The “In Focus” series is a monthly feature that puts the spotlight on some of the 419th Fighter Wing’s best and brightest Citizen Airmen. Find it first on Instagram @419fw
IN FOCUS: Staff Sgt. Thakariah Minson
UNIT: 419th Security Forces Squadron
TITLE: Fire team leader/resources NCOIC
FUN FACTS: The son of movie buffs, Thakariah’s name comes from the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus. (He even has brothers named after Star Trek characters!) The 23-year-old Utah native is fourth-generation Air Force, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather (World War II), grandfather (Vietnam), and father, who also served in the 419th Fighter Wing. “I need to outdo my dad,” he joked. “He made it to senior [master sergeant], so I need to make it to chief.” As a member of the 419th SFS, Thakariah says the Air Force Reserve has allowed him to travel the world, including Spain and Southwest Asia. “It’s been amazing.” When not in uniform, Thakariah works as a security officer for a government contractor and studies psychology at Utah State University. He also enjoys photography and spending time with his wife and daughter. For those interested in joining the Reserve, Thakariah says, “It’s a great opportunity to serve your country, see the world, and give back. Freedom isn’t something that just happens, we’ve got to work for it. The people who dedicate their lives to that are some of the best people.”