Buckeye Reporter

On Aug. 15, U.S. Representative Jim Jordan, who represents Ohio's 4th Congressional District, noted that two years ago, the tumultuous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan led to the tragic loss of 13 American lives in Kabul, including Max Soviak from his district. Jordan conveyed his condolences and thoughts for these fallen heroes and their families.

"Two years ago, the U.S. began its chaotic withdraw of Afghanistan," Rep. Jordan wrote in an Aug. 10 social media post on X, formerly Twitter. "This led to us losing 13 brave Americans in Kabul. One, from Ohio’s Fourth District — Max Soviak. God bless them and all of our Gold Star families."

According to Navy Times, Navy Fleet Marine Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Maxton "Max" W. Soviak was killed during an ISIS-K attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021. Soviak, aged 22, was a member of the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. He joined the Navy in 2017. Soviak, along with 11 other Marines and one soldier, tragically lost his life while assisting in the processing of Afghan refugees at the Abbey Gate of the Kabul airport. 

During funeral services in Milan, Ohio, Soviak's sister Kathleen described him as someone who embraced life with intense passion, Navy Times reported. This was evident throughout his life, from his sports career during high school to his various adventures after joining the Navy. He joined a CrossFit community while stationed in Guam, engaged in ocean cliff diving, and even swam with sharks in Florida.

According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Soviak hailed from Berlin Heights and graduated from Edison High School in 2017. He was involved in various school activities, including football, track, wrestling, tennis, and the school band. His community, located about 50 miles west of Cleveland, mourned his loss and planned to observe a moment of silence at a high school game in his honor.

Rep. Jordan has played significant roles in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to his bio page, he served as Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, advocating conservative ideas and solutions. He co-founded the House Freedom Caucus in the 114th Congress and served as its first Chairman. Jordan has focused on fiscal responsibility and government accountability, searching for waste, fraud, and abuse. He currently chairs the House Judiciary Committee and is a member of the House Oversight Committee.