Ashley began volunteering in 2006 with the NC Branch of Give2thetroops as a way to stay connected with a close friend who was deployed. Her friend, Ryan Russell, 1st CAV, was killed in action on March 5, 2007. She continues to volunteer closely with Give2TheTroops® as a way to honor Ryan, and to provide support for his buddies. Ashley is a student at East Carolina University, majoring in criminal justice.