Joy's love for science grew stronger when she was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. As a member of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, her duty includes ensuring the water distribution system to the launch pads, and fire systems in the facility are mission-ready. Joy finds it fascinating to watch rockets and missiles being launched into space. After six years on active duty, she went back to school and obtained a B.S. in Environmental Science, an M.S. in Environmental Science, and an M.Ed. in Teaching. Joy taught middle school science for a few years and is currently working as an Environmental Specialist III for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In May 2019, Joy received the ZONTA 2019 Woman of Achievement Award. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering, taking road trips, and visiting parks and museums with her husband Shawn, retired Navy, and their two sons.