State Rep. Jamie Callender | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Jamie Callender | The Ohio House of Representatives
House Bill 27, which proposes naming the Route 90 bridge over the Grand River in Perry Township after Army Specialist Jacob A. Ashton, has received its first hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee. The announcement was made by State Representatives Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Daniel P. Troy (D-Wickliffe).
Specialist Ashton, a decorated combat veteran, served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division. He died in August 2024.
Ashton was born in Willoughby to Jason Ashton and Michelle Ustupski. He later moved to Perry with his father and participated in baseball and football for the Perry Pirates. In 2021, he enlisted in the Army and completed basic training at Fort Benning before deploying to Iraq in 2023 with his unit. His military honors include the Army Commendation Medal with C Device, National Defense Service Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Infantry Badge.
He is remembered as an outdoorsman, sportsman, and bodybuilder who had planned to compete in bodybuilding events after his discharge from service and intended to enter public service.
The bill previously passed unanimously through both the House Transportation Committee and on the House Floor earlier this year. It currently has support from 26 bipartisan co-sponsors.
“I want to thank my colleagues in the House for their unanimous support and Senator Patton for bringing House Bill 27 up for a hearing,” said Callender. “While we can’t bring Specialist Ashton back, we can honor the memory of one of Lake County’s great sons and a decorated defender of our nation.”
“Specialist Ashton served our nation with great courage and will always be honored for his selflessness. I hope that as the community crosses the Grand River on the bridge that carries his name, they are reminded of his service and honor his memory with gratitude,” said Rep. Troy.
House Bill 27 is now awaiting a vote by the Senate Transportation Committee.
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