House Transportation Committee Unanimously Passes House Bill 27

COLUMBUS – The House Transportation Committee unanimously voted to pass House Bill 27, which would dedicate the Route 90 bridge over the Grand River in Perry Township in memory of Army Specialist Jacob A. Ashton, announced State Representatives Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick). 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. 

Specialist Ashton was born in Willoughby, Ohio 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 body builder. Upon his discharge, he was planning to enter body building competitions and public service. 

“I want to thank my colleagues for their unanimous support of House Bill 27,” said Callender. “While nothing can bring Specialist Ashton back to his family, we can honor his memory and commitment to serving both our nation and his community.”

“Specialist Ashton served our nation admirably and was prepared to return to civilian life and continue that service as a first responder,” said Troy. “Tragically, his life was cut short, but it is most fitting that we remember and salute his service through this bridge memorial.” 

House Bill 27 now awaits a full House vote.