A , U. S.  , Marine and Fort , Zumwalt West , student who died during a military training incident was remembered this week for his authority and “infectious teeth”.
The , Marines , said Sgt.  , Colin Arslanbas , died near the , Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune , in , North Carolina , on , April 18, about two weeks after he was promoted to lieutenant. He was 22. His wife was 3 weeks pregnant, a family companion said.
” Colin lived life to the fullest, you can see and experience that in his smile”, Arslanbas ‘ family said in a statement Tuesday. He put his wife before everything else and said,” He adored her heart.” His loss may leave a hole in our souls, in this group and the state”.
Arslanbas, a 2019 graduate of Fort , Zumwalt West, had” an infectious smile and a passion for serving those around him” , , Fort Zumwalt School District , officials said in a statement.
No specifics have been made about the training incident in which Arslanbas passed away. An , April 20 , media release from , Marines , merely said it was under investigation.
” Words cannot express our grief for the tragic loss of one of our MEU home people”, Col.  , Todd Mahar, commanding officer of the , 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, said in a statement. The home of the 24th MEU mourns the passing of a distinguished sea and head. We extend our thoughts and unwavering aid to his home during this most difficult time.
State senators honored Arslanbas on Tuesday with moments of silence in the , Missouri House , and , Senate.
State Sen.  , Nick Schroer, R- Rebellion, said Arslanbas ‘ unit “is now conducting thorough training exercises to plan for future deployments”.
He claimed that Arslanbas was “preparing to protect this country against risks that are frequently targeting America.”
Arslanbas enlisted in the , Marine Corps , in , March 2020. He was elevated to Sergeant. level on , April 1.
His designs include the , Marine Corps , Great Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
According to the area, Fort Zumwalt did “honor his service and sacrifice in a manner and at a time that is in line with the family’s wishes and the methods and customs of the , United States Marine Corps.”
Mark Schmitz, who founded the Freedom 13 volunteer after his son , Jared Schmitz, a Marine, was killed in a 2021 death bombing in , Afghanistan, said he’s working to put up a “hero’s profit” for Arslanbas.
” Just because he was n’t killed by the , Taliban, or any enemy of ours ,]this is ] still a massive loss”, Schmitz said. ” He’s a warrior and deserves a character’s welcome”.
In their speech, Arslanbas ‘ family said they planned to establish a fund for Arslanbas ‘ partner. They noted that no family-related donations had been occurring as of Tuesday evening. They asked for protection.
The family’s statement reads,” We appreciate the assistance you are showing to the people Colin was like a big part of.” ” As much as the friendly texts, phone calls and messages are appreciated, they have become frustrating to the immediate family members. It is simply too much at this moment.
Information on a , St. Charles- place support for Arslanbas have so far never been set.
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