7 Things to Know About GH’s Chet: Afghanistan Vet Chris Van Etten

Amy’s much talked about, but never before seen brother, Chet, who was injured during a tour of duty in Afghanistan, is about to materialize on General Hospital (GH), and he’s being played by real-life U.S. war veteran, Chris Van Etten.

It’s the first acting assignment for the former Marine corporal, who’s slated to make his debut this month. However, his face – and exquisite six-pack – may already be quite familiar to fans.

Want to find out why? Here are 7 things to know about Van Etten, who debuts soon.

1. Van Etten is a double-amputee who lost both his legs when he stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device), while serving in Afghanistan in 2012.

2. To overcome the emotional darkness that followed, he turned to physical fitness after receiving prosthetic legs and being medically retired from service in 2013. Van Etten’s goal was to use exercise for mental strength and to get into the best physical shape of his life.

3. In 2016, Van Etten became part of Jockey brand’s “Show ’Em What’s Underneath” underwear modeling campaign. It focuses on everyday heroes stripping down to share their struggles against extraordinary odds.

4. Van Etten is happily married to Samantha Yovandich, who he met at the gym. The couple tied the knot on April 1, 2017 and received their dream wedding as a gift from Paradise Falls, a company in Oceanside, CA, owned by Al and Cathie Ransom. The couple gift one wedding a year through a program called “Vows for Vets.”

5. Van Etten currently tours as a motivational speaker and has hopes of one day opening his own gym. His goal is to help everyone – particularly people with injuries – find their strength.

6. Van Etten is “extremely passionate” about wheelchair lacrosse. He currently plays on the Wheelchair Lacrosse USA team and hopes to see the sport grows to its fullest potential.

7. In a weird soap twist, Van Etten actually shares his name with the current GH co-head scribe. That’s right. There’s another Chris Van Etten out there and he’s also written for One Life to Live and Home & Family.

General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.