Ohio House Unanimously Passes Bill to Honor Specialist Jacob A. Ashton with Route 90 Bridge Dedication
COLUMBUS – State Reps. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) and Jamie Callender (R-Concord) Wednesday announced that the Ohio House unanimously voted to pass House Bill (HB) 27, legislation which would dedicate the Route 90 bridge over the Grand River in Perry Township in memory of Army Specialist Jacob A. Ashton.
Specialist Ashton was a decorated combat veteran who was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division before his death in August of 2024.
"In service to our nation, Specialist Ashton displayed remarkable bravery and was honored for his selfless actions. As travelers pass over the Grand River on the bridge that bears his name, may they take a moment to remember his sacrifice with gratitude and respect," said Rep. Troy.
Specialist Ashton was born in Willoughby to Jason Ashton and Michelle Ustupski where he lived before moving to Perry with his father and playing baseball and football for the Perry Pirates. He enlisted in the Army in 2021 and attended basic combat training at Fort Benning before deploying to Iraq in 2023 with the 10th Mountain Divisions 2nd brigade combat team. His awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal with C Device, the National Defense Service Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Specialist Ashton is remembered as an avid outdoorsman, sportsman, and bodybuilder. He was planning to enter bodybuilding competitions upon his discharge and enter public service.
“Specialist Ashton was one of Lake County’s great sons and a proud defender of our nation,” said Rep. Callender. “With today’s unanimous vote, we are one step closer to memorializing Specialist Ashton’s commitment to his community and dedication to service.”
House Bill 27 now awaits introduction and a vote in the Ohio Senate.