Who is Ashly?

For the love of a fallen daughter, sister, friend, and soldier...      As a child, Ash was quick witted and rambunctious, always making sure her big sister was on her toes. She had a fascination with adventure and was never able to sit still for too long. Growing up, life seemed to throw curve balls in her direction just to see if she could measure up to her full potential... She overcame every obstacle, giggled at the simplicity of the challenge, and searched for the next dare.
     Ashly was adored because she had everything. The princess in her loved lip gloss, shoes, and highlights, while the tomboy loved baggy t-shirts, guns, and most of all, her patrol truck. Her smile was infectious, laugh contagious, and determination unmatchable.
     Ashly was an active service member of the United States Army, 630th Military Police Company, stationed in Bamberg, Germany. In 2003 Ashly enlisted in Army Reserve and attended the Military Police School in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, graduating in March, 2004. Her first assignment took her to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she served as a prison guard. After spending about a year at home, Ashly returned to active duty. She was stationed in Bamberg for five months before being sent to Iraq. She was assigned as a driver and was very proud of her vehicle.
     She was promoted to Sergeant shortly before she died in Baghdad, Iraq on March 3, 2007, when an IED exploded under the armored patrol vehicle she was driving. Ashly was the 21st person from Lehigh Valley and the 71st female service member to die since the war began. She was 21 years old. Ashly is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60, an area devoted to the soldiers of Iraq and Afghanistan.
     Ashly loved her army "family" with great passion, as much as the family waiting for her back home. She loved her father, Mike, who instilled commitment and persistence deep into her being. He is the reason that good was never quite good enough for Ashly.
     Ashly loved Deb, the mother who taught her to dance, swim, and talk to boys. She grew to admire her "Ma's" patience and never ending love. She loved Karissa, her big sister, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. If Ashly fell, Karissa was always there to pick her up, and vice versa. They were an inseparable force.
     Ashly adored Teagan, her little sister who, even at such a young age, was so much like her two big sisters. She made Ashly proud. Ashly was very protective of her sisters, she loved them fiercely and according to her MySpace page, could not wait to get home to them.
     Ashly had a tremendous impact on everyone who knew her, whether you knew her for a moment or a lifetime. she was a respected soldier and a beloved daughter, sister and friend. She left a legacy of memories and love.

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