2019 Hall of Fame Inductee: Ms. Ruth Fraser Fairchild

A 1982 graduate of Lawrence County Vocational Technical School, Ruth always knew she wanted to simply help people. She took her first steps toward this goal by studying in the Health Assistant Program.

Her next steps took place upon graduation; she began her life of service to country and community when she joined the US Army as an Operating Room Technician. In her 12 years of military service, she saw action during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudia Arabia.

When Ruth came home to begin her civilian life in 1994, her life of service continued at UPMC Jameson as a Perioperative Material Supervisor; she also joined VFW Post 315 where she served as the local post’s Surgeon General; she served as Pennsylvania’s State Surgeon General (2004-2011). Her job duty was to travel to several VA hospitals assessing soldiers who had returned from war with significant injuries including traumatic brain injuries or amputations; she felt it not just a duty but a privilege to help these soldiers prepare to reorient themselves to civilian life.

In an unanimous election by over 2500 people, Ruth accepted the position as the VFW National Surgeon General from July 2018 - July 2019. She worked alongside state-level surgeon generals addressing critical issues surrounding soldiers returning to civilian life following a significant or disabling injury.

…all because she simply wanted to help.

Ruth Fraser Fairchild — Thank you for your service.