Gregory Fairchild

Captain Greg Fairchild’s celebrated military career spans more than two decades of dedicated service in the U.S. Navy. Trained for Surface Warfare and Medical Diving Operations, Fairchild holds two Legions of Merit medals and advanced degrees in nuclear engineering and medicine, with more than 30 years in health physics for radiation safety. Yet none of these accomplishments fully prepared him for the challenges that his injury would present. Fairchild’s recovery slowed, and his life became increasingly sedentary. His wife learned about Navy Wounded Warrior through a sailor’s recommendation, and it changed his trajectory. His very first adaptive sport was precision air sports, which became a favorite. He loved the self-discipline, focus, and repetition of process, as well as the potential to continue to participate and improve for years to come. Away from the field, Fairchild has been married to his wife, Taryn, for 32 years. They have four children: Alivia, Taylor, Jonathan, and Caroline. He promised her to be Navy fit after retirement and sees the strategies and skills he learned through adaptive sports as key to making that happen. Overall, the program has given him a breath of encouragement, with teammates, coaches, and staff who understand the uniqueness of his circumstances at this critical moment. Fairchild’s story demonstrates that even the most accomplished individuals benefit from community, support, and a chance to rediscover what their bodies and spirits are still capable of achieving after injury.