Soviak procession: A hero returns home

BERLIN HEIGHTS — To some, he's family. For others, he's a friend, a classmate, a teammate or even a brother in arms. But, on Wednesday, everyone in attendance — whether they knew him personally or not — collectively called Maxton Soviak their hero. Thousands of people attended Soviak's procession on Wednesday. Soviak, 22, a Navy Corpsman, was among 13 U.S. service members who died Aug. 26 in an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. He died a hero, helping evacuate Americans and Afghan citizens, including children, at risk of being killed by the Taliban. Assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California, he was killed during an attack at the Abbey Gates of Hamid Karzai International Airport while supporting Operation Allies Refuge. As a result of his brave actions in support of his fellow service members and mission, the Navy proudly posthumously advanced Soviak to the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class on Sept. 2, 2021. The motorcade — which featured hundreds of vehicles, ranging from police cruisers, fire trucks and motorcycles affiliated with military organizations — began at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and exited off the Ohio Turnpike onto Milan Road (U.S. 250). Participants then weaved through Milan and traveled by Edison High School, where Soviak graduated from in 2017. Also attending EHOVE Career Center, he played football and tennis, wrestled, participated in track and field and was in the Chargers band. He earned a two-year certificate in electrical technology from EHOVE. After arriving in Erie County at about 12:15 p.m., roughly 75 minutes later, the motorcade stopped in front of Morman-Hinman-Tanner Funeral Home, where preparations will take place for his upcoming services.