Parole Agent Jon Ashley of the CDCR Office of Correctional Safety-Fugitive Apprehension Team, Southeast Region, was devastated by the news that his son, Sgt. Joshua Ashley, 23, a U.S. Marine, was killed in Afghanistan.
Serving as military police and a military working dog (MWD) handler, Ashley was on a combat operation in Helmand, Afghanistan. On July 19, 2012, he was killed by an improvised explosive device.
Governor issues statement, orders flags to half-staff
Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. and First Lady Anne Gust Brown expressed their condolences to the Ashley family.
“(He) bravely gave his life in the service to our state and nation,” the governor said, also ordering flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol.
Ashley was assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, at Camp Lejune, N.C. His next assignment was two years in Japan. Lastly, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Special Operation Battalion in Afghanistan.
For nine months, Ashley and Sirius worked together, until the explosion. Sirius, a 4-year-old German shepherd, survived the attack. The dog had already served a previous tour in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Ashley is survived by his parents, Parole Agent Jon Ashley and retired Correctional Officer Tammie Ashley. He is also survived by siblings Jon and Jordan Ashley.
Sgt. Ashley attended Etiwanda High School, in Rancho Cucamonga, where he served as the captain of his varsity water polo team.
“Ashley made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is a credit to his uniform and a true hero. OCS family and his fellow Marines will mourn the loss of Joshua Ashley,” according to Parole Agent Ashley’s coworkers.
“Ashley was a strong, proud Marine and a tender-hearted son. Ashley was the middle son of a family of three boys,” according to his family.
He held the rank of Lance Corporal when he was killed. Due to his actions in Afghanistan, Ashley was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.
By Ryan Gigilotti, FAT Southeast Region
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.
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