By Ashli Urano
Colin Creech’s commitment to a life of service has been a constant, guiding force in his remarkable story. Raised in Frisco, Colin’s profound sense of patriotism arrived unexpectedly during his childhood. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, ultimately set him on a path to becoming a United States Marine. His journey encompassed rigorous training, combat experiences, near-death incidents, and substantial personal growth.
He explained, “One thing that inspired me in a huge way was September 11. I was only 11 years old when it happened. It changed the way I felt about a lot of things. The decision to join the Marines was a combination of the impact the terrorist attacks had on me and also knowing I needed to do something bigger than myself.”
Even though he was a dedicated high school tennis player, Colin knew he was making the best decision for his future. “I left tennis at the beginning of my senior year when I enlisted in the Marine Corps,” he said. “Even though I knew I could go to college, I realized I wasn’t a very disciplined person at the time. I wanted to make a substantial impact doing something difficult. It was clear to me that becoming a Marine was going to be an incredible challenge.”
After graduating from Wakeland High School in 2008, Colin arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, where he began around 90 days of boot camp. “I was afraid of everything, especially contact and discipline, which is one of the reasons I joined the Marines. There was a lot of growth that took place in that time period. It was beyond physically and mentally hard,” he said. “When I became a Marine, it was an unbelievable feeling. After boot camp, I felt I had done something extraordinary with my life.”
When Colin enlisted, he opted for an open contract, which offered him the opportunity to explore any role within the Infantry. He soon became a rifleman after completing the Infantry Training Battalion at the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California. It was during his time there that he decided to embrace a new challenge and volunteered for Reconnaissance training, which is the Marine Corps’ elite special operations unit.
Colin’s decision to volunteer for Reconnaissance training was rooted in determination. “I quit so many things growing up. As I reflected, I knew this was my opportunity to not quit on myself, “ he said. “It was also very important to me to not call my parents saying I had quit.” After
an intense two-month Infantry course, Colin progressed to a three-month course that centered on physical incentive training.
Colin continued to receive specialized training before and after becoming a Reconnaissance Marine. While being stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he was sent to Panama City, Florida, to attend Combat Divers School. “This was the hardest school I experienced the entire time I was in the Marine Corps,” he explained. “We had to complete a two-week pre-dive with about 35 other Recon Marines. At the end of two weeks, there were only five of us left.”
To prepare for his first deployment in 2011, Colin spent countless hours on a shooting range. The training is called Visit Board Search Seizure (VBSS) and is a part of the Special Operations Training Group. Intense shooting practice was followed by close-quarters combat training that involved house-to-house engagements. His unit then transitioned to boat-based training, which focused on seizing ships. It was during this training that Colin almost lost his life.
“There are a few ways to take down a ship. One way is to pull up beside a moving ship using a fast rubber boat and then attach a ladder to the side. During training, I was crushed between the mast of our rubber boat and the battleship while I was climbing the small ladder,” he explained. “I would have died if I let go of the ladder. It definitely had an impact on my life after realizing I wasn’t an invincible 21-year-old.”
Colin’s first deployment occurred three months earlier than planned because of international concerns over the events in Benghazi. His unit’s deployment, which lasted nearly a year, was on a U.S. Navy ship off the Horn of Africa near Somalia.
After returning from deployment in March 2012, Colin made the transition from active duty to the Marine Corps Reserves. He went from 2nd Recon to 3rd Force Recon in Mobile, Alabama. Recognizing the value of his education, he enrolled in Penn State University’s online program to pursue a degree in politics and international relations. During this time, the reserve unit had deployment opportunities as well.
“While taking classes, I did two more deployments back-to-back in Latin America. It was a counter-narcotics deployment that lasted from 2013 – 2015,” he explained. “I would wake up at 4 a.m. and do school until around 5:30 a.m., work all day, then do a little more schoolwork at night. Getting my degree really paid off. I didn’t want to postpone it any longer.”
