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.
Ashley on her wedding day sharing a laugh with her sister Brittany.
1st. Lt. Ashley I. White 
Liam Da Coasta Athias Babington
/ July 2, 2015A US Veteran half way around the world here in Norway!! I got a memorial bracelet with her name on it!! Wear it with pride!!
Michelle
/ July 8, 2015I just finished the book, “Ashley’s War” and cried. I am honored to have such an amazing woman represent all of us in combat. She is an inspiration to us all that have and continue to serve.
jeff
/ March 21, 2019Great book, but very sad
albert mcginnis
/ July 13, 2015IAM A FORMER MARINE IT TAKES ALOT FOR ME TO BREAKDOWN AND CRY,I JUST GOT DONE READING ASHLEY’S WAR AND I BROKE DOWN.SHE WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN AND SOLDIER.
Major Miller, Retired, AZANG
/ July 31, 2015I have also just completed the book “Ashley’s War” which was exceptionally moving to me. For all of the CST members who worked with her, I felt their pain with her death. For Gayle Lemmon, the entire White family and most importantly, Capt. Jason Stumpf, thank you for sharing her with us. Her service to our country is the highest honor she could give and good Americans will respect and honor her, forever.
Monica Roth
/ August 24, 2015As I read Ashley’s War and have gotten to the part she passes, I’ve been crying like a baby. I admire all these women and their courage. Rest in Peace ma’am, you are an inspiration even after you passed away.
LTC (R) Travis Burchett
/ August 25, 2015I teach Army JROTC. Today, I showed Gayle Tzemach Lemmon’s video that tells 1LT White’s story. My kids loved it.
1LT White was a Medical Service Corps officer, as was I. Rest easy.
Vikki Goodwin
/ September 14, 2015Just finished reading Ashley’s War. I wept in gratitude and grief at Ashley’s death. She and her sister soldiers are great patriots and heroines. I was challenged and inspired and proud of my country when I finished the book. Their story continues in those they have inspired. God bless every one of them and their families.
Brett Conley
/ November 11, 2015Today, I completed the crossfit Hero wod “White” in Ashley’s honor. My crossfit box, Crossfit Vicarious in Milford, DE, selected her Hero wod for today, in honor of her ultimate sacrifice and to remember our Veterans everywhere. It was the least we could do to show our thanks for our freedom. RIP Ashley.
Mother
/ November 14, 2015Thank You
nyarko enock
/ March 7, 2016May her soul rest in peace.
Marilyn
/ May 3, 2016Bought the book Ashley’s War over a year ago after hearing her story on the Today Show. I finally read the book today in one setting. Awesome! Brave! Brought tears to my eyes. I now have a new HERO!
I will never forget her story.
Deagan Foster
/ May 20, 2016I had to right a report on Heros and I picked Askley because anyone who will risk there life to make ours better is a hero thank you
Michael
/ June 22, 2016After finishing reading the book Ashley’s War today, I felt that I forever lost a few friends. As a Retired Army SNCO, with two tours with the Ranger Regiment, the books telling of the military personnel initially left me exhilarated, and when 1LT White and the Rangers she was there to assist and protect passed on, I emotionally crashed and burned.
This book is another masterpiece in regards to Quiet Professionalism and Selfless Service.
Kris Pisarik
/ August 24, 2016A good friend of our family, Meghan Curran, of Chelmsford, Mass. served with and became good friends with Ashley. In fact, it was Meghan who was sent to replace her when tragedy struck. They are true American heroes. Through the book and Meghan’s accounts, which I shared in The Sun newspaper of Lowell, Mass., I feel I’ve gotten to know her a little. Wish I had for real. In Any case, wrote a song inspired by those accounts and the book. Feel free to email me if you’d like an MP3 to share on the site. Sincerely, Kris Pisarik
kenny
/ August 26, 2016She is a hero. Rest In Peace
Maggie
/ September 17, 2016I just finished Ashley’s War and cried for this amazing woman. I am in awe of her life and accomplishments. An unquestionable hero who gave her life for our country and for freedom. It is a debt we can never repay. Her death is a true loss for us all. My deepest and most sincere condolences to her family. I will pray for her and for all the men & women that serve our country. May you rest in peace 1st Lt. Ashley White Stumpf – a true trailblazer.
william miller
/ October 19, 2016I am William Dexter Miller, Jr. I recently finished reading Ashley’s War. I realized about one-third of the way that Ashley was going to go out in a blaze of glory, like so many of us aspire to do, and I did not like it. In Sp Forces Assess. Selection in 1990, about to turn 25, Sep 10, (1965: 4 Planets in Virgo, didn’t occur to me Ashley is a typical Virgo until I read on to the commemorations), I went on record as stating in a forum, that I do not like women in combat, just because I do not want them getting hurt. Upon review of the matter (reading G Lemmon’s book), I realize that Ashley went out of this incarnation the right way, at the right time, as much as it hurts to say so. These CST girls, like the 91-D Surg. Ops. girls for whom I was class leader in 1998, having soldiered through the grinding ordeal of 91-B together, are exceptional…Brandy, a soccer player, named after the song, bc her parents are Mormon hippies; Darcy, whom I pegged correctly from first sight to be a shortstop, both 19, pretty cool…
I favor a much more peaceful world, by way of a Gaian Confederacy (World Citizens For World Govt–Burlington Vt.), but there may be some more real world ops along the way. Either way, I like soldiering with hard core girls. They make me feel good and I am happy whenever I can say they are my friends.
