Posted on 04/01/2026 11:01:05 AM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege
The community is encouraged to line the streets of Bardstown to help celebrate the life of “our local hero” Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt as she returns home to be laid to rest, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office.
Pruitt, 34, was one of six service members killed on March 12 when a KC-135 aircraft crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.
A dignified transfer will be held when Pruitt’s remains arrive at Samuels Field Airport in Bardstown at 11 a.m. Thursday before her body is escorted to Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home.
“Ashley’s life was one of purpose, courage, and deep love,” her online obituary states…
“While Ashley deeply loved her career and her country, nothing compared to the love she held for her family. She was a devoted wife and a deeply loving mother, and those closest to her knew she was living in her happiest chapter. Her strength, warmth, and unwavering devotion created a home filled with love and laughter.”
Ashley was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Ray Young; her maternal grandparents, Joe and Corine Downs; and her paternal grandfather, Raymond Young.
She is survived by her loving husband, Greg Pruitt; her daughter, Emilia; her stepson, Ollie; her parents, Patrick and Grace Young; her brother, Technical Sergeant Blake Young (Isa); and her paternal grandmother, JoAnn Myers (Gil).
(Excerpt) Read more at fox19.com ...
Airman, not soldier.
RIP, TSgt. Pruitt!
Young mothers should not be in a combat related MOS because now more young children will grow up without the love and nurturing of a mother. RIP to this young woman and strength, courage and fortitude to her family that has already lost her brother. (Retired Army Officer)
Airperson...
Agreed.
The headline (only) implies her death (a “soldier”) was from “boots on the ground”.
Stationed in Cold War Europe, I was depressed by the number of servicemen who died in auto- and motorcycle- crashes.
Now I’m remembering the young biker with extensive gasoline burns who shared a Torrejon AFB hospital ward with me in Spain. He was supported by a large hand-rotated metal cage where skin grafts were a daily and agonizing ordeal for him. He might be 80-y-o today.
:(
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.