Dr. Jim Tuorila
Class of '79
Dr. James “Jim” Tuorila, a 1979 Bemidji State University graduate, 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, Ky.
Tuorila served in the United States Army from 1973-77, 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, 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.
Tuorila received his bachelor of arts degree from Bemidji State 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 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.
Tuorila and his wife, Diane, reside in St. Cloud.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation’s largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy and military and community service programs.