Ohio-born Navy medic Max Soviak killed in Kabul airport attack in Afghanistan
A Navy medic from Ohio is among 13 Americans and scores of Afghans killed Thursday in a suicide bombing near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, a school district confirmed Friday.
Olivia Miller 
The Edison school district said Max Soviak, a 2017 graduate of Edison High School in Milan, was killed in the attack.
“I share this news with deep regret,” Superintendent Thomas Roth said in a statement. “Max was a good student who was active in sports and other activities throughout his school career. He was respected and liked by all who knew him. Max was full of life in everything he did.”
WKYC 3 News in Cleveland and WTOL 11 in Toledo, Ohio, said the Soviak family confirmed his death and asked for privacy.
“Our schools and local community are mourning the loss of Max,” the district said. “He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. The family has asked that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
The U.S. Navy did not immediately confirm Soviak's death.
“One sailor was killed in the Aug. 26 attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport's Abbey Gate in Kabul. We mourn the loss of this sailor and extend our deepest condolences to the families of our fallen comrade. The sailor's name will be released 24 hours after the relatives are notified,” the Navy said in a statement Friday.
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At Edison High School, Soviak was among the top students and played soccer, according to The Sandusky Register. Before joining the Navy, he worked as a lifeguard and a maintenance man, the newspaper said.
In a statement on Facebook Friday morning, the Berlin Township Fire Department wrote, "Berlin Heights lost one of its own serving in Afghanistan on Thursday. We extend our condolences to the Soviak family. Max will never be forgotten and will always be remembered as an American hero."
Berlin Township is located about 25 miles from Columbus.
“The entire community is heartbroken by this sad news,” the agency said.
On Instagram, Marilyn Soviak posted, “I've never been interested in politics, and I'm not going to start now. What I will say is that my beautiful, intelligent, annoying, charming little brother was killed yesterday while helping to save lives.”
Among those killed in the blast are 11 U.S. Marines, a Navy hospital worker and an Army soldier, according to U.S. officials. At least 18 U.S. soldiers were injured. It was the deadliest day for U.S. forces in Afghanistan since August 2011.
About 169 Afghans died, according to the Associated Press. CBS News put the number at 170.
“We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay,” President Joe Biden said Thursday night.
Identified soldiers from 13
- Max Soviak
- Rylee Mccollum
- David Lee Espinoza
- Kareem Nikoui
I’ve never been one for politics and i’m not going to start now. What I will say is that my beautiful, intelligent, beat-to-the-sound of his own drum, annoying, charming baby brother was killed yesterday helping to save lives. he was a fucking medic. there to help people. and now he is gone and my family will never be the same. there is a large Maxton sized hole that will never be filled. he was just a kid. we are sending kids over there to die. kids with families that now have holes just like ours. i’m not one for praying but damn could those kids over there use some right now. my heart is in pieces and I don’t think they’ll ever fit back right again.
The Navy Medic killed yesterday in Kabul is Max Soviak, 22 yrs old, from Berlin Heights, Ohio. He selflessly gave his life to help others.
Please honor his life, his service and pray for his family as they mourn his loss.
