Aeromedical Staging Squadron Says Goodbye to One of It's Own

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shane O. Huff
  • 927 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  After 30 years of service in the Air Force, Colonel Bert A. Silich retires with the 927th Aeromedical Staging Squadron (ASTS).  

Colonel Lynn McDaniels, ASTS Commander, officially said goodbye to one of her most experienced airmen during an 11 July retirement ceremony.  Presided by Commander of the 927th Air Refueling Wing, Colonel Kenneth D. Lewis, Jr., Colonel Silich was recognized before family and friends for his dedication to service and country. 

Silich began his military career in a Marine Officer Training Program during college. After Phase I he decided that he had a better chance of flying fixed wing aircraft in the Air Force. Commissioned through the Air Force in 1979, Silich soon attended flight school and became a pilot on the HC-130 aircraft where he flew 250-300 rescue missions a year out of Alaska. 

Silich had a wider perspective than most during his Air Force career.  He served in five different commands and flew for 23 years as a command pilot in five different aircraft.  He piloted the T-37, C-130, Twin Otter, C-26, and the HC-130 aircraft. A few highlights of his career include being an Instructor Research and Evaluator Pilot in a classified, defense critical flight test program, being the Course Director and Instructor of Mathematical Sciences and Dean of the Faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy,  and his design of the in-dimensional fighter aircraft which was patented by the Air Force. His last several years in the Air Force were served as a flight surgeon.  He had fourteen years on active duty, over ten in the Ohio Air National Guard, and six in the Air Force Reserves.  

"I will miss people the most from my Air Force career. The positive, mission oriented attitudes have no comparison in the civilian world," said Silich. "I would ask of all the people coming behind me that in whatever you do conduct it with integrity and strive for excellence."  

Silich is looking forward to spending time with his wife and three children. He is an Emergency Medical Staff Physician at Henry Ford Health System in the greater Detroit area and continues to conduct aeronautical and medical research.