New Aviator Finds Her Passion for Metalworking in the Air Force’s Metals Technology Shop

Airman Jacalyn Cox is the newest member of the metals technology shop at the 157th Air Refueling Wing. She grew up in Madison, New Hampshire, and enlisted in the Air National Guard her senior year of high school without any prior machine shop experience. Despite this lack of experience, she was drawn to the field due to its complexity and challenges. After attending technical school to learn the basics, she became even more intrigued by the possibilities it presented.

Cox did not have any experience with maintenance or metalworking during her upbringing. However, as an aircraft metal technology specialist, she now works in a joint office that completes fabrications, designs critical tools for the KC-46, and uses a variety of machines to accomplish tasks. Although she was initially intimidated by the machinery at the base, Cox has developed a passion for welding and enjoys working with new tools.

Cox joined the unit because of her father, Master Sgt. Jeremy Cox, who has served in the New Hampshire Air National Guard for over 20 years as a crew chief with the 157th Maintenance Group. She admires her father’s career and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Now that she is part of