News

Jordan Gladman leads firearms training during a live-range exercise.

When Jordan Gladman steps onto the Pantex site, he is not just clocking in; he is stepping into a role that plays a critical part of our nation's security. As a Security Operations and Training officer at Pantex, Gladman serves as a Special Response Team captain and lead instructor for the Tactical Response Force Academy, where he is responsible for preparing newly hired security police officers (SPOs) for one of the most important jobs in the country — protecting the nation's nuclear deterrent.

“The team of lieutenants I work with daily are some of the most knowledgeable and highly trained officers on the Protective Force. All are considered subject matter experts in their respective fields, which makes their program one of the most respected in the complex,” Gladman said. “Without their experience, what we have accomplished with this program, would not be possible.”

His instruction covers critical areas like firearms, close quarter battle, active threat response, intermediate force combatives, emergency medical response, as well as case law and other topics. His leadership ensures that every new officer is not only technically and tactically proficient but also mentally prepared to respond to high–risk and high–stress situations.

That same dedication to readiness and safety does not end when he leaves the site. Recently, he was selected as an instructor for the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA), the largest SWAT association in the United States, that represents the best in law enforcement.

Gladman continued, “Being selected as an instructor for the TTPOA is a tremendous honor. It's a responsibility I take seriously because the skills we teach can quite literally save lives.”

This is a reflection on his national reputation as a trusted expert in tactical training, and highlights the level of respect he has earned across the country for his skills, professionalism, and dedication to developing those who serve on the front lines.

“I believe preparedness is a service to our community,” Gladman said. “Whether I'm teaching new SPOs at Pantex or working with law enforcement across the country, my goal is always the same: give people the skills and mindset they need to protect and respond with confidence under pressure.”

Gladman also owns Critical Advantage Training & Consulting, LLC, a company based out of Amarillo, offering a broad range of firearms and tactical training from large–scale law enforcement contracts to individual concealed carry classes designed for armed citizens who want to be confident and capable.

Gladman's roles all reflect a deep passion for service that goes far beyond job titles.

“I see my role at Pantex and Critical Advantage as part of the same mission – preparing good people to stand ready when it matters most,” said Gladman. “Whether it's protecting the nuclear facility or helping a community police department strengthen its tactical response, it
all comes down to the same core values: readiness, responsibility, and service.”

Gladman continued, “I believe in giving people the skills to problem solve at the speed of life.”

His commitment to training, leadership, and community outreach is a powerful example of how Pantex citizens make an impact both on and off the site. Through his work, Gladman demonstrates what it takes to be a true Pantex citizen.

Listen to Gladman's episode of the Citizens of Pantex podcast here.

If you are interested in volunteering opportunities or representing Pantex in the community, please reach out to Public Affairs at Public_Affairs@pantex.doe.gov.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Lindsey Irving 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.

Pantex Service Desk Manager Lindsey Irving learned that if she wanted to be happy and prideful, she shouldn’t change, she should just be herself.

Irving’s grandmother and mother, two extremely independent, spirited women, taught her never to give in to other people’s expectations. With this mindset, Irving set out into the college-to-career world, fearlessly authentic, free to explore options.

“Picking a major and choosing a career path, was extremely stressful because I love to learn about pretty much anything and have so many interests,” Irving said. “My first degree was actually in Medical Technology. I often joke I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up! I landed in IT out of pure chance, but it has been very rewarding.”

Irving left the medical field to work in special education for several years. From there, she migrated into the technology department, helping teachers integrate tech into their classrooms. While serving as IT Support Manager at River Road Independent School District, a similar position opened at Pantex, and she took her talents down Highway 60. Being part of the service desk team is one of Irving’s favorite aspects of her work environment, and it is also one of her proudest.

“Many people experiencing PC-related issues call the service desk first,” Irving said. “So, my team is on the front lines when it comes to providing support to our fellow Pantexans. We do our best to keep them up and running and to continue their daily tasks and, in turn, carry out the mission.”

