Legislation Introduced to Dedicate Grand River Bridge in Honor Fallen Army Specialist

COLUMBUS – Legislation has been introduced to 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-Wickliffe). Specialist Ashton was a decorated combat veteran who had recently returned from a 9-month tour of Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division before his death in August of 2024. 

Specialist Ashton was born in Willoughby to Jason Ashton and Michelle Ustupski where he lived before moving to Perry with his father where he played baseball and football for the Perry Pirates. He enlisted in the Army in 2021 and attended basic combat training at Fort Moore before deploying to Iraq in 2023. 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 outdoors man, sportsman, and body builder. He was planning to enter body building competitions and public service upon his discharge. 

“Lake County lost one of its great sons, and the nation lost one of its proud defenders,” said Callender. “By dedicating the bridge over the Grand River, we can memorialize a young man who embodied the values of Lake County, Ohio, and the Nation.” 

“Specialist Ashton stepped forward to serve our nation and was honored for his heroic and courageous actions during that service,” said Troy. “We hope that area motorists are remindful and thankful for his sacrifice as they pass over the Grand River on this bridge named in his honor.” 

HB 27 now awaits a committee assignment.