 News10.net -- 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.
 The Army informed his family Saturday that he had been killed by an improvised explosive device on April 28th in Salman Pak, Iraq. He had served in Iraq for just six weeks. In Ione, his mother, Robyn Ornsby said he was proud of his dual heritage, adding, "We're Australian citizens. He served the American Army with pride and respect. He died with pride and respect."
On Tuesday, residents of Ione and surrounding communities came to the Main Street hair salon owned by Ornsby's mother 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. I'm a Vietman veteran. I know what he's talking about. Because of him, people can write their editorials against the war." A friend described Ornsby-Adkins as, "Always moving a million miles an hour, with a devilish grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye."
Ornsby-Adkins 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 to."
Ornsby-Adkins was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Georgia.
A memorial mass is planned for this Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ione. The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday May 9th at Sunset Cemetary in the nearby town of Martell. |
I would like to say thank you to you and the other two soldiers from your unit(1/15th Inf.) who were also killed in that attack for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
"Can Do"(15th Inf. Motto)