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Down Under
He wasn't born an American but he died as one
2007-05-03
A Perth father has described the life of his US-soldier son, killed in Iraq, as a love story, not a war story. Jay-D Ornsby-Adkins, 21, died on Saturday in Salman Pak, Iraq, when a bomb went off near his Humvee and gunfire erupted.

His father Shad Adkins said his son was a patriot but had gone to Iraq to build a life with his bride Ashley Ornsby-Adkins. "This isn't a war story, this is a love story," Mr Adkins told ABC Radio. "He dropped out of school and went to work, and he finished his schooling (while) working and he graduated high school. In that time he met Ashley, they just fell in love straight away."

Mr Adkins said love did not go smoothly for the couple at first. "It was just like any young kids, you know, they was partying hard and, you know, and they didn't like what each other was doing so they split but they kept talking," Mr Adkins said. "She was the love of his life and Jay-D had to change something you know to make a difference."

What he did was join the US forces, Mr Adkins said. "It was patriotic what he done but it wasn't the real reason, that was to make a life for him and Ashley. "They got married just before he went, and I have never seen two people so in love, and respect each other so much."

Mr Adkins said the couple had hoped to return to Perth where his son was born in the Swan Districts Hospital, before leaving Australia aged about six.

Mr Adkins would be flying to the US. Hundreds of people have attended a candlelight vigil in California for Mr Ornsby-Adkins. The US Department of Defence announced his death on Tuesday, along with the deaths of two other soldiers. The vigil started shortly afterward.

Robyn Ornsby told the crowd in the town of Ione that her son was not born an American, but he died as one. "He did this with a lot of admiration and love for this country," Ornsby said.
Posted by:Thrusing Ebbains8680

#8  The Aussies have always served with honor. During the 10 years that they were in Vietnam, ~500 of the 47,000 that served were killed and ~2,400 wounded. That was a major commitment for a country the size of Australia. No better men to watch your back.

Closer to home are the men of the Great White North. During the Vietnam conflict, more Canadians crossed the border heading south to serve in the US forces than Americans who crossed the border heading north to dodge the draft. Over 12,000 actually served in country and approximately 80 were killed. Through the years ~40 Canadians have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

I know that Vietnam was a long time ago, but the blood runs true. It is good to see that the sons and grandsons of warriors are still willing to pay the price for freedom.
Posted by: RWV   2007-05-03 19:57  

#7  #4-procopius2K

Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Ptah   2007-05-03 19:08  

#6  I went through basic training with a German National and a citizen from Guatemala - in 1965. I've served with people from over 30 countries. All had a love for the United States and what it stood for. Some became citizens, others didn't, but all I knew served honorably. There are lots of Americans out there that were born somewhere else. This young man needs to be honored as one of them. God bless him and his family.
Posted by: Old Patriot   2007-05-03 16:12  

#5  Re: Post #4:

Quite likely the only bit of sane immigration law passed in recent decades.
Posted by: Zenster   2007-05-03 15:56  

#4  "In 2004, President Bush signed an order allowing all active-duty immigrants serving as of Sept. 11, 2001, to apply for U.S. citizenship without waiting the usual three years, and without having to be physically present in the States in order to apply. Now, immigrants serving in the army, navy, marine corps, air force, coast guard, parts of the national guard and Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve may be eligible to apply for citizenship if they can 1) Demonstrate good moral character/have no criminal record, 2) can speak English, 3) can demonstrate knowledge of U.S. government and history, and take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution. The applicant must also have served honorably during one year of conflict, have a green card, or have been present in the U.S. at time of enlistment. The application must be filed within six months of discharge."
Posted by: Procopius2k   2007-05-03 14:22  

#3  He wasn't born an American but he died as one

And he would have been a welcome, and valuable addition. Quite unlike the 'in-duh-viduals' who skip across our borders without respecting our laws, and when they run into trouble, hold their hands out and demand something for nothing.

Seven years of service in our armed forces should translate to automatic citizenship.
Posted by: ptah   2007-05-03 11:04  

#2  My Dad was of part Mi'kmaq ancestory and when he passed away, my Mom had this prayer printed on the back of the prayer cards.

It seem appropriate in memory for the sacrifice of this young soldier and to the others that have given their "last full measure of devotion" in the field of combat.

First Nation Prayer
Author Unknown

I give you this one thought to keep. I am with you still; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone, I am with you still in each new dawn.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.
Posted by: Delphi2005   2007-05-03 10:50  

#1  Why suddenly do I feel like immigrating to Australia?
Posted by: Besoeker   2007-05-03 10:12  

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