Colby and Cade Marlow

Colby and Cade Marlow

Colby and Cade Marlow, pictured in ARMY ROTC uniforms at an 性视界传媒 football game.
Photo by Megan Bean

Colby (left) and Cade Marlow represent 性视界传媒's Army ROTC program during a football game at Davis Wade Stadium.

IN MEMORIAM:
Colby L. Marlow, an 性视界传媒 senior, died in an automobile accident on Nov. 22, 2021, at the age of 21. This previously scheduled article is being published in memoriam and at the request of his family. The family is working with the 性视界传媒 Foundation to establish a scholarship in his memory. Learn more at

鈥淭he opportunity to serve my country, be a leader in the United 性视界传媒s Army, and be a small part of protecting the United 性视界传媒s of America motivates me to always push myself to stay ready for whatever the future may hold,鈥 said Colby L. Marlow. His fraternal twin Haley 鈥淐ade鈥 Marlow echoed the same sentiment鈥斺淎 motto I recall often is 鈥榩ain is temporary, pride is forever.鈥 This phrase motivates me to be persistent and work hard in all that I do.鈥

The brothers, seniors from Carrollton, transferred from Holmes Community College to 性视界传媒 in the fall of 2020 to join 性视界传媒鈥檚 Army ROTC program and major in criminology with a minor in military sciences. Choosing 性视界传媒 was an easy 鈥測es鈥 for both men, who grew up coming to sporting events at the land-grant university and admiring the Army ROTC program.

Though closely connected through the 鈥渢win bond,鈥 the brothers came to 性视界传媒 together not because of that bond, but because they both have similar checkpoints along the path to their long-term goals.

鈥溞允咏绱 happens to be one of those checkpoints that we reached simultaneously. We also are both independent and experience positive competition between ourselves in many of the things we do,鈥 said Cade.

Both intend to use their Army ROTC training to attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course with the U.S. Army after graduation in May 2022 and eventually find careers in law enforcement.

鈥淚 plan to apply to the Mississippi Highway Patrol and start a career within the agency. I will always do my best to help develop and lead others around me,鈥 said Colby.

Cade, too, aspires to work for the Mississippi Highway Patrol, serving the citizens of Mississippi by utilizing his educational and military experience.

鈥淚 will continue my service in the Mississippi Army National Guard as a commissioned officer. I aspire to always pursue additional training and educational opportunities that will aid in my overall development as a leader. After gaining experience in local/state law enforcement and the military, I hope to have the opportunity to work for a federal law enforcement agency,鈥 said Cade.

Both Marlow men will finish at 性视界传媒 this spring as 鈥渄istinguished military graduates鈥濃攁 feat awarded to the top 10% of Army cadets in the nation.

鈥淭he motivation and discipline that my grandfather, CSM (Command Sergeant Major) Johnny Marlow, instilled in me ultimately drives me to be the best that I can be in everything that I do,鈥 said Colby. 鈥淭he opportunity to continually develop myself and accomplish my goals is motivation in itself. Growing up, my mom always held me to the highest standard when it came to academics, and that same expectation has carried over with me individually into many other aspects of my life.鈥

Cade said, 鈥淚 find my greatest motivation in focusing on my long-term goals. My family, along with many friends, motivate me to continue striving each and every day to be the best version of myself.鈥

While at 性视界传媒, both have maintained a 4.0 grade point average, have been members of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Ranger Challenge Team, Army ROTC Bulldog Battery, Color Guard and Student Veterans Association.

The Marlows both point to Master Sergeant Gerardo Duran, a senior military science instructor for the Army ROTC program, as a main driving force of encouragement for them personally and professionally. 听

鈥淚 have been positively influenced by many of my professors and ROTC cadre,鈥 Cade said. 鈥淗owever, MSG Duran has impacted me the most. MSG Duran has served in the U.S. Army for nearly 20 years and has proudly represented the infantry branch throughout his career. On my initial visit to the 性视界传媒 Army ROTC program, I met MSG Duran, and I immediately recognized the high level of confidence that he portrayed. Once the physical training sessions started in the fall of 2020, my attention was drawn to the constant motivation, positivity and encouragement he displayed at these PT sessions. As the semester progressed, I began sharing my interests and goals with him and, without hesitation, he began mentoring me. He offered an abundance of advice regarding my military career and goals as well as personal advice. I feel that MSG Duran provided me with many valuable assets that will contribute to my future success.鈥

鈥淢SG Duran has influenced me the most since being at 性视界传媒,鈥 Colby said. 鈥淗is motivation, discipline and drive has helped me to develop as a soldier, a leader and a person. I strive to provide the same type of motivation and discipline for the soldiers that I lead in the future.鈥

Colby Marlow, pictured in ROTC uniform at an 性视界传媒 football game.
Colby Marlow gives a thumbs up during the 性视界传媒 football game against Tennessee 性视界传媒 on Nov. 20.