From High Schooler to Metals Tech Specialist: Airman Jacalyn Cox’s Journey in the Air Force

Airman Jacalyn Cox is the newest member of the metals technology shop at the 157th Air Refueling Wing. Hailing from Madison, New Hampshire, she enlisted in the Air National Guard during her senior year of high school with no prior machine shop experience. Initially attracted to the field because of its interesting nature, Cox’s interest has only grown since attending technical school. Now working as an aircraft metal technology specialist, she is part of a team that completes fabrications, designs critical tools for the KC-46, and utilizes various machines to accomplish their tasks.

Despite never having tinkered in maintenance or metal working during her upbringing, Cox has found welding to be one of her newfound passions. Having never used a torch before joining the unit, she has quickly adapted to and embraced the unique challenges presented by her work. Cox joined the 157th Air Refueling Wing due to her familiarity with the base, as her father, Master Sgt. Jeremy Cox, has served in the New Hampshire Air National Guard for over 20 years. Following her graduation 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 her initial intimidation when first touring the base and encountering the machines