On an individual level, Irving has some advice to all Pantexans, and she provides a glimpse of how she puts her guidance into action.

“Recognize the value you contribute to the mission, take pride in your work, and perform to the best of your ability,” Irving said. “For me, I’m focused on leading my team the best I can. I work to create a culture of supportiveness and to set a standard of excellence. We are learning and growing together.”

What is one thing your coworkers would be surprised to know about you?
About 10 years before she passed away, I met Ms. Rosa Parks during a motivational speaking engagement. Meeting her was incredible! Standing within a foot of a true icon was super surreal. It was an honest-to-goodness “wow” moment, something I will never forget. Tiny lady with a huge presence!

Why are communications important for all Pantex employees?
Pantex will be at 5,000 employees before you know it. With that many people, communication is critical because we all need to have awareness of expectations and situations in order to function as a unit. When it comes down to it, Pantex is one unit working toward the same mission.

What advice would you offer a new employee?
Get involved and treat everything like a learning opportunity. Asking questions is crucial. Lean on the knowledge and experience of the folks around you to help you solve problems and even use that to let new ideas take root.

Firefighters Jacob Frame, Joshua Brown, and Mike Kendrick climbed 110 stories to honor the 343 firefighters killed in the line of duty on September 11.

Three members of the Pantex Fire Department (PXFD) participated in the Kansas City 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to honor the firefighters killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. Pantexans Joshua Brown, Jacob Frame, and Mike Kendrick joined hundreds of other firefighters from around the country to climb 110 stories to the top of the Skyline Collection high-rise in downtown Kansas City to memorialize the fallen.

“I climbed for those who never made it to the top,” Brown said. “For me, it’s about honoring the firefighters who gave their lives serving others and remembering the families they left behind. This is my small way of paying tribute.”

The Kansas City Memorial Stair Climb is one of many events across the nation specifically dedicated to honoring the first responders who lost their lives responding to the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Each climber is assigned a photo and badge of one of the 343 fallen firefighters who bravely ran toward danger to try to help others but never came back. Climbers ascend 110 stories, the height of the Twin Towers, in full gear to get the photo to the finish. The process involves climbing to the top of the Skyline Collection, taking an elevator to the bottom, and then restarting the climb multiple times to achieve all 110 stories. The stairwell route is plastered with pictures of the firefighters, their families, photos from that day, and various other pieces of memorabilia.

“It’s life changing,” Frame said. “Participating in an event like this is such an emotional roller coaster and it is a huge honor to be able to do it. It’s not a race — it’s an experience that takes time due to its overwhelming nature.”

Each firefighter carried not just the photo and the weight of their gear, but the enduring heroic legacy of the fallen and a promise to never forget. The climb represents 24 years of unwavering remembrance and ensures that the lives lost continue to be honored. At the end, Brown, Frame, and Kendrick rang a bell with a mixture of sorrow and pride, signifying they reached the top — an honor many were not afforded.

“The fire service is built on sacrifice,” Brown said. “This event comes at a cost: time off, travel, physical effort — but it’s worth it. Honoring them isn’t just tradition, it’s a responsibility. The men and women who ran into those buildings didn’t ask to be called heroes. They wanted to save lives. It’s on us to make sure their stories are told, and their legacies live on.”

The stair climb is one way Pantexans honor the fallen. A permanent memorial featuring a piece of the Twin Towers sits in front of the Pantex Fire Station beneath the American flag.

“Due to the memorial here being ever-present, it’s impossible to forget what happened that day,” Frame said. “September 11 is the perfect example of firefighters going to work and putting themselves in harm’s way for the sake of complete strangers. With so many people lost in one event, it has had such a huge impact on the fire service. Firefighters are happy to go to work for the sole purpose of helping strangers. It is truly an honor to be a part of the firefighter community.”

PXFD members play a critical role in supporting Pantex’s mission and demonstrate their commitment through community engagement. Whether assisting neighboring departments through mutual aid, leading training exercises, supporting local schools, or climbing 110 flights of stairs in remembrance of heroes, they take pride in representing Pantex well beyond the plant. With each step, PXFD not only honored the fallen but reaffirmed their own dedication to a profession defined by courage and bravery.

