Pantex Blog
Pantex Proud: Caitlin Duke
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Caitlin Duke work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who she is, what she does, and why she is proud to be a Pantexan.
For Caitlin Duke, it all started with MySpace. Although her fascination with computers and technology started at an earlier age, her initial introduction into the world of information technology began when she coded her peers’ layouts on the online millennial mecca. She built onto those basic coding skills through her job at a large electronics retail store, developing into more areas of IT and finding an interest in troubleshooting.
“After moving from that first job, I tried a few other things,” Duke said. “Nothing seemed to satisfy my brain like IT does, and so I made the switch back to IT and have stuck with it since.”
Duke has been at Pantex for two years as a field support technician under Information Technology Service Management. She supports all IT issues at the Pantex Amarillo Campus (PAC), a service that also stands as her proudest accomplishment.
“We established and initiated full-time IT support at the PAC,” she said. “We proactively addressed any potential issues and ensured IT infrastructure was deployed and operating before launch day. I'm genuinely proud to say that the opening of the PAC has been a resounding success. I am glad I was chosen to be a part of making it happen.”
In her role, Duke meets a lot of people. While she loves what she does and is proud to serve the mission, there’s one thing she loves even more.
“My coworkers,” she said. “The people are what make Pantex special. I have worked in many environments, with various companies and roles. I can honestly say that Pantex is a cut above the rest. Anyone who gets a chance to be out here is lucky to be a part of this group of people and the mission we support.”
As a longtime Texas Panhandle resident, Duke understands the importance of Pantex to the nation, region, and community. She’s proud to serve her fellow Pantexans, and she exemplifies that pride through her daily work.
“Having pride in my role is important to me because I know how my work affects those around me,” Duke said. “Those in need of IT support rely on me to be efficient in my job so they can get back to doing theirs. I try to make them feel as comfortable as possible. It is not uncommon that people are hesitant to ask for IT-related help. I strive to change that and make their experience positive.”
Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
By being open to learn from each other’s different experiences, opinions, and knowledge, we will get through any obstacle or achieve any goal. It’s critical we share and preserve knowledge from one another to continue being successful in our mission.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Network as much as possible. I challenge everyone to build relationships with others outside of your bubble. It will open so many doors.
Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
My parents. They both have an incredible work ethic and I’m fortunate to have them. They have done their best to give back to the community through coaching, running women’s groups, making donations, being involved in their unions, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and being leaders in the workplace. I strive every day to make them proud in everything I do, and try to live up to their legacies.
Pantex Proud: Taylor Cockrell
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Taylor Cockrell work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
Among the people, pews, and praise at his church, Cloud Administrator Taylor Cockrell discovered more than he anticipated — a career in information technology.
Cockrell initially went to college for mechanical engineering, but he changed his major to sound production while working as an audio technician for his church. As he learned this auditory and technical craft, Cockrell quickly realized how much it involved IT, especially with networking. This realization turned into fascination, and not long after, he found himself working in IT-related jobs. First, he broadened his IT knowledge at a massive cattle-feeding operation. Four years later, he traded bovines for bombs.
“I was really excited and also grateful for the opportunity to work at Pantex,” Cockrell said. “My first year here was during site separation, which demanded a lot from my team when migrating from OneNet to PxNet and other related duties, but I enjoyed it.”
Cockrell’s pride in working here ties into what he appreciates the most about his job.
“I’m proud to be a part of the mission,” he said. “Pantex is a community, and we all have the same goal. What we do goes beyond our site borders. It’s important to me to be a part of that, and along the way, I get to work with a lot of diverse people with different skill sets. We help each other. I get better at what I do every day because of them.”
“Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” is a proverb that Cockrell lives by daily. He also knows that while you can improve through interaction with others, a continuous pursuit of knowledge is just as valuable to personal development.
“When you stop learning, you don’t grow as a person,” he said. “I continue to learn in my job and personal life to be the best I can be. Also, part of that growth comes from what not to do and in holding ourselves accountable. No matter how big or small you mess up, don’t sweep it under the rug. Own it and grow from it.”
What’s your top bucket list item and why?
