The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO U.S. NAVY CORPSMAN MAXTON ``MAX'' SOVIAK
______
HON. MARCY KAPTUR
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to U.S. Navy Corpsman Maxton ``Max'' Soviak of Berlin Heights, Ohio. Max, always faithful, became one of the 13 heroes from the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps who gave their lives on August 26, 2021 at Kabul Airport in service to our country.
Corpsman Soviak was 22 years old, not even old enough to remember the terror attacks of 9/11 that spurred the war in which he would later be deployed.
And yet, at just 18, Max took it upon himself to answer the Nation's call to preserve and protect the blessings of liberty.
Reflecting upon his life, we bear witness to a young man who was beloved by friends and neighbors in his close-knit hometown of Berlin Heights, Ohio.
He excelled in school, was named to the honor roll, and earned a two-
year certificate in electrical technology from the EHOVE Career Center.
He thrived in wrestling, football, Boy Scouts, and the school band.
And he was adored beyond measure by his parents and 12 siblings.
Max embodied the best of our Nation, a man of many passions, who was lively, strong, independent, and fiercely loyal. Max's talents could have taken him in whatever direction he desired, and he did just that by enlisting in the U.S. Navy.
After graduating from Recruit Training in Illinois, Max was assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton, California.
He would go on to work in the immunization department at the Navy Hospital Guam, where he endeared himself to the locals by becoming a part of the local wrestling and martial arts community.
Max arrived in Afghanistan carrying with him his devotion to serving others, as well as extensive training in emergency medical techniques.
As a Corpsman and leader, Max was known as a ``Doc, a specially trained Corpsman who provides both medical care to Marines in the unit, and is also ready and able to engage in combat right alongside them.
Docs are widely respected and possess an unbreakable bond with the Marines alongside whom they serve, owing to their responsibility of keeping the unit alive.
Max's duties extended beyond providing care and comfort to his unit. During his final days at Kabul airport, Max worked around the clock to help evacuate Americans as well as Afghan citizens, including very young children, who faced a dangerous and uncertain future if they remained.
Just before the terrorist attack on the airport, one of Max's final duties was to provide comfort to the children in need. One young boy in particular was brought through Abbey Gate and handed into the arms of Corpsman Soviak to be looked after.
This final act of Corpsman Soviak, providing aid to those going through unprecedented chaos, was a result of his extensive military training. But more than that, it came from who Max Soviak was at his core.
A strong, smart, loving, decent person who made a decision, regardless of the uncertainty or danger he faced, to join the armed forces and serve his nation in her hour of need.
The immensity of Max's loss to his family, friends, community, and our country, is as incalculable as it is heartbreaking.
That a future as bright as his would never come to pass causes a pain that will never truly fade.
But in the face of this unspeakable tragedy, where only darkness and sadness seem to reside, we hope that those who knew him and loved him most may take comfort and pride in the fact that their Max--their brother, son, and friend--did not die in vain.
Max's courage and dedication touched the lives of countless Americans and Afghans, including a young boy who had lost everything.
By standing up and answering the call to protect and defend innocent civilians, Max's actions, and his life helped to ensure that more than 120,000 people were able to reach safety after making their way through the gates where Max was stationed.
The men, women, and children whose names he will never know, but whose lives were assured by his selflessness--will serve as a symbol of his commitment until their final days.
It will never be possible to repay the debt America owes Corpsman Max Soviak or his family. He made the ultimate sacrifice, and his family and a grateful nation will forever mourn his loss. We will honor his memory, and express our deep, unending gratitude for his willingness to serve America, and provide safety and comfort to strangers in need. Max demonstrated an uncommon heroism. For those who knew him at home in Berlin Heights, his patriotism and valor are exactly what they expected of him.
God bless and hold closely Navy Corpsman Max Soviak.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 164
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