Pantex Blog
Fire department raises thousands for local cancer center
The fire department donated money raised from the “give cancer the axe” T-shirt fundraiser to 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center on December 11.
A little more than a week—that’s how long it took for the Pantex Fire Department to sell the 500 shirts that raised thousands of dollars during Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The department donated the $5,820 it raised from the “give cancer the axe” shirt sale to 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center, whose mission is to provide resources that meet and address the unique needs of cancer survivors.
Fire Captain Thomas Pahl, who organized the fundraiser, said it is second nature for first responders to want to give back to people in their surrounding areas.
“Serving the community is an integral component to the profession,” Pahl said. “The survivorship center’s mission closely aligns with the fire department’s mission of caring for people. While our efforts may not fund a cure, it’s reassuring to know this can help provide those dealing with cancer additional options as they navigate a difficult journey.”
The survivorship center provides programs and services free for any adult survivor during and after the completion of treatment. The free services range from personal training, nutrition, art classes, group exercise, book clubs, and mind-body practices like mentoring or yoga. The center also has an application process for assisting cancer patients who are financially stressed while undergoing treatments. There may even be a time when a Pantexan or their family member may benefit from the center’s services.
“Pantex is one of the largest employers in our region, and has employed personnel from all areas of the Texas Panhandle,” Pahl said. “I see giving back to the community as a lifelong commitment that is a form of compassion in action. If it makes a difference for even one person, it’s worth the extra time and effort.”
This fundraiser is just one of the many ways the fire department gives back. They participate in food drives, cookoffs, and other community-building events throughout the year. Community involvement is a cornerstone of the Emergency Services mission.
“For most first responders, our interaction with the public tends to happen on their worst day—whether it’s a medical emergency, traffic incident, house fire, or other situation,” Pahl said. “During those times, responders set up to help no matter the weather conditions, time of day, or occasion, and we do our part to alleviate the situation.”
Pahl said he believes they can improve the image of responders by presenting themselves in the public during non-emergent times and lending a helping hand—which is exactly what the department did during the T-shirt fundraiser.
“If you spend any time at all here, you quickly learn of the contagious Panhandle spirit that easily stirs the willingness to care and support one another,” Pahl said. “That, along with the nature of our profession, caring for people and supporting our communities, comes pretty naturally.”
That support continued with the recent High Plains Food Bank ‘Together We Can’ food drive. The fire department cooked burgers and hotdogs at the ribbon cutting to kick off the event.
Firefighters find new skills in scavenger hunt training
Captain Matt Ketelhut shows his crew a box found during scavenger hunt training at Amarillo College East in December.
I am always hungry. I must always be fed. The finger I touch will soon turn red. What am I?
Riddles are a part of life, maybe not in the “answer this to pass” way, but in the way that every day presents problems that need solved or situations where choices must be made—especially if you work in emergency services.
That is why when Pantex Fire Department Captain Jeremy Lyman saw scavenger hunt-style training online, he knew it would benefit his firefighters. Most first responders quickly know the answer to the riddle above is fire, but some riddles may be a little harder to solve. Scavenger hunt training combines potential real-life situations with critical thinking puzzles to complete a mission.
Training began with small groups in November at Amarillo College East and will continue through early 2025. The scavenger hunt involves nine different calls, including a variety of situations such as extrication exercises, potential fire scenes, and rope rescue. Training intentionally includes less-than-ideal conditions to simulate what could happen at a real scene.
“In a scenario where someone is locked out, firefighters have to defeat the lock without damaging the door, using different equipment to get the lock off and manipulate the deadbolt to get the door open,” Lyman said. “Once they get in there, there’s a box with a clue in it—something about rope rescue, but the building has no light, so whatever they bring in with them is what they have to work with.”
Lyman says training like this builds teamwork, enhances communication, and expands critical thinking skills. Small groups of four firefighters, enough to make up an engine company or a crew, work together to respond to incidents, create solutions, and stay true to the mission of preserving life and property. Resourcefulness and thinking outside of the box is critical for participants.
“It’s important because being a firefighter you don’t have to be good at one or two things; you have to be good at a multitude of things,” Lyman said. “You have to train in all of those areas in case the need arises for that one day. You need to be prepared for anything that will happen. This training covers a wide variety of emergencies firefighters could respond to. Most of these scenarios could happen out here at Pantex or our responding area with our mutual aid partners.”
Once a call is complete, trainers simulate going back into service so participants are ready for the next challenge, then they are dispatched to a new location.
“They have to change the channels on the truck radio and the portable radios, looking at maps and different resources to navigate the various addresses involved,” Lyman said. “It builds and improves on teamwork, problem solving, effective communication, and working under sub-optimal conditions.”
