Jacqueline Wonsetler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacqueline Wonsetler
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Jacqueline Wonsetler, from a 1972 publication of the NOAA
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| Born | 13 June 1918 Chaves County, New Mexico
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| Died | 1 December 1974 Marion, Oregon
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| Occupation | Meteorologist |
Jacqueline Wonsetler (born June 13, 1918 – died December 1, 1974) was an American meteorologist. A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the Earth's atmosphere and weather. She worked for the National Weather Service for 29 years, helping people understand and prepare for weather conditions.
Early Life and Education
Jacqueline Wonsetler was born on June 13, 1918, in Chaves County, New Mexico. Her parents were Joe Bussey Wonsetler and Florence M. Dean Wonsetler. Her father taught at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico.
When she was a child, Jacqueline moved to California with her family. She went to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1940. Later, she earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon. She also studied meteorology through special courses from the Pennsylvania State University. In 1946, she earned her pilot's license, which meant she could fly airplanes!
Her Career as a Meteorologist
During World War II, Jacqueline Wonsetler joined the United States Navy in a special group called WAVES. From 1943 to 1945, she worked as an aerographer's mate. This job meant she helped forecast weather for Navy operations.
After the war, she started working for the National Weather Service. She worked in many different places as a meteorologist. Some of her most important jobs were at McNary Field in Salem, Oregon and in Flagstaff, Arizona. She retired in 1972 after 29 years of service.
Jacqueline Wonsetler received a special award from the United States Department of Commerce. It was called the Outstanding Accomplishment Award. She earned it for her work in helping to develop weather services and briefings for pilots in long-distance air races.
She was also an active member of several groups. She belonged to the Los Angeles chapter of the Ninety-Nines, which is an organization for women pilots. She was also part of Citizens for a Better Flagstaff and helped advise the Flagstaff municipal airport.
Personal Life
Jacqueline Wonsetler passed away on December 1, 1974, when she was 56 years old. She died in Marion, Oregon. Her grave is located at the Willamette National Cemetery in Oregon.