Skydiving. Life can be so routine and skydiving is something out of the norm. I know a few people that have done this and have really enjoyed it. I think it would be a one-and-done situation, but I could look back and be proud I conquered something that earlier in my life I was too afraid to do.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
Coaching my son’s flag football team. The opportunity arose and I was hesitant at first, but I ended up really loving it. It’s made a huge positive impact on our relationship.
Why is giving back to the community important?
It’s important for Pantex to show it is more than just a government entity and that it cares for the people in the community, that we care about the area we all call home. I also believe it’s great to serve others and to see how happy they are when you help them when they need it the most, even if it’s something small.
Do you volunteer or remain actively engaged in the community?
I now run sound at my church as a volunteer. I’ve always enjoyed doing that and serving in the kingdom of God to help others.
SWAT Team mobilized for safety on walkways and trafficways
Members of the SWAT team stand in the newly painted walking path leading from the Building 16-37 Argus to Building 16-001
Safety & Industrial Hygiene is calling in the SWAT team. But don’t worry, it’s probably not what you’re thinking.
Pantex has deployed a proactive new approach to site safety with the establishment of the Safe Walkways & Trafficways (SWAT) team. The term "SWAT" typically makes people think of specialized tactical units responding to critical incidents, but the Pantex SWAT team does not engage in high-risk law enforcement scenarios. Their mission however, is equally critical: safeguarding Pantexans from preventable injuries.
The team's name underscores site leadership’s dedicated focus on improving the infrastructure that Pantexans navigate daily. Designed to address issues before they escalate, this proactive approach mirrors the strategic and focused nature of its law enforcement namesake.
“SWAT was created to identify and remediate issues before they become a problem for Pantexans,” Safety and Industrial Hygiene Support and Compliance Manager Laresa Halcom said. “The team charter was formed to help fill the gap of a tripping hazard being identified and being repaired.”
This initiative aims to systemically identify and mitigate potential hazards related to slips, trips, and falls across the site, reinforcing Pantex’s commitment to a safe and secure work environment for all employees. This proactive stance is expected to streamline the resolution process and reinforce overall site safety.
The formation of the SWAT team is a direct response to persistent safety challenges. Over the past five years, Pantex has averaged approximately 16 documented slips, trips, or falls annually. The three-year average stands at 15 incidents per year, with 15 documented incidents already recorded for the current calendar year. These statistics point to the need for an intentional reduction effort.
"The intent is that we are improving walkways and roadways with controls that will eliminate or mitigate hazards that contribute to slips, trips, or falls," Halcom stated. “In our first charter meeting, we immediately identified areas that have been reported as an issue or seen first-hand. Currently, we are working through that list; however, we plan to begin going from facility to facility, zone by zone until we can say we have inspected the entire plant.”
The strength of the SWAT team lies in its diverse expertise and representation from across Pantex, including Safety and Industrial Hygiene personnel, the Metal Trades Council, the Pantex Guard Union, Facility Operations, Infrastructure Roadways, and Infrastructure Maintenance. This multidisciplinary team ensures that a wide range of perspectives and technical knowledge are applied to identifying and solving safety issues. Even though the team is relatively new, its already making a big impact around the site.
"This initiative began in August and we have been successful in creating a walking path from the Building 16-37 Argus to Building 16-001,” Halcom said. “I look forward to seeing the team accomplish additional improved surfaces.”
Safety is a collaborative effort at Pantex, and Halcom expects that the formation of the SWAT team will lead to tangible improvements in site conditions and a reduction in preventable injuries.
Pantexans are encouraged to actively participate in this new safety initiative. If you identify any areas of concern regarding walkways or trafficways that could pose a safety risk, contact the SWAT team by reaching out to Halcom or MTC and PGU Safety representatives. We all have a collective responsibility and commitment to creating a safer environment for every individual at the Pantex Plant.
"The expectation is that we as a team get out and walk the walkways and trafficways of Pantex and are successful in delivering safe, new or repaired areas and eliminating hazards!" Halcom said.
Pantex Proud: John Laseter
Thousands of dedicated Pantexans like John Laseter work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
“A job worth doing is a job worth doing right.” The words of John Laseter’s late father echo in his life every day as a Pantexan.
“Working at Pantex reinforces that purpose,” Laseter said. “This mission is extremely important to the nation, and I’m proud to be a part of that. Technically and geopolitically, what we do is fascinating and also intimidating; but regardless of whatever team you’re on, you have to have pride in the job.”
