MILAN, Ohio — Family, friends and mourners turned out at the Edison High School football stadium in Milan on Monday to remember Petty Officer 3rd Class Maxton Soviak, killed Aug. 26 in Afghanistan.
The 22-year-old sailor assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif., was killed during an attack at the Abbey Gates of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul while supporting Operation Allies Refuge.
According to a press release, as a result of his brave actions, the Navy posthumously advanced Soviak to the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class.
The somber service on Monday featured emotional, touching tributes from his family and a letter was read from a Marine who met Soviak for only 45 minutes on the day he was killed, but upon whom the young sailor made a big impact.
Soviak's eldest sister, Kathleen, talked about how adventurous and fun he was and suggested ways for everyone to honor her brother's memory.
“In Maxton’s final days, he spent his time helping others stay alive as he had developed a passion for protecting and saving the lives of others," she said. "So much so, that he was willing to risk his own life and made the ultimate sacrifice.
"So, for everyone who wants to honor Maxton’s memory, this is what I have to offer you: Go live. Fill the book of your life with stories. Push yourself to do something that scares you. Go bigger. Go harder. Most importantly of all, love fiercely.”
On Wednesday, a processional was held both privately and publicly, following the fallen service member from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to the Morman-Hinman-Tanner Funeral Home in the village of Milan.