9/11 commemorative helmet

High–rise in downtown Kansas City

343 fallen firefighters mural

Firefighters Joshua Brown, Mike Kendrick, and Jacob Frame

At Pantex, we normally don't prepare for thieves stealing hearts and never saying sorry, but we do plan for most other things. One way is by promoting National Preparedness Month in September — an annual Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) campaign to encourage emergency readiness through education and awareness.

“The annual campaign is designed to ultimately better protect all of us by encouraging families and communities to start a conversation and create plans for emergency situations,” Emergency Preparedness Specialist Stacie Pahl said. “It's a reminder that setting aside the time now and taking in considerations while things are calm will allow for better decision making and improved response in an emergency.”

FEMA chose “Preparedness Starts at Home” as the 2025 campaign theme. Pantex uses this to tailor messaging specific to our workforce to ensure we are safe, proactive, and resilient in completing our mission.

“Preparedness transforms a workforce from a reactive state to a proactive and adaptable one,” Pahl said. “Fostering this safety culture builds the capacity to cope in emergencies and equips us with the ability to rebound stronger and operate effectively during significant challenges, which is
the hallmark of true resilience.”

Pantex's mission demands a proactive and vigilant mindset. This is accomplished by implementing stringent safety protocols and forward–thinking planning. Pahl says you can start planning at home by keeping an open line of communication like she does with her own family.

“Keep the conversation going,” she said. “Assess and prioritize needs, whether it be for children, elderly, pets, or medical. Make a family emergency plan, build a kit with basic emergency supplies, and secure your home. There are so many ways to prepare, it is just a matter of making the time for it now.”

To ensure 'Preparedness Starts at Home,' Pantexans should:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts
• Use weather radios during severe weather
• Prepare a kit for your family and pets including food, water, medications, flashlights, chargers,
  identification, and important documents
• Keep vehicles fueled and supplied
• Make an emergency contact list
• Practice your plan

When employees are prepared for emergencies on– or off–site, it strengthens their ability to continue Pantex's vital national security mission. Whether a severe weather event, a power outage, or any unexpected disruption, strengthening employee response at home reinforces safety at the site.

“It's important for people to prepare for a range of emergencies that could impact their safety — no matter the location or circumstances,” Pahl said. “Threats, hazards, and risks can differ depending on location and proximity of hazards. For instance, the Texas Panhandle doesn't typically experience earthquakes, hurricanes, or tsunamis. It's more probable for us to experience a wildfire, tornado, and flash flooding, so those are the situations we need to be prepared for.”

Don't wait until the middle of the night in your dreams to think about getting ready. Preparation is key to continuity and the safety and wellbeing of Pantexans. Before stocking up your vehicle with supplies, make sure not to include prohibited items. Pantexans are also encouraged to visit ready.gov to learn emergency preparation tips to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.

The Coffee Memorial Blood Center mobile donation bus parked at the JCDC.

Did you know someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds? The red fluid that pumps through us all can save up to three lives with just one blood donation.

Part of the company Our Blood Institute out of Oklahoma, Coffee Memorial Blood Center in Amarillo provides blood to all the major hospitals in the Texas Panhandle region. With such a vast area covered, the need for blood donors is constant.

Four Pantexans are being credited with saving approximately 1,130 lives with the blood donations they have given to Coffee Memorial Blood Center. Monty Schoenhals, Terral Walker, Steve Lasher, and Jeff Roberts are the top four lifetime blood donors at Pantex.

Upon finding out they were among the top donors at the plant, all four Pantexans were surprised to hear the news.

“Honestly, it's surprising with all the folks that give consistently,” said Jeff Roberts, facility operations manager. “However, I'm glad to know I'm helping out someone in need. I've known multiple people that, if it weren't for the blood supply, they'd not be here today. It feels good that I'm truly saving a life.”

All four donors have been giving for more than 20 years each.

