He was telling me that he had some brushes with death, that he knew he was going to stay alive. He just sounded very optimistic about coming home, seeing me.
    — Ashley Ashcraft, widow

    Ashcraft had been honored for rescuing two wounded soldiers. He planned to join the Los Angeles Police Department on his return home. He played classical piano. He told his family that, if anything happened to him, they should throw a party, not a wake.
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    Five memories of Evan Asa Ashcraft

    I have so many wonderful memories and I think about him everyday. I feel so bad for all of the other families that have to go through what me and my family did. I love him and always will
    Ashley Ashcraft (widow)

    — Ashley Ashcraft
    April 17, 2009 at 12:43 p.m.

    In our thoughts

    — Sean
    October 22, 2010 at 11:53 a.m.

    i went to ECR...didn't know this gentleman, but we would've been at ECR during the same period as i graduated in '97. i feel at least honored to have shared the same school buildings with such a brave person.

    — luis
    November 14, 2010 at 6:32 p.m.

    I went to El Camino at the same time as Evan. I didn't know him but I sure am proud to have graced the same campus as he did. A real hero.

    — Brian Williams
    November 24, 2010 at 8:17 p.m.

    I knew Evan, when he was a kid just entering ECR High School. I was older than him but we had mutual friends. He was a good kid. I am touched and inspired at hearing his story and the fact that he touched so many with his brief life. His selfless courage and valor in defending our great nation will never be forgotten.

    — Joe
    January 3, 2011 at 2:08 p.m.

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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 700 California servicemembers and 474 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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