Fairchild was born in Sunbury and graduated from Lewisburg High School and Penn State University MontAlto campus. After college, he served in the
U.S. Army and in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader. Upon his return home in 1969, he started a heavy construction business with his brother in Winfield. He served as president of the company until his election to the House. Fairchild is a recipient of the
Bronze Star Medal and other combat citations for his Vietnam service. He is a member of the American Legion, an honorary member of the Military Order of Purple Heart, a lifetime member of the VFW and the Veterans of the Vietnam War. Fairchild is married to Carol; they reside in East Buffalo Township, outside Lewisburg. Both are Penn State graduates. Now retired, his wife worked as an elementary teacher in the Selinsgrove School District. ==References==