The “In Focus” series is a monthly feature that puts the spotlight on some of the 419th Fighter Wing’s best and brightest Reserve Citizen Airmen. Find it on Instagram @419fw
Meet Staff Sgt. Jake Nixon, 24, from Golden, Colorado.
Brand new to the 419th Fighter Wing, Jake landed in the world of F-35 maintenance after five years on active duty, where he worked on thermonuclear cruise missiles at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.
Joining the Air Force Reserve gave him the opportunity to move to Utah, where he studies electrical engineering at the University of Utah.
“I’m super passionate about education,” he said. “My job in North Dakota sparked my interest [in engineering], so the military set in stone exactly what I want to do with my life.”
Besides his knack for science, math, and engineering, Jake said he’s known for his positive attitude: “I see beauty in everything, whether it’s a snow dune in the middle of North Dakota or a broken fastener on the side of a jet. Every day I’m appreciating how incredible it is to be a human on such a cool planet.”
Jake has a hunger for adventure – biking, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing in a single weekend. He enjoys photographing his experiences “to show people how beautiful life on earth is.”
The Airman’s goals include finishing his degree and immersing himself in the “mountain culture” of Utah.
“I want to explore and make this my home, and just be a Utahn.”