DVIDS – News – I'm number 908: I'm a technician.Sergeant Tavarius Finley

technology. Sergeant Tavarius Finley is a helicopter/tiltrotor aircraft maintenance specialist with the 908th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Finley diagnoses problems and repairs, inspects and maintains aircraft, systems and related equipment to meet operational needs.

The Birmingham, Alabama native chose to join the military due to early exposure to the atomic bomb in his childhood.

“Joining the Air Force was something I always thought about because my dad lived behind the 117th Air Refueling Wing in Birmingham,” Finley said. “My first memory was [aircraft] I didn't really know what they were at the time, but I wanted to go wherever they were. ”

He thus became the first generation of military personnel in his family. Since joining this unit in 2012, he has completed two deployments and more than 60 missions, visiting more than 16 countries and nearly all 50 states in the United States.

“Since joining the military, I never imagined I would end up on the same path,” Finley explained. “I also never imagined that I would do something so amazing as attend his 75th anniversary celebrations on D-Day in Normandy.”

Finley spoke of his excitement about where his career has gone so far and where it will go from here. Although he enjoys the experience the military has given him, he also takes pride in what he can do for others. He loves serving his Wing colleagues by providing advice, guidance and encouragement, he explained.

A team player, Finley spends most of his time volunteering when not on the wing. He coaches the various extracurricular activities that children participate in, teaches Sunday school, and serves the community.

Finley is equally committed to bettering himself, currently pursuing a master's degree in theology from Liberty University and working on writing and publishing more book series.

“I am grateful to be a part of Unit 908 as I take on a new mission,” Finley said. “This has given me the opportunity to bring positivity as we face new challenges that will test our accountability, resilience and flexibility.”

Finley, the 908th Airlift Wing's Civilian Category II winner for the third quarter of 2023, is a Reserve citizen who embodies the core values ​​of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. I'm an aviator.

The 908th is proud to have Airmen like Finley under its wing.