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 
Emily
/ February 18, 2013Miss you everyday, Ashley
jim dakis
/ May 5, 2013Ashley gave her life for her country! would you do the same.God Bless you Ashley heaven has another angel
Sam
/ July 25, 2013You seemed like a beautiful, kind person. I never met you, wish I had. Sending our deepest sympathies from Australia. RIP.
christopher sukosd
/ October 5, 2014You were always kind to me. You are deeply missed by all of us.
Micah Hahn
/ October 8, 2014Ashley, you were a phenomenal friend and became a strong leader in our military. You will forever be missed and never forgotten.
Aaron Schmidt
/ October 16, 2014My name is Aaron Schmidt and I run the CFSBX Honor Guard in Santa Monica, CA. I wanted to take a moment to let you know that we are honoring 1LT White on Sunday with her memorial Hero WOD.
I make every effort to contact families and friends so they know that their loved ones’ sacrifice will never be forgotten. If you have anything you’d like to share with our group, or if there is ever anything our organization can do for you, please let me know.
Thank you for all that you do, and know that while we will never be able to properly honor 1LT White’s service, the effort to do so will always live on.
Mother
/ November 11, 2014Happy Veterans Day my Angel
HSF
/ November 28, 2014My mom was a Chi Omega like Ashley. I remember going to the Rock (those of you who know KSU know what I am talking about) to paint it in her honor. Because I was only in the fourth grade, I didn’t quite understand it too well. But because I am older now, I do understand that she gave her life for our safety. Bless you Ashley. And thank you.
Mother
/ December 9, 2014Christmas is here again and I think of you with your Mickey Ears on decorating your tree saying Christmas isn’t Christmas without Mickey. I hung my Mickey ornament today. Love you and miss you everyday. Mom
Mother
/ December 31, 2014Well its the New Year 2015 and your book is out for pre-sale Ashley I truly believe you will leave a legacy for all women who have served and are serving now .Women are STRONG souls that will help in everyway. God Bless them All.
MJ Brady
/ January 26, 2015It was so good seeing your family again two weeks ago. Please know that my 4 girls all will read Ashley’s War and would LOVE it if they could get your signature and of course your husbands as well. We will be in touch!
Jae Weiner
/ February 14, 2015I miss you Akky.
Sunshine Castillo-Knapp
/ March 13, 2015I’m from Alliance, Ohio and I was serving at the Role 3 when Ashley and her team was brought to us moments after POI. All of us at that unit will NEVER, EVER forget the sacrifice she and others made that night. Thank you for protecting our Freedom Ashley and I hope it brings your friends and family comfort knowing you are in the hearts and minds of all us who served with you. You will never be forgotten.
HM2(FMF) Sunshine Castillo-Knapp
United States Navy
Jared Elmiger
/ March 17, 2015I just pre-ordered your book and I cannot wait to read it. I feel honored to have known you and will alway remember you as Josh’s sweet little sister I knew growing up.
Bethany Barnett
/ April 29, 2015I just read it too. Great book. It inspired me.
Robert Speakman
/ April 12, 2015According to what I read you were an outstanding Soldier & Leader, may you rest in peace.
Sergeant Major Robert Speakman, Infantry
Jim Morris
/ April 12, 2015Brave, unselfish, caring, proud of her country, honor and respect.
Donald Williams
/ April 12, 2015Donald Williams She gave all and we salute her and send our prayers to her family. God Bless Her and her fellow soldiers. From a brother veteran. United States Air Force.
nursevet
/ April 12, 2015Love and prayers to Ashley’s family and friends. I served in Vietnam as a nurse, but we were not allowed any access to weapons or weapons training.
Mary Burns
/ April 12, 2015I’m so sorry to hear of this. Her last name caught my eye because growing up I knew a family by her husband’s last name… My mom used to work with, as it turns out from reading this, Jason’s mom. Jason and I played together a few times as children. This breaks my heart to see this. God bless all of you and God bless this true hero.
Bobby Minchew
/ April 12, 2015Semper Fi from a former Marine. Thank you for your sacrifice Ashley.
Michael Magiera
/ April 13, 2015To Ashley’s family and friends: Our Nation owes a debt to you that can never be paid. God Bless all of you and I pray He takes your hand when the grief and loss is just too much to handle.
Alonzo A. Garza
/ April 13, 2015R.I.P my sister
Byron Wolfe
/ April 22, 2015I just saw part of your story on the news. It is sad you will not see how much pride you instilled in many of us. You live on in our hearts and prayers. And we owe you and all your
sisters and brothers in arms more than we can ever repay. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
philohio
/ April 22, 2015Thank you for your service and your sacrifice, may you now find peace.
Former member USCG.
DAN ARCURI
/ April 22, 2015R.I.P AMEN
renee pettigrew
/ April 23, 2015RIP Ashley! My heart goes out to the White’s and Stumpf’s family.
Carl Smith
/ April 24, 2015RIP, brave guardian! Our grateful nation, must NEVER forget your critical contribution to our security and the betterment Afghan women’s plight… NOR must we forget your unselfish, ultimate sacrifice.
sandy
/ April 28, 2015May the Marines guarding the gates of Heaven let you in, Ashley. I caught your story in the radio a few minutes ago and decided to read your bio. From a Marine, I salute you Lt. White. May you Rest in Peace and God Bless. I had never met you but I feel l have known you and I assure you that you will never be forgotten.