I will have an ebook up soon, and I will post the title. It tells of my exploits, and of those of my father, five uncles, and others before me. My people have pounded some ground…Poland, Deuthscland, Algeria, ROK, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Costa Rica…
I have pounded some ground and I knew some girls along the way.
I wouldn’t have much of a story without them.
Bill Miller, Exercise Physiologist, Graduate of Salem State, Ma. ROTC/ABN
Fb William Miller Ojochal de Osa, Costa Rica;
vampirelegend1965@gmail
C.W
/ May 29, 2020The United States has been built on heros. Of course it hurts when women die but it hurts just as bad when guys die. Women have fought and died in the US since before there was a USA. We should celebrate them all and pray for them. Play Angel Flight on UTube-it is very sad but that is this country and God Bless to all of those who have defended it
Rileigh Wagner
/ December 4, 2016Just read Ashley’s War and I’m not going to lie I cried my eyes out. But it also made me think about my future and I’m hoping to use the book as a way to talk to my parents about enlisting in the US Army.
Alexandria Curran
/ August 17, 2017Ashley white stumpf is my hero and the reason why I’m planning on joining the army after I finish high school. And I’m planning on reading the book. She is an inspiring, brace women and soldier.
Noemi
/ October 23, 2020I wanna be a green beret I wanna show women can do things like men I wanna be an echo hopefully she’s motivated me by her story
HM2 Bruce Reynolds USCG
/ November 4, 2017I am a Vietnam vet and 75 years old and I hate war. We never learn from its lessons. I pray for your family every day
Tim and Cindi Olive
/ November 23, 2017We are Tim and Cindi and are currently Hero Dog Ashley’s puppy raisers. Ashley is a beautiful young golden retriever who has lots of spunk and character. She had her 3 month birthday earlier this month. She lives with her 3 year old brother Skye, who is a English creme golden retriever, who was born in Nottingham England. We are proud and privileged to have Ashley in our family as she works hard to become a service dog for a deserving US veteran. As a 48 year USAF vet (30 of those years serving on A/D as Chief Master Sgt (E-9), I understand the sacrifices military men and women have to make serving our great country. As serving military members, “Some gave some and some gave all”. I’m proud that in a very small way that having Hero Dog Ashley gives us a connection of sorts with Lt Stumpf, a real American Hero.
Ashlee Trimmer
/ November 24, 2017When I bought the book “Ashley War”. I didnt know what to expect. I felt pride when Ashley and her team mates succeeded and absolute devastation when Ashley passed, as if it were a direct loss to me. I cried for a long time, my tears dampening the pages that were telling me she didnt make it. She was truly a magnificent person, as are all CST personnel. After reading this book, I want to do Ashley proud and strive to be the best me and always question “What can I do, how can I make a difference”. She seemed a truly incredible person and I am so sorry for her loss to her husband, parents, siblings and all those who were lucky enough to know her. To her parents, thank you for raising such a selfless, kind, and generous person. If it weren’t for her loving, wholesome, hard working up brining she wouldnt have grown into the well rounded, mature and forward thinking indivdual that she was. To her husband, thank you for the love, understanding and support you gave her when you could see that being on the front line fighting for her country was important to her. May she rest in peace and Ashley’s legacy live on. I am forever changed.
Maria
/ December 9, 2017Today I bought a few items of a BUY SELL TRADE site. The woman selling items is selling for a friend. It just so happens the items i bought belonged to Ms Ashley White-Stumpf. I will PROUDLY light this lamp in remembering of a hero!! Wrap my grandkids warmly in this comfort that she fought so hard for their freedom. THANK YOU. I’m sorry for her loss of life. Just know these items will be cherished! ✌❤
Bruce MacDonald
/ March 10, 2018I just listened to book , what a great person . Goodnesss , 17 years in Afghanistan , just as noted in book , America has virtually forgotten we are in a war . I hope & pray we can get our people out & home. It’s cost too many lives with no end or real plan. Enough is enough.
Gerry
/ April 15, 2018Just got finished reading Ashley’s War. I liked the book on a number of levels. I am not going to list all the virtues that she had that I have so much respect for but add them to the fact that she serves as a role model for woman as well as equality to man. Thanks Ashley and my best to all that knew her.