Firefighters are required to achieve at least 30 hours of continuing education credits per year, including classroom, online, and hands-on training like this.
“It’s something different, a more firsthand experience than sitting in a classroom,” Lyman said. “All firefighters will complete this and receive three hours of credit.”
Lyman said the training is multipurpose. It fulfills hands-on training time but also allows for a deeper understanding of how to use specialty equipment and tools that are not used every day.
“Some of the newer firefighters that come on haven’t done a lot of work with small equipment or other unique tools,” Captain Lyman said. “We work with chainsaws and thermal-imaging cameras on this. Those with more experience are educating them.”
Lyman has worked as a Pantex firefighter for the past 25 years. He said it is inspiring to see the new firefighters and more senior firefighters all come together to solve the riddles during the scavenger hunt and learn new skills.
“They go through the scenario; it’s not rushing through it—it’s slow and methodical,” Lyman said. “We can stop and answer questions. The veteran members of the department show the newer ones how to do things. It’s cool standing back and watching it, going through your scenario; they in turn help the new people, get everyone on the same page.”
I am Mission Success: Darin Hudson
Take five minutes to learn about Darin Hudson, security police officer. This article details Hudson’s role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture Pantex offers. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pantex or PXD.
Security Police Officer Darin Hudson has always had history with Pantex. Born and raised in Amarillo, he knew of the old “soap factory” off Highway 60. His tie, however, was more than just basic knowledge of the Texas Panhandle. Hudson’s grandmother worked at the plant back when Pantex served as a munitions facility. Later, his stepfather and cousin took up supervisory positions. Then, in family fashion, Hudson left his warehouse job to join the Pantex ranks. That was almost 40 years ago.
“My grandmother, my cousin, my stepdad…they all talked this place up,” Hudson said. “And I thought, if I’m going to stay in Amarillo, why not work here. I wanted to work here.”
Hudson’s career choice was inspired by his kin and, in the decades since, he’s grateful for how it has provided for his own family. Hudson is also thankful for the close-knit work community that has kept him here all these years.
“Pantex is home away from home,” he remarked. “This place is the best thing around this part of the country. I’m surrounded by a bunch of great people. They come from all over — like California, Kansas, and other places, and it’s cool to see them blend in, to become part of our Pantex family.”
Hudson quickly found his place within Pantex. All these years later, he’s still surprised by not only the diverse, melting pot workforce, but the consistent, unifying goal.
“You have so many people from such varying backgrounds, experiences, and history, but there’s one constant among all of us,” Hudson stated. “We all want the same thing. That’s to help each other out.”
As a security police officer, Hudson’s primary responsibilities are to control and help with the comings and goings of personnel, and responding to various situations. Yet, he boils his duties down to one core word: teamwork.
“We may not see it as teamwork, but I’m nothing without you, without the fire department, without the person who unlocks and opens the doors,” Hudson said. “Nobody is more important than the other. If one person doesn’t do their job, nobody gets anything done. We all must help each other grow. This place is nothing without teamwork.”
How has working at Pantex changed or reinforced your thoughts on our mission (nuclear deterrence, managing the stockpile, etc.)?
We have some of the smartest and best people in the world working out here. They are all pursuing the success of the mission. Every day when I come to work and see their faces, talk with them, I’m reminded how not only they reinforce it, but how we all reinforce it.
What is your favorite aspect about your work environment? How does that aspect make you know the mission is being met?
The people. Just being around them. Getting to know people out here not only reinforces my thoughts about my work environment, but my hope for humanity. Once again, it goes back to having not only the smartest people but the best people carrying out the mission.
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex?
Listen and learn. There’s a lot of knowledge and expertise around you, and almost everybody is willing to share. You just have to ask. Everybody wants this place to be the best Pantex that it can be.
Also, it’s understandable to be scared, to be intimidated by the atmosphere. Before long, this is going to be home, and it’ll be your family. If not, come find me and I’ll make you family.
Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
My wife. She and I have been married for 37 years. When I’m at my lowest low, she pulls me from that pit. When I’m at my highest high, she’s my biggest cheerleader. She inspires me every day to be better. She’s the definition of lead by example.
Partnering with Amarillo College to inspire students
Pantex Amarillo College interns with their mentors and institution leadership. Left to Right: Denese Skinner, Amarillo College Interim President; Graham Sample, Fire Protection Engineering, Joe Bill Sherrod, Amarillo College Vice President of Institutional Advancement/Executive Director of the AC Foundation, Claire McKinney, Mechanical Engineering, Clinton Williams, Manager Project Engineering, Katie Schilling, Austin Foster, Electrical Engineering, Jesus Marquez, Adan Sanchez.
