21 year old infantryman, PFC. Jay-D Ornsby-Adkins moved to the United States from Australia when he was five years old. His family says he loved his adopted country, volunteered for the Army last year, and volunteered to go to Iraq. In Ione, his mother, Robyn Ornsby said he was proud of his dual heritage, adding "We're Australian citizens, but he served the American Army with pride and respect. He died with pride and respect. Residents of Ione and surrounding communities came to the main street hair salon owned by Jay-D's moth Feel free to email us a story about Jay-D you feel like sharing. Justin Grant proudly displayed the memorial image of Jay-D on May-31, 2008. He invited and paid for pit-pass tickets for the family. "It feels good to honor and remember Jay-D in this way. We are looking forward to helping other families this summer." ...Justin |
er to pay their respects with notes and cards. Family friend Richard Gonzales says he understands how the young soldier felt. "He went because he wanted to." A friend described Jay-D as "Always moving a million miles per hour, with a devilish grin and a twinkle in his eye." Jay-D married 19-year old Ashley Ornsby in December when he was finished with boot camp. She says she is moved by the community's response, adding "it's beautiful. Let's him know it's time to come home and it's OK." Jay-D Ornsby-Adkins was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Fort Benning, Georgia.