Brandi Aber was a senior in high school when she experienced the tragic events of 9/11.  She wanted to protect and serve her country, so she made the decision to join the Air National Guard after she graduated.  There was a waiting list to begin basic training due to the high volume of individuals enlisting in the military in response to the 9/11 attacks.  In November 2002, Brandi entered basic training in San Antonio, Texas.  After graduating, she was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she began her military career as a ground radio technician.

After spending nine months in Biloxi, Brandi then was stationed at the 220th Engineering Installation Squadron (EIS) in Zanesville.  While she served, she attended Zane State College and studied to be a medical lab technician (MLT).   “I have always been drawn to instruments like the microscope, and I enjoy looking below the surface to find answers for patients and help them get better,” Brandi said.  In 2006, Brandi earned her associate degree in applied science and was hired at Licking Memorial Hospital as a MLT later that year.

Brandi served in the Air National Guard for nine years and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant.  She completed her service in 2012 after the birth of her son.  Her military training and experience has taught her the value of hard work and dedication.  “As a ground radio technician, I was always repairing or installing equipment, and it helped me gain a better understanding of how the instrumentation worked,” Brandi said.  “I use those same skills when I am working with laboratory equipment at the Hospital.”

Organization and attention to detail are skills that Brandi uses in her job daily.  Physicians depend on the work she performs to help them diagnose illnesses and determine treatment.  In addition to performing laboratory tests, Brandi makes sure that the equipment is cleaned and maintained properly in order to ensure that lab results are accurate.  She is proud that her work as a MLT allows her to have a positive impact on the health of the community.