Highway Honors
(Original story from the Sandusky Register)
February 25, 2023 — The latest tribute for Maxton Soviak helps others recall his love for Edison High School, passion for Charger athletics and appreciation for the community he proudly called home.
On Friday, about 75 people — family, friends, local law enforcement officials, politicians as well as Edison High School educators, staff and students — attended a highway renaming dedication ceremony in honor of Soviak.
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. A brown sign now displays this designation.
It’s a similar tribute to one for Army Sgt. David Sexton on Ohio 61 going through Berlin Heights. He’s a fallen soldier of the Vietnam War who's from Berlin Heights.
Several area officials supported the bill for Soviak, including state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, who spoke during Friday’s ceremony.
“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.”
Regarding Maxton’s section, this half-mile stretch encompasses Edison High School, Maxton’s alma mater. He’s a 2017 graduate.
“The decision to choose McIntyre to Twin Oaks, the road in front of the high school, seemed fitting for Max,” said Kip Soviak, who also attended. His wife, Rachel, stood by his side as did many other loved ones.
“Edison High School is where both communities (Milan and Berlin Heights) come together and unite as one team,” Kip said. “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.”
‘May his memory live on’
Kip Soviak, the father of Maxton Soviak, addressed all in attendance with a speech regarding his son and his highway designation.
We would like to thank everyone for coming today.
We want to thank Gov. (Mike) DeWine, and the senators and representatives of the state of Ohio for sponsoring and approving the bill that named roads across the state in honor of fallen Ohio service members.
Thank you to (Berlin Heights) Mayor Connie Ward, (Berlin Heights) chief of police Charity Schafer and Max’s childhood friend Bryce Ostheimer for spearheading this project along with many others.
We are honored to have the opportunity to keep our son’s name alive.
We are proud to have the location of his sign to be located in front of Edison High School. This is where the two communities (Berlin Heights and Milan) come together as one. This is where students will pass every day to attend the same school that Maxton loved so much.
He was proud to be a Charger, and he was proud to be a citizen of the Berlin-Milan community.
Thank you again, and may his memory 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
