HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jeremy Ehart will serve as the Parade Marshal for EAGLE Media's annual Patriots Parade on July 4.
He served as an American Legion Commander for his home post, Lysle Rishel Post 68 in Hutchinson for two terms, and he continues to stay active in the American Legion.
Ehart served on the Department Legislative Council, and served as the membership committee chairperson at the state level. His works include representing Kansas on the National Security Council, and being a graduate of the 2019 National American Legion College. He was even featured on the cover of the National American Legion magazine in February 2016.
Ehart earned his eligibility through his service in the United States Marine Corps where he served in 2F1, an antiterrorism unit, stationed out of Virginia.
He was injured in a training accident in 2004 that left 60% of his body covered in third degree burns. He was medically retired from the military after his time in the hospital following his accident.
He and his wife Kristy moved home after his service ended in 2006 and he joined the American Legion shortly thereafter.
Ehart utilizes the American Legion and his story to raise mental health awareness and battle the stigmas associated with talking about it.
He thanks his family and the American Legion for help in his own battles with mental health following his retirement from the Marines.
Ehart knows firsthand it is still hard for veterans to talk about topics such as mental health due to the stigma. That stigma was still rampant, especially among veterans themselves, in the mid-to-late 2000s when he retired from service.
Only recently has mental health, acquiring the proper help, and connecting veterans to healthcare channels become more of an open discussion.
Many veterans may feel obligated to continue to keep quiet about their struggles despite the fight for awareness in the modern age.
Ehart said he will continue to spread mental health awareness as he serves with the American Legion.
Jeremy Ehart has been active in the Amercan Legion since joining in 2007 and is a proud Legionnaire, Sons of the American Legion member through his Grandfather’s WWII Service, and member of the American Legion Riders.
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