Amarillo College engineering students Jesus Marquez, Adan Sanchez, and Katie Schilling made history as Pantex’s first two-year community college engineering interns. The intern program has previously only hosted students from four-year programs.
“These AC students knocked it out of the park,” said Dr. Zuleyma Carruba-Rogel, performance improvement specialist. “What compelled this partnership was the need to build strong long-term talent pipelines in hard-to-fill areas such as engineering.”
Both Sanchez and Schilling are from Dimmitt, Texas — about an hour and a half from the site.
“Coming from a small town, I never knew the plant even existed,” Sanchez said. “I moved to Amarillo and started working for a commercial heating and air construction company and had a few projects on-site. From there I was exposed to how important the mission is, and I knew that Pantex was a place I would love to work for.”
During their time at Pantex, interns experience hands-on, meaningful work.
“I did not think that I would get the internship, but I was pushed hard to get out of my comfort zone and start networking,” Schilling said. “I was finally able to see what engineers do out in the field and the kind of work that I can expect to do in the future. It solidified exactly what I want to do in the future and why I chose engineering.”
Sanchez and Schilling agreed that going to Amarillo College allowed them to save money during their first two years working towards their degree. While the other interns at Pantex attended four-year universities, the two noted how important it is for community college students to participate in opportunities such as this internship.
“It really pushed me to finish my degree,” Sanchez said. “I can't wait to get out in the workforce and apply my knowledge to different projects.”
When asked to give advice to community college peers, Schilling detailed how students should shoot for the stars.
“Apply knowing that you do have a chance, but if your chance does not come, keep trying,” Schilling said. “Do not belittle yourself just because you are from a community college; you have as much potential and drive as anyone going to a university.”
After graduating this year, Sanchez plans to attend Texas Tech University to complete his mechanical engineering degree. Schilling is planning to attend West Texas A&M University to continue her studies in mechanical engineering after graduation this December.
Pantex has already established partnerships with Texas Tech and West Texas A&M, and has many alumni from both universities working at the plant. Adding Amarillo College to the list of higher education partners is important to the mission.
“We see incredible potential in a strong relationship with Amarillo College (and other educational institutions) and Pantex Engineering for the greater benefit of Pantex as a whole,” said Clinton Williams, project engineering manager.
Making these partnerships with students while they are still in school is vital to the development of future Pantexans.
“We wanted students early in their education to see Pantex as their career goal,” Carruba-Rogel said. “Not as a wish or a dream but a tangible goal that they could work towards.”
Holiday cheer and season bringing you down?
Holiday stress and seasonal affective disorder can affect everyone
The festive energy in the air, the colorful lights on houses, and the hustle and bustle of the season is an atmosphere straight out of a Hallmark movie. Despite the seasonal feeling, statistics show this time of year leaves many people stressed and depressed.
According to the American Psychological Association, 89% of adults have stress over the holidays. This busy time of year can bring a unique kind of challenge. The long to-do list, financial burden of gift buying, and overall full schedule can leave people feeling more anxious than cheerful.
The Mayo Clinic offers tips to help you overcome feeling blue during the holidays:
- Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to feel each mood.
- Reach out to connect with others who may bring you joy.
- Be realistic about what the holidays look like for you this year.
- Set aside differences with family members and avoid talking about stressful topics.
- Create a budget you can realistically afford to spend.
- Plan ahead by scheduling holiday errands and tasks on specific days.
- Say no to things when you feel overwhelmed.
- Keep up healthy habits by getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising.
- Give yourself a break and spend at least 15 minutes alone without distractions.
- If you feel constant sadness, depression, and anxiety, seek help from a medical professional.
Additionally, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) becomes more common when there is less daylight during the fall and winter months.
The American Psychological Association estimates approximately 5% of adults in the United States suffer from this disorder; people living far from the equator, women, and younger adults are the most commonly diagnosed.
SAD is more than having a bad day or feeling down in the dumps. According to the Mayo Clinic, “symptoms may include feeling sad, angry, or easily irritable most of the day nearly every day; lack of interest in activities once enjoyed; difficulty concentrating; persistent tiredness; lack of energy; and, in some cases, feeling that life isn’t worth living or having suicidal thoughts.”
As the season continues, some people may experience continual tiredness and weight gain. While it may seem dark, there is light at the end of the SAD tunnel.
The Mayo Clinic recommends people who struggle with SAD follow these tips:
- A light therapy box is a lamp that mimics natural sunlight
Understanding the potential of stress, anxiety, and illness and proactively addressing it can remove risk and allow employees to focus on the mission.