Minnesota Veteran becomes new VFW national surgeon general

Dr. James R. Tuorila was elected National Surgeon General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. on Aug. 1, 2024, at the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

James served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1977, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Korea. In recognition of his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and two Army Commendation Medals.

He joined the VFW in 1995 at Post 428 in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership. He has served as Post Commander, All-American District Commander and Department Surgeon. This is his fourth time serving as National Surgeon General.

James received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bemidji State University in 1979, his Master of Arts degree from Wichita State University in 1981, and his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University in 1986. He retired from the St. Cloud VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and is a retired adjunct faculty member from St. Cloud State University.

He is a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Cootie, Korean War Veterans Association, 2nd Infantry Division Association, AMVETs, the Forty and Eight, and is an associate member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Association.

James and his wife, Diane, reside in St. Cloud, Minnesota.