COLUMBUS - 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, received its first hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee, announced State Representatives Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Daniel P. Troy (D-Wickliffe). 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 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 outdoors man, sportsman, and body builder. He was planning to enter body building competitions upon his discharge and enter public service.

House Bill 27 was passed by the Ohio House earlier this year, receiving unanimous support from both the House Transportation Committee and on the House Floor. The bill currently has 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 now awaits a vote by the Senate Transportation Committee.