“My whole life has been dedicated to helping other people,” said Pantex Fire Prevention Captain Steve Lasher. “When I worked shifts, I would give every single time I was eligible. Every 56 days, I was there giving blood.”

Having the Coffee Memorial mobile bus come to Pantex makes it more convenient for Pantexans to give.

“I don't know if I would stay on my rotation if I had to go to the center because I would have to miss work,” explained Environmental Scientist Monty Schoenhals. “By coming to the site, they get a lot more donors than they would otherwise.”

For Schoenhals, giving has a personal connection.

“We had a son born back in 1984 who needed a lot of blood when he was born,” Schoenhals said. “I have a rare blood type where my blood can be used for newborns. I feel good to be able to contribute to the welfare of people.”

Lasher also has this rare blood type and is proud to know his blood is also able to help newborns.

The idea of a needle being stuck in your arm with blood being pumped out can make some people nervous and hesitant to donate. All four Pantexans encourage first-time donors to just give it a chance.

“The staff at Coffee Memorial are highly trained and right there with you the whole time,” said Terral Walker, high explosives manufacturing engineering tech. “You've got this!”

Contributing to the larger community, such as giving blood, is part of being a Pantex Citizen.

“Pantexans are always up for volunteering their time,” Roberts said. “Individually, our lives get busy so Pantex orchestrating opportunities makes it easier to find instances to help out.”

For information about Coffee Memorial Blood Center or to set up an appointment to give, visit their website: https://ourbloodinstitues.org/where/donor-centers/coffee-memorial-blood-center/

Almost $1.5 million dollars awarded to area non-profits organizations over 10 years

AMARILLO, TX– In its tradition of honoring grant requests to area non-profit groups, Pantex donated $81,000 this year to nine such groups, distributed with the assistance of the Amarillo Area Foundation.

Now in its tenth year, the Pantex Community Investment Fund has awarded a cumulative $1.42 million dollars through 173 grants to non-profits in the Texas Panhandle. The Fund is a partnership between PanTeXas Deterrence LLC (PXD), the managing and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant, and the Amarillo Area Foundation.

According to Pantex Mission Assurance Division Director Colby Yeary, “Pantex is invested in our community, and our partnership with the Amarillo Area Foundation supports local growth and development while giving Pantexans a voice in determining where corporate dollars are invested. Pantex is pleased to partner with the Amarillo Area Foundation and area non-profits across the Texas Panhandle, where our employees, live, work, and make a difference every day.”

Pantex partnered with the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2014 to create an innovative and effective method for contributing to the community while also engaging Pantex employee participation. The Pantex Community Investment Fund committee is comprised of approximately a dozen Pantexans who volunteer to serve a two-year term on the committee, which listens to and reviews grant proposals before making the decisions regarding Pantex’s philanthropic gifts.

"Through our long-standing partnership with Pantex, we are honored to support nonprofit organizations that are making a measurable difference across the Texas Panhandle,” said Keralee Clay, Interim AAF President & CEO. “Each year, this grant cycle allows us to amplify the impact of groups working to strengthen families, build community resilience, and create opportunities for those who need it most. We are especially grateful for the generosity of Pantex employees, whose commitment to giving back continues to be a powerful force for good in our communities.”

1. Bridges to Life: 2025 Fall Clements Unit Project: $10,000 to be used for project expenses including course materials, graduation expenses, mileage and salary for Regional Coordinator, payroll taxes, and management allocation.



2. Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle: $9,856 to provide 176 CURE Kits calculated at $56 each of which are projected to supplement one client’s homebound box for two months.



3. Downtown Women’s Center: $10,000 for the DWC Recovery Program: to support programs and services for women recovering from substance use disorders, and for their children.



4. Hope Lives Here: $10,000 for Harley’s Legacy to help cover the cost for 12 veteran/service dog teams, and to assist with supplies and facilities to accommodate services.



5. Panhandle Angels Foundation: $10,000 for Panhandle Cancer Children Support- to assist families actively battling childhood cancer by helping with normal living and travel expenses that occur around treatment when unable to help themselves.



