O’FALLON, Mo. – Plans are being made to bring home a young marine lost in a training accident. Marine Sgt. Colin Arslanbas was killed in a training accident near Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on April 18.
The training accident is under investigation, according to the Marines.
Mark Schmitz, whose son, Jared, was killed in service overseas, is perhaps one of the few who can understand the pain and grief the Arslanbas family is going through.
“I know that, as a Gold Star family, you’re new to that club you never want to be a part of,” he said. “But seeing the support you get from the community just made it—you don’t want to use the word ‘easy,’ but easier to accept.”
Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz was one of 13 United States service members killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul Airport in August 2021.
Schmitz started the Freedom 13 nonprofit to honor his son and help other Gold Star families.
In a statement, Arslanbas’ family said they are devastated by Colin’s death and described him as someone who lived life to the fullest.
The Fort Zumwalt School District said Sgt. Arslanbas, a 2019 graduate of Fort Zumwalt West High School, will be remembered as a student with an infectious smile and a passion for serving those around him.
Schmitz said his experience, where the community came out to show their support along the funeral route almost three years ago, still resonates with him today.
“When your son or daughter is ripped away like that, it’s not something you’re ever prepared for,” Schmitz said. “I was offered some advice when this all happened to our family, and that is, your life doesn’t get easier; it just gets different. And I didn’t understand at the time, but that quote holds true.”
