[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 164 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1009-E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          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,

[[Page E1010]]

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.

                          ____________________