Sandians reflect on decades of service
For many Sandians, the history of the Labs is woven into their family histories. Lab News continues a series of stories from Sandians whose families have been part of the Labs for generations.
Before the Coyote Test Field, there was Coyote Springs, home to the Chavez-Moya family. Jose Chavez, also known as “Papa Grande,” great-grandfather of Larry Moya, owned and operated Greystone Manor, a homestead at Coyote Springs. Coyote Springs was maintained by the Chavez family until the government took it over in the early ’40s. By 1943, it became part of Kirtland Air Force Base and later, a Sandia test facility known as Coyote Test Field.
A few years later, in 1947, Larry Moya’s father, Manuel Moya, began working in the Z Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory, later known as Sandia. Manuel retired in March 1978 after 30-plus years of service.
Larry began his career at Sandia as a custodian then transitioned to the machine shop, ending his career as an engineer and team lead in power sources production. He retired in 2014 and spent three additional years as a Sandia consultant.
In June 2001, Larry’s oldest son, Steve , began his career as an intern while working on his bachelor’s degree at the University of New Mexico, eventually moving to work on synthetic aperture radars, satellite projects and components and systems for the B61 and W88/ALT 370 as an engineer and manager. He is currently the senior technical adviser for the DOD in Nuclear Deterrence Policy contributing to the Nuclear Weapons Council.
Larry’s youngest son, Adam, a mechanical engineer, joined the Labs in 2008 through a minority fellowship program, earning his master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He is now working at Sandia’s Laser Application Facility with previous roles that include sled track, modal and other testing positions.
The Moya family remembers traditions such as Manuel surprising his kids with treats from the vending machine at work and showing them the machine shop during Family Day, sparking Larry’s early interest in Sandia. Steve also has early memories of Family Day, particularly the computer-aided design systems and the cool air in the server rooms, humorously dubbed “where they keep the alien bodies.” These experiences created lasting memories and a deep connection to the Labs.
Lori Montano-Martinez started at Sandia as a student intern in 1994 and became a full-time employee in 1995, transferring to the Explosives Component Facility in 1996 where she works today. Her husband, Jose Ben Martinez, also began his career at Sandia in 1994 and is now a manager in Environmental Compliance. Their oldest son, Justin, began his career at Sandia in 2016 and is now a manager in Safeguards and Security. Their middle son, Benjamin, began his career as a student intern in 2015 and is a mechanical engineer in the Explosives Technologies Group.
“It has been an awesome experience to come full circle. My mom used to bring me to ETG for Family Day, and now I actually get to work here,” Benjamin said.
In the early days of working at Sandia, Lori and her family enjoyed the Coronado Club. She and her husband often ate lunch there, while their kids frequented the pool, taking lessons and swimming for fun.
Lori volunteered at the Explosive Technologies Group’s Family Day and Kids Day activities, making liquid nitrogen ice cream.
“It has been such a joy working here, bringing my family as kids and now seeing them start their own careers,” Lori said. “Sandia has supported my professional growth and provided the flexibility to balance work and family life.”
Ben and Lori’s youngest son, Jordan, is studying mechanical engineering at University of New Mexico and hopes to join Sandia. Their daughter Jaidyn aspires to work here too.
In July 1958, Scott Newberry’s grandfather, Carlton E. Sisson, after serving in the Army and obtaining an associate degree in mechanical technology, embarked on a remarkable 36-year journey at Sandia, working in various technical roles, including computer thermal modeling on a wide variety of weapons programs and solar energy projects.
Carlton’s career was marked by continuous learning that entailed completion of at least 60 advanced courses in mathematics, computer science, mechanical engineering and others through various Sandia educational programs. He concluded his career in 1994, leaving an unshakable impression on Scott, who works as a data analyst in Finance and Accounting, where his role is increasingly using artificial intelligence and computer science. Scott said he feels a connection to his grandfather that inspires his own continuous learning as he begins to pursue a master’s degree in data science.
“I was always aware of Sandia’s significance and inspired by my grandfather’s contributions to the Apollo space missions, the stories of Cape Canaveral and about how most of what he did we could never know about,” Scott said.
Carlton’s legacy gave Scott a desire to “contribute to something greater,” so after working in the private sector for five years, Scott persevered through an 11-month application, interview and hiring process to join the one place he wanted to be: Sandia. Now eight years into his own Sandia journey, his progression mirrors his grandfather’s passion for continuous learning.
His grandfather’s unwavering loyalty to Sandia’s missions and purpose, even during challenging times, exemplifies the strong culture and impact Sandia has on families. Like his family before him, Scott envisions a future where his children might find a path leading to Sandia.
