Soviak, a 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, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2021 while supporting Operation Allies Refuge.
As a result of his brave actions in support of his fellow service members and mission, the Navy proudly posthumously advanced Soviak to the rank of Hospital Corpsman Third Class on Sept. 2, 2021.
A private procession will begin at the airport and is scheduled to travel west on the Ohio Turnpike to U.S. Route 250 at Exit 118, at which point the public procession will begin.
"Veteran-affiliated motorcycle escort units, public safety officials, and members of the community are asked to stage as noted below," Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth said. "All members of the community are invited and encouraged to pay their respects to Corpsman Soviak and his family along the entire public processional route. Please exercise caution if parking along a road right-of-way to ensure that your vehicle is entirely off of the traveled portion of the roadway."
- Veteran Service Organizations with motorcycle escort units are asked to stage at the commercial vehicle transfer lot located near the Ohio Turnpike's Toll Booths at Exit 118 and U.S. Route 250 no later than 11:30 a.m.
- All public safety vehicles are asked to stage at the CertainTeed Corporation at 11519 U.S. Route 250 no later than 11:30 a.m.
- Members of the community are encouraged to stage along the processional route no later than 11:30 a.m.
The public processional route is scheduled to proceed south on U.S Route 250 from the Strecker Road intersection to State Route 113 East, east on State Route 113 East through the Village of Milan, passing Edison High School where Soviak graduated in 2017, north on Berlin Road to West Main Street in Berlin Heights, east on West Main Street to South Street (State Route 61), south on South Street to the Morman-Hinman-Tanner Funeral Home where the procession will conclude.
Please note that individuals participating in the public procession will be directed by law enforcement agencies to continue south on State Route 61 past the funeral home. Only official vehicles from the procession will be allowed to park at the funeral home.
"All motorists traveling in the general area of the public procession between the approximate times of 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. should be aware of the possibility of intermittent total road closures by law enforcement officers along and adjacent to the public processional route," Sigsworth said. "Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation."
Media who desire to cover the arrival of HM3 Soviak to the funeral home should contact Beth Baker, Director of Public Affairs, Navy Region-Mid Atlantic no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday at 757-921-5871. A tent will be set up for press at the funeral home. No media interviews will be granted.
Questions pertaining to the procession may be directed to the Erie County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at (419) 625-7951, extension 6221.
Information and details about funeral services will follow later this week. Any questions can be directed to Beth Baker.
