Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Ret.) Jim Finch was the 13th person appointed to the highest noncommissioned officer position in the United States Air Force. He entered the service in July 1974.
His background includes missile maintenance and professional military education. He served in a number of operational, maintenance and support units at every level of command from squadron through major command. Finch’s assignments included bases in Colorado, Florida, Alabama, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. He served overseas in the United Kingdom and Alaska.
Finch served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for 11th Air Force and Air Combat Command. While at ACC, the command was involved in operations such as PROVIDE PROMISE, NORTHERN WATCH, SOUTHERN WATCH, JOINT ENDEAVOR and ALLIED FORCE. Finch continues to interact with and have an impact on today’s Airmen. “I’m always delighted to spend time with them,” he said. “It makes you feel better about our Air Force.”