1st Lt. Ashley White was killed during combat operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on October 22, 2011 when the assault force she was supporting triggered an improvised explosive device. Ashley was assigned to the 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina National Guard, Goldsboro, NC and served as a member of a Cultural Support Team attached to a Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan. As a Cultural Support Team Member on her first deployment to Afghanistan, White selflessly served. Ashley’s actions exemplify the highest commitment to duty, honor, and country. In every instance she served with distinction in support of the Task Force and our great nation.

Ashley was born on September 3, 1987 to parents Robert and Deborah White. Ashley is survived by Robert, Deborah, her twin sister Brittany, brother Josh, and husband Cpt. Jason Stumpf. Ashley was a graduate of Marlington High School (2005) and Kent State University (2009). Ashley is remembered not simply as an exemplary solider but as the best daughter, sister, wife and friend anyone could hope to have.

Ashley was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer after her graduation from Kent State University. She completed the Medical Services Officer Basic Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, GA. Ashley was assigned to Co. C, 230th Bde. Support Bn., NC National Guard where she served as an Evacuation Platoon Leader. Her awards and decorations include the Parachutists Badge, the Ohio Faithful Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Reserve Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Ashley was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Ashley inspired all those around her and it is the hope of her family and friends that her life will continue to inspire. The Ashley White Memorial Scholarship was created to benefit one female graduate of Marlington High School each year. The scholarship provides financial assistant to one student each year who shares Ashley’s strong work ethic and passion for physical fitness. If you are interested in contributing to the Ashley White-Stumpf Memorial scholarship click here.

A number of events have been held and a number of memorials are planned to honor Ashley. For more information see the tabs above and continue to check back on this site.