National Field Service Representative
National Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission
The American Legion
Kevin Blanchard joined The American Legion in October of 2011. Kevin serves as a National Field Service Representative; his area of responsibility includes Veterans Integrated Service Network's 6, 15, 18, 22, and 23. Kevin will be conducting site visits in FY 2011 and 2012 to the various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical facilities in conjunction with the American Legion's "A System Worth Saving" Program. Kevin's collateral duties for the American Legion include the National Cemetery Administration, Third Party Billing, Advisory Committee on Structural Safety of VA Facilities, Advisory Committee on Rehabilitation, Advisory Council on National Research, and Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans.
Kevin served four and half years in the United States Marine Corps both on Active Duty and Reserve. His military occupation was a Combat Engineer. He served 6 months in Iraq with 4th Combat Engineer Battalion. In 2005, Kevin was hit by an improvised explosive device in Northwest, Iraq. Following the explosion he was transported to Bethesda Naval Medical Center and then to Walter Reed. Kevin sustained thirty surgeries and thirteen months of outpatient recovery. Kevin was a recipient of The Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Kevin obtained a B.A. degree in International Business at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. After graduation Kevin trekked South America for six month studying Spanish, photograph and volunteering at prosthetic clinics.
Currently, Kevin resides in Baltimore, Maryland and enjoys cycling, camping and reading.