6. Project Feed the Kids Inc: $7,644 for Project Feed the Kids for food costs.



7. Texas Ramp Project: $10,000 to support lumber, materials, and tools to build free wheelchair ramps for low-income adults and others with disabilities in the Panhandle.



8. The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center: $10,000 to Children’s Advocacy Services: to provide services including forensic interviews and medical exams, mental health referral, Victim of Crime Act applications, and case coordination with a multidisciplinary team for 10 children.



9. Tralee Crisis Center for Women: $3,500 for Non-Residential Assistance Project: to provide emergency financial assistance for clients who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes.

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) is the management and operating contractor for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Pantex Plant located in Carson County near Amarillo, Texas. Pantex maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System.

For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
Office (806) 573.0490
Cell (806) 236.2826

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Pantex intern and member of the USA Deaf National Volleyball team, Brielle Worley, is headed to the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Competing at an elite level in a challenging sport such as volleyball requires a myriad of talents like high intelligence, seamless communication, and flawless teamwork. Amarillo native Brielle Worley balanced a 4.0 student career with reaching the very heights of her sport, and this summer rolled those talents into an internship in Pantex’s Project Performance Analytics Department.

Worley was recruited to the USA Deaf National Volleyball team in 2021 where she competed in her first Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. The team placed fifth, leaving her hungry for another shot at gold. Three years later she went to the World Championships in Okinawa, Japan, where the Team USA earned a silver medal. Next up is the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, at the end of November.

“I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to represent the United States again and compete for a gold medal,” Brielle said. “I also enjoy having the opportunity to meet deaf people from other countries and learn about their experiences and backgrounds. I enjoy making new friends and having the opportunity to trade jerseys, jackets, and pins with athletes from other countries.”

Her family and community have been a steadfast support system for Worley throughout her volleyball career. Her mother, Pantex Process Engineering Director Kyndra Worley, has played a big part in driving her to practices, attending games, and offering words of encouragement.

“From my early days playing on various Kids, Inc. youth recreational volleyball teams to now as a collegiate athlete, my parents and my sister have consistently been there for me,” Brielle said.

It should come as no surprise that it was Brielle’s mom who encouraged her to pursue an internship at Pantex.

“Growing up, I always heard my mom talk about how amazing Pantex is and how many opportunities are available there,” Brielle said. “When I saw an opportunity to intern in the Business Services, I was excited to apply and experience a summer at the place my mom had always spoke so highly of.”

While the two didn’t work in the same location during Brielle’s internship, they were able to meet over lunch a few times. Kyndra relished the chance to have her daughter on-site and loved watching her learn about and engage in the Pantex mission that has meant so much to her over the years.

“Getting to have her home for the summer and sharing our work experiences and routines has been something I will never forget,” Kyndra said.

Brielle has truly excelled throughout her athletic and academic journey. She finished the year as the leader in kills (an offensive attack) in NCAA DIII volleyball, was an American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Week, Player of the Year in her conference, and was named an NCAA All-American.

As a Pantex intern, Brielle was just as exceptional.

“Brielle is one of those people who is intelligent, high-energy, and has an ‘excellence’ mindset which was incredibly helpful,” said Justin Fox, Project Performance Analytics senior manager. “She not only questioned why things were done certain ways, but offered solutions and viewpoints that proved valuable. This allowed us to not only make improvements in our systems and training, but allowed for our staff to become better teachers and expand their vision, as well.”

Brielle’s intern project involved a deep-dive investigation of Workplace Analysis Learning Tool (WALT), a U.S. Department of Energy-sanctioned artificial intelligence program designed to analyze data and extract information to provide efficient and accurate reports, recommendations for taking corrective action, and many other beneficial functions.

“WALT is one of the first AI systems approved for use at Pantex, and I truly enjoyed getting to be part of something that can make a huge impact,” Brielle said.

