Phil Samples was selected Surgeon of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the state of Tennessee in May, 2026, at the State Meeting in Pigeon Forge, TN.  Phil served in the United States Air Force 1983 to 2010, earning his VFW eligibility on multiple deployments to Southwest Asia. In recognition of his career service, he received the Legion of Merit Medal (two), Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (six), AF Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal (two), along with a number of other medals and recognitions.   He joined the VFW in 2024 at Post 10904 in Manchester, TN, where he serves as Post Surgeon and he maintains his Gold Legacy Life membership.  Phil graduated from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy in 1980 and earned his Pharmacy Doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia/University of Georgia in 1992.  Additionally, he earned a Masters in Military Operational Art from the Air Command and Staff College and a Masters in Strategic Studies from the Air War College in Montgomery, AL in 1999 and 2007 respectively.  Phil is retired and he and his wife Diana reside in Hillsboro, TN.