On Veterans Day, Quilts of Valor were given to these veterans, including Kevin Enyeart, who is in the back row far left. He served in the Army, enlisting in 1983 when he was 17. InkFreeNews photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — Kevin Enyeart of North Webster proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Now, he enjoys giving back to his fellow military peers by being an active member of the American Legion Post 253 in North Webster.

Enyeart grew up in Kosciusko County, graduating from Wawasee High School in 1983. He enlisted in the Army at 17, got engaged, and got married the same year.

He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps as he too was in the Army, serving in World War II.

“He received three Purple Hearts,” said Enyeart. “I knew when I was 10 years old that I wanted to be a veteran. I wanted to serve our country.”

Enyeart did his basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas. He spent most of his time at the Army base.

During his time in the military, he was cross trained to be a medic. This started a lifelong career in the EMS field.

He spent six years in the Army and two years in the Army Reserves. His rank was an E5 and he was a sergeant.

“I learned a lot of responsibility,” he said. “I carried it into my home life. I’ve been a servant ever since I got out.”

He has since retired from EMS work, just 13 days short of 35 years as an EMT.

He served on the North Webster fire department for 16 and 1/2 years. He retired from that to pursue a career with Parkview. He spent nine years as lead paramedic but he also worked in Winamac, Starke County and Jefferson Township for seven years, all EMS and fire departments. He was also a Milford firefighter/EMT while working at Syracuse Rubber for over 15 years.

Enyeart is a life-time member of the American Legion. He was the commander in 2000. He is now assistant sergeant at arms. Since he has retired, he has been more active in the Legion, he said.

“I’m doing the best I can, until the day I die,” he said. “I have a big voice so I do a lot of ceremonies.”

These include funerals, Memorial Day events and services at seven cemeteries in the North Webster area on Veterans Day.

“I’m honored every time I go,” Enyeart said.

He also conducted a service at a national cemetery in Marion, the only one in the state.

“I was honored to go there,” he said. “It makes me so proud that I know I served my country.”

He and his wife of 41 years, Becky, have three grandchildren and a niece they have cared for since she was 5 years old.

“They are fantastic,” he said of his grandchildren.

His hobbies include fishing and hunting. His wife is the North Webster postmaster.

Enyeart, 59, recently received a Quilt of Valor on Veterans Day. The service was held at the Legion in North Webster. He said it was “very humbling” to receive recognition.

“I was totally shocked,” said Enyeart. “It was quite an honor.”

His motto in life, he said, is “God, country and family.”