After returning from his third deployment in 2015, Colin’s life would forever be changed. Having worked through his fear of heights after attending Army Jump School years earlier, Colin decided to pursue his dream of becoming a professional BASE jumper. Sadly, he suffered a catastrophic setback when a parachute error in Italy resulted in a life-threatening accident.
“I ended up spending the next six months at my parent’s house in Frisco with a shattered foot and broken femur. After having three different surgeries, I really had to start thinking about my life,” he said. “The mental health issues I had been dealing with at that point were anxiety and panic attacks. At first, I thought it was a heart problem. I was going through a lot during that time frame.”
As Colin completed his degree, he began contemplating his future career. In 2017, he applied for a position in Johnson & Johnson’s Military Veteran Leadership Development program. Armed with a degree, three deployments in the Marine Corps, and several years of active duty, his career in corporate America began.
As Colin transitioned into a corporate role, his deep ties to the military and the Marine Corps continued to be a crucial part of his identity. This presented challenges associated with his sense of self and letting go of his military service. He candidly shared, “I realized there was so much going on with my identity related to the Marine Corps. I was having a hard time getting out of the reserves and completely letting go of it.”
In 2020, Colin embarked on his last deployment to Latin America, focused on countering drug-related activities. This deployment became a turning point in his life, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period of remote work, he had the opportunity for self-reflection, which allowed him to confront the mental health issues he had not yet faced head-on.
Colin came to realize the gravity of his experiences and how close he had come to a point where he might not be here today, a feeling many veterans can relate to. He attributed his journey of healing and self-discovery to Dr. Brittany Lashua from Mind & Heart Counseling in Frisco. Through counseling, he explored deep questions about his motivations and purpose, especially after leaving the military.
It was during this healing period that Colin’s mission became clear. He soon began raising funds for the non-profit organization Folds of Honor Foundation. This well-respected foundation provides scholarships to the children of fallen military and first responders.
“I’m teaming up with Legacy Expeditions to set a new world wingsuit record for the longest flight. I’ll attempt to break this record on Memorial Day in 2024,” he said. “Our main goal is to raise one million dollars. The attempt will happen in Tennessee, with jumps scheduled from altitudes between 36,000 and 43,000 feet. This mission is a meaningful one for Folds of Honor Foundation, and I’m fully dedicated to its success.”
Colin, along with Legacy Expeditions, will also take part in Drake’s Fury Expedition. This daring journey involves a six-person team of military special operations veterans who have trained for months. The team will row from the Antarctic Peninsula to Chile across the Drake Passage, which is a 600-mile stretch of dangerous water. Their goal is to inspire service and adventure while raising scholarship funds for children. The expedition includes a Gulf of Mexico Row in December 2023, a Bering Strait Row in the summer of 2024 and concludes with the Drake Passage crossing in December 2024. Legacy Expeditions aims to raise seven million dollars within the next five years.
Colin recently became closely associated with the ATTA brand, a lifestyle apparel brand rooted in the principles of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. For Colin, ATTA represents more than a brand. It serves as a platform to champion causes related to veterans and mental health, aligning with his own journey of healing and personal growth. ATTA embodies a community of everyday warriors dedicated to holistic well-being and the pursuit of a healthier life. LiveATTA.com offers an inspirational blog as well as a shop with apparel and accessories.
Throughout his extraordinary journey, Colin emphasized the crucial role mentorship has played in his personal and professional development. Caesar, a mentor and friend he met during his time in the Marine Corps, offered support and invaluable wisdom when Colin needed it most. The bond they formed evolved into an enduring friendship that remains strong today.
Colin Creech’s journey embodies the power of resilience, unwavering dedication, and an enduring commitment to service. His success offers inspiration to those who face challenges, both within and beyond the military. His accomplishments serve as a reminder that with purpose and relentless determination, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and continue to make the world a better place.