Since Pantex was Brielle’s first internship, she had plenty of anxiety about how things would work with her disability, but her work team took steps such as ensuring everyone had and used their webcams so that Worley could watch for reactions and more easily read lips.

“I often refer to my disability as a ‘hidden disability,’” Brielle said. “It is something that people often don’t notice when they meet me. During this internship I learned a lot about how to best work with so many different backgrounds, upbringings, personalities, etc., and these experiences will help me when I head to Tokyo and meet people who have different styles of communication, various Deaf identities and level of involvement in the Deaf culture.”

Now that her internship is over, what’s next for Brielle?

She plans to finish out both of her undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Risk Management and Insurance by 2027. For volleyball, she plans to complete two more years of collegiate volleyball at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. and wants to continue with the USA Deaf National team for potentially two more Deaflympics after Tokyo.

Brielle continues to pile on more skills, and will return to the competitive arena with an increased understanding of professionalism, diligence, and collaboration from her experience at Pantex.

“Her future is so bright and I am happy that Pantex has been a part of her journey,” Kyndra said.

Pantex intern and Deaflympics athlete, Brielle Worley, poses with her manager, Justin Fox, and her mom, Kyndra Worley.

Pantex intern and Deaflympics athlete Brielle Worley’s team won a silver medal in the Volleyball World Championships.

Allen Stansbury joins PanTeXas Deterrence after assisting new leadership though site separation.

Executive Officer of Infrastructure and Modernization Allen Stansbury sometimes still finds it hard to believe that he is here. Working at Pantex. In Amarillo. With his family. Stansbury, a Richmond, Virginia, native, started his career in the U.S. Army in 1992 and has worked many jobs across the country and around the globe. His road was winding, but to him, Pantex was worth the journey.

"Every job I have had since I was 18 led me here," Stansbury said. "I was a forester in Tennessee. I did many things in my 26 years of service in the Army and the Army Reserves. It is hard to look at each of those things individually and see how 30 years later you end up in Amarillo, but all together it makes perfect sense." During his military career, he spent 17 years on the enlisted side and nine years as an engineer officer, starting in the infantry and then transitioning into the engineering branch of the Army. He moved from state to state and was deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, working on a variety of combat, construction, and facilities engineering projects. On top of his 21 years of experience in construction and engineering, Stansbury also earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. All this experience and education led to his last, yet largest, military project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

"Oak Ridge was my stepping stone into the Department of Energy," Stansbury noted. "Assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I worked hand in hand with DOE and project managers at Y-12. Because of the size of the project, I sat in on a lot of reviews, where I met Longenecker and Associates. Once released from active duty, I joined them and stayed for over 10 years until I came to support PanTeXas Deterrence through transition."

Longenecker and Associates is part of Mission Assurance Alliance, a joint venture that is a small business subcontractor within PXD. Stansbury said he had no expectations of staying at Pantex when he first agreed to assist and advise PXD through transition, but nearly a year later he has become a full-time PXD employee. What sold him on Pantex was the people he met on-site and in the Panhandle.

"I was going to provide three months of support, but once I got here, I truly fell in love with the team at Pantex, Amarillo, and the mission," Stansbury said. "I have been so impressed with all of the experience that my new teammates have. I truly appreciate their willingness to share years of institutional knowledge with me. They have welcomed me and my family with open arms."

Though Stansbury is still looking for a local fishing spot, he is excited to find ways he and his wife can get involved in different local activities and volunteer opportunities.

"We are very excited to get integrated into the community," Stansbury said. "I am also excited Dr. Beierschmitt believes so much in getting involved and giving back, because I feel like you should work in your community and get behind giving back to the people of the community, too. It’s the Pantex
Way."

Working at Pantex is Stansbury’s newest bend in the road, and he is hopeful it will be the most successful stop yet.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Joe Papp 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 self-described car guy and Porsche fanatic, Senior Director of Production Engineering Joe Papp once pictured a very different future for himself.

“I envisioned myself designing cars,” he said. “However, I ended up on the safety side of engineering doing safety analysis reports for both NASA and the NNSA.”

