MEET TOM
VETERAN LEADERSHIP DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Tom Silva was born and raised in Tracy, California, during a time when it was still a small, close-knit community much like Galt is today. After graduating from Tracy High School, Tom began a distinguished career of more than 33 years with the California Army National Guard. During his service, he spent 27 years on active duty, serving in military units throughout Northern California. He also served a tour of duty in Iraq for which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
For nearly 20 years, Tom and his family lived in the rural areas of Lassen County near Susanville. His years in that community gave him a deep appreciation for the values, relationships, and strong sense of community that come with small-town life. Those experiences ultimately shaped his decision to make Galt his family's home when the opportunity to relocate arose.
Family has always been central to Tom's life. He is the proud father of 10 children and 7 grandchildren, and his commitment to family and community has remained a guiding principle throughout his personal and professional journey.
Following his retirement from the Army, Tom continued his commitment to personal growth and service by returning to school full-time and utilizing his GI Bill education benefits. He earned three separate Associate degrees from San Joaquin Delta College—in Business Administration, Accounting, and Interdisciplinary Studies—demonstrating his dedication to expanding his knowledge and preparing for his next chapter.
Tom then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific. Following graduation, he continued serving the military-connected community by working full-time at Pacific as the Military & Veterans Program Coordinator. In that role, Tom helped ensure that student veterans and their family members had the support and resources necessary to succeed in achieving their higher education goals.
Throughout more than three decades of military service, higher education, and community-focused work, Tom has consistently demonstrated a commitment to service, leadership, education, family, and community. His journey—from growing up in a small California town, to serving his country for more than 33 years, to earning multiple college degrees and supporting fellow veterans—reflects a lifelong dedication to helping others and strengthening the communities he calls home.