Highway designation honors Soviak

MILAN TWP. — Through state legislation, officials recently honored a late 2017 Edison High School graduate who bravely served the U.S. military as a decorated Navy Corpsman. Going forward, the section of Ohio 113 between McIntyre Road and Twin Oaks Drive in Milan Township "shall be known as the U.S. Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak Memorial Highway," according to Ohio House Bill 578. Among the officials supporting the bill include state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron. "This road will be a way for us to honor and remember Maxton for his service to our country," Swearingen said. "He has made our country proud." People can expect to see markers, designating the highway as such, sometime soon. "The idea of a street sign came about when a former classmate and friend of Max, Bryce Ostheimer, as well as many others reached out to the mayor of Berlin Heights, Connie Ward," Kip Soviak, the father of Maxton, told the Register. It's a similar tribute to one for Army Sgt. David Sexton on Ohio 61 going through Berlin Heights, Kip said. He's a fallen soldier of the Vietnam War who's from Berlin Heights. Regarding Maxton's section, this half-mile stretch encompasses Edison High School, Maxton's alma mater. "The decision to choose McIntyre to Twin Oaks, the road in front of the high school, seemed fitting for Max," Kip said. "Edison High School is where both communities (Milan and Berlin Heights) come together and unite as one team. The community has rallied around our family honoring him in many ways." For Kip and his family, they hope when anyone drives on the highway, that, "It may spark conversation about Max and allow his story to live on." Honoring a hero Soviak, 22, was among 13 U.S. service members who died on Aug. 26, 2021. Maxton died a hero, helping evacuate Americans and Afghan citizens, including children, at risk of being killed by the Taliban. 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. 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