf City, North Carolina for over a year. In March 2024, they shared the joyful news they were expecting their first child, due in November.

During the Alpha Company Marine Expeditionary Unit work up, Colin was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on April 1, 2024. Tragically, several weeks later, Colin (Sergeant Arslanbas) lost his life in a training accident on April 18, 2024.

Colin was known for his warm smile and infectious sense of humor. He lived life to the fullest, always ready to embrace new adventures and faced life head-on. With his boisterous laughter and inability to whisper, Colin brought joy to everyone around him, even in the most challenging moments. His knack for finding humor could be counted on to lighten the mood and generate encouragement. Recently, Colin picked up the game of golf and like many of us, was quickly hooked. Colin is deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.