Colvin graduated with honors from Chaminade High School in Mineola in June 2000, where he was the captain of the diving team and a member of the championship Varsity Crew team. He was the recipient of the NROTC scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Mathematics in May, 2004. On that same day, he was commissioned 2nd Lt. United States Marine Corps.
After completing Officer Candidate School, Colvin reported to Quantico, Virginia, to attend The Basic School (TBS). This is the USMC's six month long, required training program for all officers. Evaluation at TBS consists of three components: leadership, academics and military skills. Colvin ranked top in his class and was awarded the most coveted of all specialties - Infantry Officer. Colvin attended Infantry Officer School (IOS) at Quantico. IOC's mission is to train the best small-unit infantry leaders in just ten weeks. Colvin is assigned to Twenty-Nine Palms, California for the next three years as a Rifle Platoon Commander.
"This past year has been a wild ride,to say the least" said Colvin. "It has been difficult being away from everyone, but I wouldn't change it for a million dollars."
Colvin said that being an Infantry Platoon Commander is challenging, yet extremely rewarding, and that he can't picture himself being anywhere else.
Before he left, Colvin said, "this will be a difficult deployment, but it is essential. The reality of it is, there is a price to pay for the freedom, which we enjoy."
His brothers, Sean and Kevin hosted a going-away party, where over 100 family members and friends gathered to wish Colvin well.
Colvin's mother Frances said that friends on their block, Alden Court, will host a "Support Our Troops" drive during the holiday season. They plan to send gifts to all 48 Marines in Colvin's platoon. Anyone interested in participating, may contact Elizabeth Salogub at liz.salogub@gmail.com
