Meet Lt. Col. Phares Published June 30, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Melanie Holliday 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Climbing mountains isn't this Airmen's only accomplishment. Lieutenant Col. Shannon Phares has traveled all over the world pursuing her passion of mountain climbing. To date she has climbed Mt. Rainer in Seattle, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. Her most recent accomplishment was accepting command of the 325th Medical Support Squadron June 17, replacing Lt. Col. Shari Silverman. Colonel Phares was born in Baton Rouge, La. and raised in Clinton, La. Throughout high school, she was part of the track team running the 400, 800 and 1600 meter events. After graduating high school in 1987, Colonel Phares attended the University of California at Davis where she received a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology. "After college my dad told me I needed a job," Colonel Phares laughed, "He said the Air Force would be a great place for me. I resisted, but finally gave in after talking to my sister and enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at San Diego State University." Two years later, Colonel Phares graduated with a master's degree in exercise physiology and commissioned in the United States Air Force. "Fifteen years later, joining the Air Force was the best advice my dad has ever given me," said Colonel Phares. Her next challenge is to climb Mt. McKinley in Alaska, which she proudly displays a photo of on her office bookcase. "I love the challenge and the beauty of climbing. You see a different world when you're at the top of a mountain," Colonel Phares said. During her last assignment she served as Director of Operations, Aerospace and Operational Physiology Programs in Arlington, Va. "I've loved every minute of my career," Colonel Phares said. "And now I have the best job in the Air Force."