Jeff
/ May 3, 2018Is the memorial scholarship still accepting contributions? If so, is there new contact info since a few years have passed? Thanks for any info.
stumpfwhitehero
/ May 11, 2018Info has been updated but here it is directly: Marlington Local Schools Att. Leslie Pierce c/o Ashley White Memorial Scholarship 10320 Moulin Ave Alliance Ohio 44601
Lily Machuca
/ May 11, 2018Today our Crossfit box is honoring you by doing the CF hero wod “White”. I just learned of your bravery and service yesterday, but wanted to let your family know that you are being remembered today and honored! Rest in peace, Ashley.
TRAVIS PHILLIPS
/ May 26, 2018I knew Ashley White personally as a fellow Soldier. We served together in the ROTC program in the Western Reserve Battalion, and we also served together as Cadets in the 838 MP Company in Youngstown. The first thing that I can say about Ashley is that she treated everyone with the kindness and respect that would cause that person to even feel better about themselves. I never seen her weak or sad, defeated or depressed. She gained the respect as an outstanding Soldier as she was able to overcome any task or obstacle presented to her, and she will always be remembered as a friend, sister, and fellow Soldier whose life will be looked at as a standard for us all.
Debra Valentine
/ July 16, 2018Ashley is a true hero, I am not in the military and do not know what women did when they sign up to join. I have the highest respect for the women who serve for our country. I will tell my grandson about the true super heroes that fight for our freedom every day.
May each family be blessed for their strength and dedication for their soldier.
Ashley’s war # 1
Mark
/ October 24, 2018…always and forever, Ashley, we are but a thought away… Blessed are you; the one giving her life for her brothers…
alisonobrien17
/ October 27, 2018I am honored to run the 2018 Marine Corps Marathon with Ashley’s name on my back with #WearBlueToRemember. Her story, strength and spirit are a source of inspiration and will carry me 26.2 miles.
Sonia Ann Willard
/ May 25, 2019Thank You For My Freedom and Liberty!! Such A Beautiful, HONORABLE LADY! Hugs And Prayer’s to Her Family and Friend’s and especially her twin sister 🌠🕊💝💝💝Never Forgotten
Warren Rushold
/ July 4, 2019What an awesome young lady, soldier, story (and more). I wasn’t prepared for the ending. Her example of selfless service is undeniably inspiring. Blessings and peace to Jason and Ashley’s family.
Kerstin Eriksson
/ September 29, 2019❤🥀 Dear Ashley White rest in peace, you are my hero! I dreamed about you and I saw you twice in my dream. I wrote a message from Archangel Michael to you! http://www.archangelfaith.blogspot.com
Love
Kerstin Eriksson
Brandon
/ October 29, 2019May you rest in peace, Ashley. You are a hero to everyone who knows your story. Thank you for your service and gallantry.
Scott Barnard
/ January 12, 2020I’m afraid I have no words that could express my gratitude enough. A thank you with an understanding to what you have accomplished in such a short time and a Hooah!, Lt.
D Seagraves
/ January 17, 2020Another soldier who fell beside Ashley in that operation is the son of my lifelong BFF. These troopers will forever be known as hero’s because they willingly laid down their life for Americans.
RIP
Mike
/ March 20, 2020Ashley, thank you for your sacrifice. JSOC, 3rd 75th Ft Benning
Kathleen
/ March 27, 2020I work for a nonprofit that provides service dogs for veterans free of charge, we named our new chocolate lab after Ashley
Lorraine Robinson
/ May 25, 2020Today at Crossfit 32034 we did the Memorial Day WOD Murph. Coach gave is each another fallen soldier to remind us what suffering really is. It is not the mile run, not the sore hands or feet. These men and women who fought and died for us and the families and friends who mourn them. Today I received that name of 1st Lt. Ashley White.
I would like her family and friends to know that am humbled by her sacrifice.
I remember.
Miles Milton
/ November 11, 2020Thank you for your service.
Bob Carnes
/ November 11, 2020My sadness is profound. Her sacrifice more so.
Larry Chalfant
/ November 11, 2020I had the privilege of knowing this young lady personally. Words cannot describe her!
Fraser Smith
/ November 28, 2020To the Family of Ashley,
I ordered Ashley’s War and just finished reading it. It was a moving and veryemotional book. It had me filled with pride, hope, anger and sadness. I served in the US Marines from 1983 to 1992 (enlisted) and I am not ashamed I cried at the end of the book. I wish I had met Ashley, this country needs more women like her with a strong will, grit, understanding, compassion, drive and a strong sense of duty. I am sorry for your loss but Ashley will always be in your hearts and will always be remembered by family, friends and the Ranger Regiment. Her spirit will be a motivation for all. Semper Fi.
elisamoran28
/ February 17, 2021Beautiful story! It just inspired me!
God Bless you! God Bless Ashley forever!
GM
/ March 1, 2021Just finished Ashley’s War – what an impressive patriot, servant-leader, and person. America is great because of people like Ashley – and heaven improved for her presence. My very deepest sympathies to Ashley’s family and friends.