What is surely a loss to Porsche’s design team is Pantex’s gain. As senior director of Production Engineering, Papp oversees matters of great significance to the Pantex mission. Part of his role includes overseeing vital elements of design and testing procedures, and more.

“I have always been very proud to be an American,” he said.

The Pantex products Papp’s work supports gives the nation’s leaders and defenders the deterrent needed to keep us strong and free. Every Pantexan has a share in the mission, but it’s a weight to shoulder of which some, like Papp, are keenly aware.

“I oversee the process by which procedures get developed and provided to the line,” he explained. “Without procedures, we could not complete our mission.”

Papp knows both mission success and continued safety depend on full compliance with all procedures. That, in turn, requires accountability, which must start with the man in the mirror.

“At Pantex, you must follow the procedures,” he said. “Safety, security, and quality depend on it. We cannot hold others accountable if we do not hold ourselves accountable. If you make a mistake, stand up and be accountable for your actions. Your peers and managers will appreciate you more if you own your mistakes.”

More than that, though, personal accountability also enables teams to learn from mistakes to improve future performance.

“Without the person who made the mistake taking accountability, there is no way to fix the problem or keeping it from occurring again,” Papp said.

Engineers tackle some incredible challenges. In his Pantex role, Papp knows people working in tandem are the key to finding effective solutions.

“I do not think there is anything more important to being an engineer than your problem-solving skills,” he said. “It is OK to ask questions; no one knows everything.”

Holding one’s self accountable and being a strong contributor both grow out of emotional security. To that end, Papp draws on a personal experience with a former manager to make sure he, as a leader, inspires others to that level of comfort.

“When you would go to his office, you would be answering a question and, as soon as the phone rang, this manager would turn around and answer the phone — making you feel like you were not important. So, I always make sure I focus on the person.”

What advice has a team member given you that has helped you in your career at Pantex?
Under BWX Technologies, I read a management book titled “Fish!” which stated that you choose your attitude every day when you come to work. So, I have chosen to have a positive attitude every day.

What is your top bucket list item, and why?
I want to build a Porsche Spyder replica when I retire. I always wanted a real one, but will never be able to afford one, hence the replica.

What is one thing your coworkers would be surprised to know about you?
I have around 2,000 miniature Porsches I have been collecting since I was a young child.

Senior Director of Production Engineering Joe Papp dreamed of being an automotive designer, a career directly connected to his love of Porsche vehicles.

The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle presents a check to the Palisades Fire Department for emergency equipment needs after the 2024 wildfires. Palisades Fire Department is one of more than 50 departments in the region to receive funds after the fires.

For Ryan Kuxhausen, service is not just a duty — it is a way of life. As the current board president of the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle, he dedicates his time to supporting first responders and their families, a mission that aligns seamlessly with his work at Pantex.

“I feel like it would be a great opportunity to serve some incredible heroes from the community while also teaching my young boys what it means to serve others,” said Kuxhausen, Pantex project controls team lead. “I was blessed with the opportunity to join the board in early 2019.”

The 100 Club provides financial assistance to the families of fallen and critically injured first responders while also funding essential equipment and training needs for law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency personnel across the region. The organization’s mission resonates with Kuxhausen, who sees firsthand the importance of teamwork and service – both at Pantex and within the community.

“I get the opportunity to share the mission,” he said. “However, this is just a small bit of service I do. I think it’s very clear within the Pantex family that it takes a team to deliver our mission, and our communities are very much the same.”

Through his leadership, he continues to strengthen the 100 Club’s presence, ensuring first responders have the support they need. Even as he plays a key role in this effort, he remains humble about the impact of his work.

“I understand I’m just seeing one very small aspect of the overall picture,” he said.

His dedication to service — both at Pantex and within the 100 Club — reflects a commitment to protecting and uplifting those who dedicate their lives to keeping others safe. Through his work, Kuxhausen demonstrates what it takes to be a true Pantex citizen.

Listen to Kuxhausen’s episode of the Citizens of Pantex podcast here.