Honoring Our Veterans on Veterans Day
November 11, 2024
Today, on Veterans' Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to our country's veterans, including Sonya Sano, Troy Clement, and Sarah Ozment, three valued members of the Bio-Rad family who have honorably served our nation. Their hard work and dedication to our country inspire us all. We thank them and all of our Bio-Rad veterans for their service.
To honor our veterans, we asked Sonya, Troy, and Sarah to tell us a bit about their experience in the military. These are their stories.
Sonya Sano
Trade Shows and Events Coordinator, Global MarCom & Branding
Travel Support Team, Air Force
When I joined the Air Force in 1981, I was at a crossroads in life. College didn’t feel like the right path for me, and job opportunities were limited. I wasn’t sure what to do, but after speaking with a recruiter, I made a decision that would change my life forever.
For eight years, I served in the Air Force as part of the travel support team, helping those on temporary assignments. I didn’t realize at the time how much this experience would shape me—not just professionally, but personally. The Air Force didn’t just provide me with skills and discipline; it helped me grow into a stronger, more confident person.
For me, Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members and honor those who gave everything for our country. It’s a day to pay tribute to my fellow veterans and especially to my stepfather, who served in the Vietnam War.The experience changed my life in ways I never expected, and I carry the lessons I learned with me every day.
Troy Clement
Facilities Operations Manager, GSC
Civil Engineering Officer, Air Force
I served in the Air Force as a Civil Engineering officer assigned to various duty stations overseas and in the US, as well as being deployed to the Middle East. My time in the military taught me the value of service to my country, dedication to the mission, accountability, and an appreciation of the world's diversity. It also instilled in me that the efforts of all contribute to and determine the level of success from the lowest ranking through top leadership. Most of all, I gained a sense of pride to have taken my place alongside family members who have served during war and peacetime from the Civil War to today.
Sarah Ozment
Account Manager III, GCO
Medical Laboratory, Army
I grew up in a military family. My Dad was a Marine Corps helicopter pilot. He went through college on a Navy ROTC scholarship. I followed in my father’s footsteps and applied for an ROTC scholarship at Auburn University. I figured I would serve my four years and then get out. Little did I know.
In the Army I was a Medical Laboratory Officer—medical technologist by degree and training. I spent 10 years in the Army serving at various facilities in Alabama, Virginia, and San Antonio, Texas.
Due to life circumstances, I ended up getting off active duty after 10 years but remained in the Army reserves. I was doing lab sales at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio and was told they had opening for Lab Officers, so I applied and was able to transition from the Army Reserves onto active-duty Air Force. I spent most of those 10 years at the Brooks AFB Epi Lab and the AF Drug Testing Lab. I retired in 2005 after 20 years as a Lt Col.
I now have a daughter who is active-duty Navy since she wanted to go out of state to college and needed a way to pay that out of state tuition—yes, she went to Auburn as well. So I am proud the tradition carries on. And I’m sure my dad would be very proud of her as well.
To learn more about Bio-Rad's Diversity and Inclusion Program, please visit our D&I Page.
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