PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A 29-year-old Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) soldier killed in a crash Sunday morning always wanted to serve his country, according to his father.
U.S. Army Specialist Charles “Tommy” Fairbairn enlisted when he was 25.
“He was 100 percent fulfilling his dreams of joining the military and serving his country,” said Wayne Fairbairn, Tommy’s father.
Fairbairn grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and spent time in Michigan before serving at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
According to Washington State Patrol investigators, Fairbairn and another soldier, 22-year-old Wendell Cerio, from Arizona, were both killed by a driver going the wrong way, eastbound in the westbound lanes, around 2 a.m. Sunday, June 2.
A third soldier, 22-year-old James Belanger, was injured and taken to the hospital, but was released, according to a statement from an Army spokesperson:
“We are saddened to learn that two 7th Infantry Division soldiers passed following an off-post vehicle accident the morning of June 2, 2024. One additional 7th Infantry Division soldier was admitted to the hospital where they have since been released. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these soldiers during this difficult time. This incident remains under investigation.”
Investigators said a 23-year-old woman caused the crash and is suspected of driving under the influence. She and her 19-month-old daughter were injured and taken to the hospital.
The mother remains in the hospital, but when she is released, she will be arrested and booked into the Pierce County jail on vehicular homicide charges, said investigators.
Her daughter is now in protective custody, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Tommy Fairbairn’s father said his son loved fishing and hunting.
“If he could find some water, he’d find a fish,” said Fairbairn.
He said his son was aware of the risks of volunteering to be in the military, and knew about the dangers of impaired drivers. Wayne Fairbairn said his son was the designated driver when he went out with his friends the night of the crash.
He hopes his son, who served his county, can serve as a lesson to others about the risks that drunk drivers pose.
”I couldn't be more proud of him, in everything that he did,” said Fairbairn, “I taught him how to be a man, and how to act like one. And he was everything I could ask of him.”