Meet Lt. Col. York Published Oct. 4, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Thanks to his mother, one Airman pursued years of education as a foundation for his military career. "My family is made up of servicemen," said Lt. Col. Robert York, 325th Aerospace Medical Squadron commander. "I originally wanted to join the Marines; however, I was 17 and my mother would not sign for me to join. She urged that I go to college." Once Colonel York attended school, he found he really enjoyed it. "I've found myself to be a lifelong learner," said Colonel York. He has completed his bachelor's and master's degrees, attended medical school, joined the Air Force and completed his first medical residency in Family Practice. "I knew from the start that I wanted to be a flight surgeon, and the best way to take care of the flyer is to be a fully-trained Board Certified physician," Colonel York said. While on active duty, he obtained his second master's degree in public health, and three additional medical board certifications in Aerospace, Occupational, and Certified Physician Executive. "The Air Force has been a wonderful vehicle to allow me to continue my education, and I hope to apply what I have learned to better Air Force medical services," he added. "I've learned that education provides lifelong opportunities," Colonel York said. "There are always opportunities to improve one's knowledge." "Life is a process of continued improvement and education is that key," he added. "Either from going to school and taking classes or just reading a book, it is crucial to continue to challenge yourself to learn." Colonel York is also eager to take advantage of the local community and enjoy the beaches with his family. "I have two boys, ages seven and nine. Besides capitalizing on the many opportunities Tyndall has to offer, I'm hoping to teach the kids to water ski," Colonel York said. He also has other accomplishments such as winning the Air Combat Command and Air Force Malcolm Grow Flight Surgeon of the Year in 2004. He is a battle tested Flight Surgeon with over 375 flight hours and approximately 21 combat hours. Colonel York arrived from Osan Air Base, South Korea, where he was the 51st AMDS commander of the 51st Medical Group. "Being in command is a fantastic opportunity," said the Colonel. "It is a position that allows me to make decisions and be an enabler for my people. It is my role to crush the obstacles that prevent them from doing their jobs; they are the subject matter experts." He is also looking forward to assisting in achieving the '20/20 by 2020' goals. The 20/20 goal is the Air Force's plan to shrink and offset a 20 percent reduction in funds by achieving efficiencies and by reducing by 20 percent the Air Force physical property footprint. "Tyndall will also be switching from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command," added Colonel York. "I've spent the majority of my career in ACC and I'm excited to help with this transition. I look forward to seeing all that Tyndall has to offer."