Photo By Staff Sgt. Alyssa Reik | TU.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Natalie Jones, a member of the 179th Cyberspace...... read more read more
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MANSFIELD, Ohio – U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Natalie Jones, a member of the 179th Cyberspace Wing (179CW), reflects on her journey in the Air National Guard, where she has spent 18 years across three different career fields, finding fulfillment and purpose in both her military and civilian roles.
Jones originally enlisted in the Air National Guard to help pay for college, but her path evolved as she grew more connected to the mission and structure of the Air Force.
“As I started to get opportunities to go on more trips and get acclimated with the 179th, I just enjoyed it,” she said. “I love the structure. I would love to stay in as long as I can.”
Throughout her career, Jones has remained with the 179CW, deploying to Qatar twice, including once while attending college. Balancing military service and academics, she worked 12-hour shifts overseas while completing homework after hours. Despite the challenges, she earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Akron. Her undergraduate degree is in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Child Psychology, and her master's is in Special Education with a focus on Autism.
On the civilian side, Jones is a third-grade teacher, having worked in education for 11 years. After graduating, she began as a site administrator for the Head Start program in Cleveland, later transitioning into a teaching role. She now teaches in Maple Heights, Ohio, and is dedicated to supporting young learners.
“I’ve always gravitated toward roles that worked with and helped people,” Jones said. “In both my civilian and military careers, I’ve found ways to make a positive impact.”
Jones started her military career in Supply and spent seven years in that field. Initially, her goal was simply to complete college, but after her first enlistment, she decided to continue her service. During her senior year of college, she became pregnant, and balancing motherhood with academics taught her valuable lessons in resilience.
“I think I just learned how to be resilient,” she said. “I was still able to finish school and have my son. That’s when I decided I want to do something I see as more meaningful in the Air Force.”
Jones transitioned to Equal Opportunity (EO), where she served for 11 years before taking on her current role as a Human Resources Advisor (HRA) six months ago. In this position, she helps fellow Airmen navigate their careers, offering guidance on the many opportunities the Air Guard has to offer.
“I want to help the Guard in any way I can,” she said. “We have so much to offer. When I look at the 179th, I think of all the members who contribute not only here but also in their civilian careers. They work so hard every day, and then come back to the base and do the exact same thing.”
Jones emphasizes the unique sense of camaraderie and motivation she finds at the 179CW.
“I leave drill every month feeling so motivated,” she said. “I love that about being here. You can’t get that from everywhere else.
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.26.2025 12:12 |
| Story ID: | 489923 |
| Location: | MANSFIELD, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 224 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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