MILAN, Ohio — The city of Milan and surrounding areas are preparing to pay tribute to their hero, who lost his life in Afghanistan last month.
The 22-year-old Navy Corpsman was killed in an attack on the Kabul airport Aug. 26.
A procession on Wednesday for Maxton Soviak allowed his community to come coming together to honor him.
"It broke all of our hearts. Max, one way or another every family between these two communities knew Max or the Soviaks one way or another," said Leah Krul. Krul is one of many who know the Soviak family.
Community members from all around the area are mourning the loss of Soviak.
PHOTOS | Remembering US Navy Corpsman Max Soviak
"It's just very unfortunate and very difficult to try to put yourself in someone else's shoes who, at a young age like that, goes out and really puts himself in harm's way without sometimes even realizing what's gonna happen," said Tom Gfell, who has known the Soviak family for some time now.
Gfell and Krul are preparing for Max's procession on Wednesday, which leaves them with a heavy heart.
"I mean he didn't deserve this. He was out there helping. He was a medic. He wasn't in battle," said Krul. "So I just want to say thank you to him for saving as many lives as he could while he was out there."
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Gfell says he knows what it's like to lose a son.
"A few years ago after he got out of the Air Force, he was involved in an alter-like plane accident, which we had no idea that something so devastating was gonna happen," said Gfell.
The community is sending strength, prayers and thanks to the family.
"We all grew up together. It's just that small town, small rural Ohio town coming together," said Krul.
"Life goes on with the support of your families and friends. And your communities who know your son. Those who knew Max and the kinda person that he was," added Gfell.
He's a hero, who died for his country and his community.
FUNERAL SERVICE INFORMATION
According to Soviak's obituary, friends are invited to call from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12 at the Edison High School Field House, 2603 State Rte. 113 East, Milan. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 13 at the Edison High School Stadium. A private burial will follow.
Online condolences may be left at www.mormanfuneralhome.com
Memorial donations may be made to the Max Soviak Memorial Fund. Deposits can be made at any Civista Bank, or checks can be made out to the Max Soviak Memorial Fund and mailed to: Civista Bank, 24 E. Main St., Berlin Heights, OH 44814.
