Airman Jacalyn Cox has recently joined the metals technology shop at the 157th Air Refueling Wing, with no prior experience in machine shop work. Hailing from Madison, New Hampshire, Cox enlisted in the Air National Guard during her senior year of high school and has found her interest in the field growing since attending technical school.

Now working as an aircraft metal technology specialist, Cox 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 quickly adapted to and embraced the unique challenges presented by her work. She finds welding to be one of her newfound passions and is eager to continue expanding her skills and knowledge in the field.

Cox’s familiarity with the base drew her to the 157th Air Refueling Wing, 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 initial intimidation when first touring the base and encountering