Laseter came from the banking world, bringing his information technology (IT) background to Pantex, where he serves as a software engineer. He’s part of a dedicated team that manages and maintains various applications such as Process Workflow Management, iTools, and eDC/RO. He is happy and proud to be part of a group with a singular purpose.
“I love the team that I’m with,” Laseter said. “Everybody in IT is super cool, respectful, and dedicated to their jobs and the mission. We all have different talents and proficiencies, and having a team with varying approaches is critical for best possible output.”
Recently, Laseter learned that truth in the best way possible – through experience. Working alongside fellow IT staff as well as individuals from other organizations, he played a key role in the completion of a major undertaking that he is extremely proud of.
“The Pantex Visitor Access Project,” he said. “It was an overhaul of the Pantex access and escort request process. There were lots of growing pains but it’s proven a positive change. I’m really glad Pantex did this and that I was a part of the team that implemented it.”
In his time on the project, Laseter took away many important lessons and it reinforced some of his preexisting values about an individual’s contribution and responsibility to group work.
“What we do at Pantex is a total team effort,” he said. “Being honest and taking responsibility for your actions builds trust and openness among teammates. You can’t expect others to hold you accountable. You’re that last line of defense. Owning up is something only you can do.”
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Don’t try to be an expert in everything at once. It’s going to take a while. You may have preconceived notions about Pantex and your job, but actually doing the job is more important when it comes to fully understanding Pantex and gaining skills.
What’s your top bucket list item and why?
I’ve grown into liking classical music, especially live performances. I saw Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and it was an emotional experience. I really want to hear Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 live.
Who has inspired you the most?
My dad. I got everything from him. Name, looks, 90% of my personality, work ethic, and outlook on life. I picked up his values and ethics and more without thinking about it, kind of like through osmosis. He refused to do anything that was questionable. And he always stuck to his guns.
Pantex Proud: Jeramy Jones
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Jeramy Jones work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
Usually babysitting a younger sibling results in a “thank you” or if you’re lucky a few dollars and some take-out pizza. But for Jeramy Jones, watching his younger stepsister as a teen led to him being an at-home winner on The Bozo Show’s Grand Prize Game.
“At the time, I was babysitting and Bozo’s was one of the shows my sister would watch and it kept her entertained,” Jones said. “There was an advertisement for an at-home player, so I entered the drawing just to have her enter too. The at-home player won a duplicate of every prize won by the live in-studio player. I didn’t even know I was selected, but the next thing I know there are boxes of prizes showing up at our door.”
Jones won several prizes and toys, but his favorite was a year’s supply of Big League Chew bubblegum. Several years later, the bubble never popped, and Jones continued his winning streak by being hired on at Pantex in 2001. As the Waste Compliance section manager, he serves Pantex by leading the team that ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. While the Big League Chew may have lost its flavor long ago, Jones never lost his passion for the job.
“I have worked at Pantex for over 24 years. My team and I contribute to the mission success by reviewing, characterizing, and documenting all waste-generating processes so that Pantex remains compliant with all regulations,” Jones said. “It brings me joy to think that I work at a place that truly makes a difference in the world. I am proud to be a Pantexan, because I know that the work we all do contributes to nuclear deterrence.”
What do you think makes Pantex so special?
There is no other place that can do what we do the way we do it!
Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
Being able to learn from others is so important at Pantex because we are so specialized. Knowledge and work practices being shared and passed down from current and past employees are many times vital to complete job tasks.
What does operational excellence mean to you?
To me, operational excellence can be simply stated as, ‘everything that you do, do it with excellence.’
Why is teamwork important?
Teamwork is very important in our group. The adage, ‘no man is an island’ rings true with us and is necessary to aid in the continuous learning process. Everyone brings something special to the table.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Be patient and don’t be too quick with trying to change the world. Be a sponge and soak up as much as you can about the processes out here so that when your time comes, you’re ready to add something special.
Why is giving back to the community important?
Our communities are special to all of us. It is where we call home. Giving back helps those that aren’t as fortunate within our community. I consider it a pleasure.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
My activities outside of work involve chasing my grandson around. When I’m not doing that, I am either spending time with my family or on the golf course.