From High School Enlistee to Skilled Metals Technology Specialist: Airman Jacalyn Cox’s Journey at the 157th Air Refueling Wing

Airman Jacalyn Cox, a recent addition to the metals technology shop at the 157th Air Refueling Wing, is already making her mark in the field. Cox, who hails from Madison, New Hampshire, enlisted in the Air National Guard during her senior year of high school with no prior machine shop experience. However, her interest in the field grew since attending technical school, and now she is an aircraft metal technology specialist.

As part of a team that completes fabrications, designs critical tools for the KC-46, and utilizes various machines to accomplish their tasks, Cox has found welding to be one of her newfound passions. Despite never having tinkered in maintenance or metalworking during her upbringing, she has quickly adapted to and embraced the unique challenges presented by her work.

What drew Cox to the metals technology shop was its interesting nature. However, it was her familiarity with the base that ultimately led her to join the 157th Air Refueling Wing. Her father, Master Sgt. Jeremy Cox, has served in the New Hampshire Air National Guard for over 20 years. After graduating from high school, Basic Military Training and technical school, Cox is now considering pursuing further education to become certified in her new trades.

Excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, Cox is looking forward to exploring the possibility of attending college and potentially working full-time at the base. She finds the daily experience of trying new machines and tasks to be exhilarating and has developed a deep appreciation for her work in the metals technology shop. Despite initially feeling intimidated when first touring the base and encountering the machines, Cox now feels at home and is eager to continue expanding her skills and knowledge in the field.