Maxton Soviak: honoring a hero

Supporting Maxton Soviak People can make donations, learn about affiliated events or inquire about the Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak Memorial Foundation by visiting maxtonsoviak.org. Several verified social media sites also provide updates on the above: • Facebook: @MaxtonSoviakMemorial • Twitter: @SoviakStrong • Instagram @corpsman_maxton_w_memorial BERLIN HEIGHTS — Both parents of the late Maxton "Max" Soviak envision a space to help keep the legacy and spirit of their son alive. "We're going to call it 'Max's room,'" said Kip Soviak, referencing a plan he and his wife, Rachel, came up with for their son. "His stuff will all be prominently displayed. We just haven't felt it was the right time yet." Maxton, 22, a U.S. Navy Corpsman, was among 13 U.S. service members who died on Aug. 26. A highly honored hero While many fondly remember Maxton in their own individual ways — ranging from a loving son, a caring brother, an entertaining prankster, among many other titles — his military family knows him as a decorated service member who earned every accolade. The 2017 Edison High School graduate received many honors recognizing his bravery and selflessness no matter when providing medical care to uniformed personnel or saving the lives of innocent civilians. Most notably, this would include • A Purple Heart — It's "a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty," according to the United Service Organization, noting more than 1.8 million such medals have been presented to service members since its creation in 1782." Maxton followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, William, a World War II Army veteran. He also received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained on the battlefield. • Congressional Gold Medal — "Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions," according to the U.S. Senate. • Fleet Marine Force warfare badge — Such a "badge is an outward signal of a sailor's dedication to bettering themselves and committing to every aspect of their career as a sailor as well as their partner service, the United States Marine Corps," according to the Medals of America Military Blog. A room for remembrance These awards; Soviak's "chest candy," or ribbons and medals displayed on a military member's uniform; challenge coins, or pocket-size medallions service members give to one another in a sign of camaraderie; and others are tucked away in storage containers. Today, they're kept inside the Soviaks' Berlin Heights home, where Maxton grew up. "We are looking at building a new house, out on the family farm in Berlin Heights, and we have designed one of the rooms to be 'Max's room.' That's where all the tributes, pictures, portraits, paintings, medals and everything else we have will go. "In the meantime, we felt we are not in the place to move forward with displaying it." Mixed feelings sweep over Kip and Rachel when looking at and holding these honors. "Would I rather have him alive? Yes," Kip said. "But I'm appreciative that they thought highly enough of him and his accomplishments in such a short amount of time that he gets this recognition. "We know he earned them because of what he did when living and not just because he died." Rest in honor Maxton died a hero, helping evacuate Americans and Afghan citizens, including children, at risk of being killed by the Taliban. It occurred during an attack at the Abbey Gates of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, while supporting Operation Allies Refuge. Assigned to the 2nd Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California, Maxton earned the nickname "Doc" from Marines that he served with. He received the "Doc" title because of his relentless approach in caring for and saving people through his medical expertise. As a result of his brave actions in support of his fellow service members and mission, the Navy posthumously advanced Maxton to the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class on Sept. 2, 2021. He also received many honors, including the Purple Heart, the Congressional Gold Medal and the Fleet Marine Force warfare badge. But time can't, and won't, heal the Soviaks' wounds, Kip said. "It doesn't get any easier," Kip said. "Life has been a struggle for me, my wife and for all of his brothers, sisters and grandparents. There is a huge hole in our hearts that can't be filled."