Meet Ashley Owings: The Veteran Behind a Mission to Heal Communities

From Service to Service: A Lifelong Commitment to Others

Ashley Owings isn’t just a veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy—she’s a fierce advocate for service members, veterans, and their families. After joining the military straight out of high school and serving for over 13 years, Ashley witnessed firsthand the deep emotional and physical toll that military life can take. Through her journey, she saw a need and decided to fill it.

 

Launching a Mission-Driven Nonprofit

Ashley is the founder of Chasing A Way Forward Foundation, a nonprofit organization offering addiction rehabilitation access and mental health resources for active duty members, veterans, National Guard, and Reserves. In early 2025, she officially launched the nonprofit after participating in Dog Tag, a prestigious program that helps veterans and their families build sustainable businesses. Through this training, she created a fully incorporated organization that offers help with or without insurance to those who are ready to recover.

Her work also extends into Military.me Magazine, a forthcoming publication designed to support nonprofit startups and facilitate expert-led fiduciary boards. This initiative will help other organizations get answers they need for grant applications and policy work.

 

Why It Matters: The Ripple Effect of Addiction

Ashley’s mission is personal. She has seen close friends and battle buddies lose their lives to addiction and suicide. Her nonprofit is named in honor of her husband’s cousin, who tragically passed away due to alcohol-related struggles after returning from military service. Ashley believes that addiction doesn’t only affect individuals—it affects entire communities.

The ripple effect of one service member struggling with addiction can reach platoon members, families, and local communities. For Ashley, helping one person recover means restoring hope for many more.

 

Fighting for Legislative Change: Chase’s Bill

Ashley is also working on a piece of legislation called Chase’s Bill. The bill aims to eliminate the “one strike rule” in the military, which currently allows only one chance for rehabilitation before discharge. It also seeks to remove barriers for National Guard and Reserve members to access vital benefits, such as rehab programs, by updating how active-duty status is calculated.

She recently returned from Washington, D.C., after personally meeting with 100 congressional and senatorial staff members to gain support for the bill. Her passion and determination are helping to push for real, systemic change.

 

Healing the Whole Family

Ashley’s mission isn’t limited to service members alone. As a mother to a special needs child and a military spouse herself, she understands the unique challenges faced by military families. Her foundation provides wellness resources to spouses and children, connecting them with programs like Military OneSource and the Chris & Taya Kyle Foundation.

From empowerment retreats to mental health support, Ashley ensures families get the support they need to heal alongside their loved ones in recovery.

 

Building a Future from Northern Chicago

Now based near Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago, Ashley enjoys the vibrancy and diversity of the community. From its cultural events to iconic food spots like Gibson’s Steakhouse and Garrett’s Popcorn, the area gives her and her family a sense of belonging. Despite her dream of one day living in Hawaii, she sees Virginia Beach as her most likely future home.

 

Passion Projects and Personal Pursuits

Outside of her nonprofit work, Ashley is a creative spirit. She’s currently writing a children’s book based on her son’s experience with autism and military life. With plans to publish more books, including one on infertility and IVF, she continues to use storytelling as another form of advocacy.

 

Overcoming Fear to Inspire Others

Ashley believes that fear often holds people back from seeking help or pursuing dreams. Whether it’s building a business, applying for grants, or asking for support, she encourages others to move past fear.

Her message is simple but powerful: You don’t have to be perfect to help others—you just have to care. To learn more visit her website.

Website: ashleydeetch6.wixsite.com/mysite

LinkedIn: Ashley Owings