Nick
/ April 28, 2015I was just listening to Ashley’s story on NPR this morning. What an incredible person! My deepest sympathy to her family. Lives are not measured in years but in deeds … she lived more than most.
Niki Faith
/ April 28, 2015I heard a little about Ashley this morning on NPR, and Google brought me here. I wanted to thank you all for the role Ashley played, she was a strong woman and an inspiration to many. Her sacrifice will never be forgotten.
stephanie tirdel
/ April 28, 2015I, too, heard about Ashley this morning on NPR. I froze in my car at the end of the story when I heard Ashley did not make it home. First, thank you , Ashley, for your sacrifice and for being a pioneer for other women. I weep now for your parents, your Mom especially, as I can’t imagine the pain and huge sadness she and they must feel by your absence. I am also the Mom of a Marine daughter, my only child. I pray that I do not face that day… Your legacy, Ashley, will live on. Your bravery , always remembered. Thank you! I will be buying your book. And, thank you, to Ashley’s family for raising and supporting a fearless, selfless, beautiful Warrior. God bless you all.
Kathy Root
/ April 29, 2015Ashley was a true warrior and hero. I can see her radient smile coming down from heaven to watch over family and friends.
Jerry Lee
/ April 29, 2015“First Lieutenant Ashley White Stumpf, Co. C-230th Brigade Support Battalion-North Carolina Army National Guard: medical evacuation officer.”
-Line of Duty Death-
“Ashley, i wish i had known you.”
Jerry Lee……… prior Air Force Reservist-37th Aeromed Evac Group
MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida
Andrew
/ April 30, 2015Ashley epitomized the perfect soldier. Brave, compassionate and stalwart. I served with some fine people and it would have been an honor to serve with Lieutenant White.
Semper Fidelis!
Jerry Frey
/ May 4, 2015Never forget that in death, we are better than they are in life.
Annie Berg
/ May 7, 2015I’m 17 years old and a junior in high school. My mom bought this book for me and I have never in my life been so impacted. I’ve always had a desire to serve my country but Ashley’s courageous story has confirmed that following my passions is the right thing to do. Someday I hope to serve as she did, if only half as well.
COL Mike
/ May 9, 2015“Do dem tap toe”, the last post has sounded. Sleep well my sister, we shall serve together again!!!!
Michael kuha
/ May 11, 2015My name is Michael t Kuha. I am deeply sorry for your loss. When I was in the army in my unit we use to say “till Valhalla brother” to any one that we lost. People think that it is only male warriors who get to go to Valhalla but I believe that your daughter, your sister and your friend has that warrior spirit. She deserves ever honor we can give. So Ashley till Valhalla sister. May you rest in peace.
Geoff B.
/ May 15, 2015I am Canadian. And to my American Sister, I say thank you and your family for your ultimate sacrifice. With the many evils that lurk around our Earth, it is encouraging to know that we have Sentinels of Peace protecting our freedom every day.
God keep you.
Jim
/ May 19, 2015A moment ago I finished reading Ashley’s War. In 6 weeks my DD leaves for USMA. Next week is memorial day. I have never been more proud or thankful for those who are willing to give so much in service to this great country.
alpinestar76
/ May 23, 2015Tons of respect for any woman who volunteered for FSTs and could handle the job; personally knew some in my own unit; under-recognized, under-valued, and under-employed; no doubt in my mind that skin color, ethnicity and gender are irrelevant in situations of mortal peril; too few of this breed
Kari Fell
/ June 1, 2015We all love and miss you Ashley.
Chris Kline
/ June 1, 2015I did not know Lt. White, but she was in Afghanistan the same time I was. I finished the book last night, and sobbed and sobbed for hours and hours
Shannon Rodriguez
/ June 2, 2015Hello, My name is Shannon Rodriguez and I live in Coprus Christi Texas. I just finished reading “Ashleys War” and I was so moved by her story. Im a 3 time Iraq War Veteran and I respect everything she has done for our country. Thank You Ashley. You will never be forgotten
Erin Duhon
/ June 8, 2015I just finished Ashley’s War and feel truly moved and inspired. I sobbed at Ashley’s heartbreaking story and my thoughts go out to her family and friends, and especially to her CST sisters past and present. I’m in the process of PCSing to Fort Bragg, and can only hope that I too can serve with Ashley’s passion and courage. God Bless!
Jade
/ June 13, 2015Thanks for being my American hero!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I lost my sister at 16.
matthew carlton
/ June 17, 2015I’m a proud Ohioan today after reading about you.
Steve Bright
/ June 28, 2015Ashley. We never met, but would have enjoyed serving with you. Your legacy obviously lives on and you are well loved.
Patrick O'Boyle
/ July 1, 2015I teach SOF Medicine FORT BRAGG…..I ordered the book Friday and finished it Saturday. From this day forward, any SOCM Medical Student thinks they have the toughest class to Master, I shall loan a copy of Ashley’s War to them. She is still serving and motivating her SOF Community. Well done Lt. and thank you for your help motivating my students.
Debra Stewart-Appice
/ July 1, 2015I just finished reading Ashley’s War and never thought it would end that way. Your daughter is a true hero. This book shows the strength and courage of your daughter and the other female officers. Women constantly have to prove themselves everyday and this book shows how courageous this group was . God bless America and thank you for your service.