Meet Lt. Col. Silverman Published Jan. 11, 2010 By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon 325 th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Not many Air Force members can say they have spent their days diving the Great Barrier Reef as a certified scuba diver, bungee jumping in New Zealand, white water rafting down the Snake River in Idaho, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or running a marathon, but one current commander here has done it all, plus some. "I have also been to the Great Wall of China and climbed Mount Fuji as well," said Lt. Col. Shari Silverman, 325th Medical Support Squadron commander. "Yet now my free time is with my family." Colonel Silverman grew up as an Air Force brat who went to high school in Kentucky. With an interest in the medical field, she majored in biology at the Air Force Academy and graduated in 1991. "I always wanted to be a physical therapist," said Colonel Silverman. "My dad was in the medical aspect of the Air Force, and at first I was going to go into sports medicine, then a year before I graduated a physical therapy position opened up and I jumped on that." Colonel Silverman received her master's degree directly afterward by going through the Army-Baylor Physical Therapy Program at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. "I enjoy working with active-duty military because they are mostly young and healthy," said Colonel Silverman. "They are motivated to get better and get back to duty. I also enjoy the patient care aspect." While in the Air Force, Colonel Silverman has traveled to many different places. She met her husband while stationed in Korea 11 years ago, which she said was also one of her favorite assignments. "My husband and I got married in Greece and have traveled ever since," said Colonel Silverman. "(We've been to) a lot of places with the military and some on our own. I have been to over 30 countries." Colonel Silverman has two children, Trystan, age 6 and Autumn, 21 months. They take up the majority of her time. Her husband, Lt. Col. Shawn Silverman, is stationed at Hurlburt Field, Fla., so she spends the weekdays busy with her children. She has been stationed apart from her husband for half their marriage and can't wait to be with him full time again. "We have retirement property on Orcas Island in Washington State," said Colonel Silverman. "I want to be a mom, relax and enjoy the outdoors." Although future plans are made, Colonel Silverman isn't planning on retiring soon. "I really enjoy the people; I've learned a significant amount from them" said Colonel Silverman. "MDSS is more than just the people behind the scenes. We have infrastructure systems, computers, money, pharmaceuticals, the lab, radiology and Tricare. Every command does have its challenges, but having a great crew makes it easier." Her commander, Col. Gino Auteri, 325th Medical Group commander, had high praise for her. "Lt. Col. Silverman is a highly talented, outstanding Air Force leader," he said. "Since taking command in June of 2009, she has expertly guided all medical support functions to ensure maximum efficiency for all clinical healthcare resources. In addition to her command role, she has also found time to continue seeing patients as a credentialed physical therapist. We are absolutely thrilled to have someone of Lt. Col. Silverman's caliber on our team." Along with enjoying her squadron, she has goals and expectations for them. "I'd like to see them continue to smooth line our processes and receive an 'outstanding' on the Health Services Inspection and Accreditation Association," said Colonel Silverman. "My advice to new Airmen is to keep your eyes and ears open, learn as much as possible and keep focused on the mission." Growing up as an Air Force brat, Colonel Silverman said she doesn't know any other way. "I really enjoy the Air Force," said Colonel Silverman. "I'm fortunate that we've had that military experience. I enjoy the camaraderie and I think the people are a lot closer than in a civilian work environment. We all look out for each other." For a closer look at the 325th Medical Support Squadron click here.