Pantex Blog
I am mission success: Debra Wiseman
By Candice Copelin —
Take five minutes to learn about Debra Wiseman, janitorial custodian. This article details Wiseman'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 PXD.
When Debra Wiseman is asked about a time during her career at Pantex when she felt like she was thriving, she quickly responded, “I thrive every day.” This spirit is something she has carried with her throughout her 41–year career at Pantex.
Wiseman started at Pantex on April 26, 1982—when her son was just five weeks old. Like many employees who have been around a while, Wiseman has seen many changes at the plant, including numerous transitions between management and operating contractors, and has continued to remain positive about each one.
“If you want to know about the history of Pantex, it's change,” she said.
Wiseman has ridden the waves of change in her position, like a switch to nights during the pandemic, but she says the changes make her value the people she works with even more. “You should find a way to work with people,” she said. “Learn to be merciful. Learn to be kind. Because down the road you'll need it too. That comes with age and wisdom.”
She shares that wisdom with not only her co–workers, but with people around the plant. Now that she is approaching retirement in December, people are starting to share just how much her kind and giving spirit has affected them—much to her surprise.
“It's a melting pot out here. There are so many personalities out here, and you have to meet them where they are,” she said. “It is just in me, probably from the church, to help those in need. If someone needs you, you help them. I've had people from one of the shops tell me, ‘I want you to know, before you leave, that seeing your smile got me out of a depression. Your positive attitude helped me today.' I had no idea.”
The impact that Wiseman has made on Pantex comes not only from her need to help others, but the pride that she takes in doing a good job.
“I've cleaned every building on this plant besides the JCDC,” Wiseman said. “It takes everybody to make this place run. I try to encourage everyone to take ownership over what we do.”
What motivates you to be successful?
My motivation is to get things done right. I don't know how to slack on a job. I learned that from my parents. I learned that at six years old. I instilled that in my kids.
What advice would you give a new person in your position?
You have to be willing to work. At the end of the day when your boss is looking around at what you did, they ask ‘what did you do?' You don't want to be the one that hasn't done anything. I tell them to be accountable.
Reflecting on these last 41 years, what is it that you want to remember?
Gratefulness. It's been a pleasure and a great opportunity to work at a place where you can advance if you want to. I'm too blessed not to be grateful.
Any final thoughts?
For my sanity, I don't put myself in positions where I am stressed out—and if I end up there, it's not for long. You have to be happy, because if you are happy, you will do a good job. Stressing or being upset is when you miss things. I don't want to live my life angry. I want to be grateful. I'm grateful to be here and thankful for the opportunity to be at such a fine place to work. We are doing business for our country. What an honor. Let's treat it as such. We need to go above and beyond.
Pantex recognized with EVMS certification
Pantex earned an Earned Value Management System certification following an implementation review conducted on the under-construction HESE facility.
An Earned Value Management System, or EVMS, is a structured project and program management process that integrates work scope, schedule, and cost. This ensures accurate and timely reporting, which supports informed decision-making throughout projects.
Recently, Pantex earned the Department of Energy EVMS Certification following a successful implementation review by the Department of Energy Director of Project Management Paul Bosco. Bosco’s responsibility was to validate project performance baselines, ensuring that scope, cost, and schedule align with expectations to ensure each project remains on track. An evaluation was conducted the High Explosive Science and Engineering (HESE) facility, which met all performance baselines. The HESE facility is currently under construction, with the current forecast for completion in August 2025 and approval for qualification release by the third quarter of 2027.
Achieving EVMS Certification reflects the ability to plan, manage, and deliver projects successfully while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and performance. It highlights the strength of project controls and the ability to track cost and schedule performance with precision, ensuring that resources are used both effectively and transparently.
“This certification is a critical recognition of our operational maturity and reflects the thoroughness with which we manage complex projects,” said Bill Bridenbaugh Jr., EVMS director. “It demonstrates that Pantex is fully equipped to execute large-scale construction projects, like the HESE facility, with confidence.”
This achievement not only serves as a testament to the commitment to excellence in project management and operational efficiency, but also positions Pantex as a trusted partner capable of delivering results with integrity to the Department of Energy. It is also a mark of leadership in managing complex, high-stakes projects.
“The EVMS Certification reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved,” Bridenbaugh said. “It’s not just about meeting standards, but about setting benchmarks in performance measurement and project management.”
The certification confirms Pantex to provide accurate, data-driven insights on project performance, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and address risks proactively. This milestone is the result of contributions from many personnel across the organization, including the leadership team, which underscores the collaborative efforts that led to this success.
Ultimately, this accomplishment strengthens Pantex’s position to continue to deliver the mission with excellence. It also reinforces the ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that Pantex remains at the forefront of best practices in project management and performance measurements.
“The key to EVMS success lies in consistent implementation across all projects and programs. This is just the beginning on our journey,” Bridenbaugh added.
LUCAS joins Pantex Fire Department
Pantex Fire Department trains on use of LUCAS chest compression devices
The Pantex Fire Department has added a new member to its ranks – LUCAS.
Who is LUCAS? It’s more of a what…
LUCAS, which stands for Lund University Cardiac Assist System, is a mechanical chest compression device now on each of the three ambulances at Pantex. LUCAS is another tool used to help increase the chance of survival in cardiac arrest patients thanks to its automated and synchronized compressions. Stryker Medical, the company that created the device, says they chose to personify the name because LUCAS is more than a piece of equipment, it’s a member of the life-saving team.
Pantex Fire Department Captain Jeremy Baker says LUCAS limits interruptions during manual chest compression, which increases the patient’s chances of survival. Data shows LUCAS increases blood flow to the brain by 60% versus manual CPR.
“LUCAS mechanically applies force to the sternum to compress the heart which helps restore blood circulation while allowing first responders the ability to render other aid,” Baker said. “Better blood circulation to the brain means the patient has a better chance of recovering without deficits.”
LUCAS also increases first responder safety. According to Baker, 30-40% of patients who regain a pulse on scene will rearrest prior to arriving at the hospital, some during transport.
“This requires Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers to be unrestrained and standing in a vehicle to perform CPR compressions,” Baker said. “We all understand the importance of being restrained when inside a vehicle. Having LUCAS allows emergency services to be seated and buckled rather than standing while providing compressions to patients.”
According to the LUCAS website, unrestrained occupants are 6.5 times more likely to be severely injured and 3.8 times more likely to be killed in the 4,500 ambulance crashes that occur each year.
Baker says 58 Pantex firefighters and paramedics are trained on how to use LUCAS devices.
“This is a big step in our continued effort to provide the highest-quality care to the patients we encounter while helping to ensure the safety of our firefighters,” Baker said.
Patients at Pantex and surrounding communities will all benefit from the new technology.
“At Pantex, we are lucky to work closely with our mutual aid partners, including Panhandle, Claude, and Washburn, just to name a few,” Baker said. “We depend on the help of our mutual aid departments as much as they depend on ours. Since we have personnel staffed and ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, these partner agencies will contact us to respond when we have a faster response time or when their departments are on other calls or require additional assistance such as additional ambulances, fire apparatus, or personnel.”
Pantex Emergency Services responded to 133 EMS calls for service in 2023. Fifty-seven of those calls were mutual aid requests from neighboring communities.
“The people who live in these communities are fellow Pantexans, friends, or family members,” Baker said.
The device is set up prior to use following the American Heart Association guidelines for CPR compression rate of 100- 120 beats per minute. Baker said if performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival. But, he added, CPR is a very labor-intensive process that quickly tires responders which can affect quality, which is a big advantage LUCAS has over traditional manual care.
“This device is a great addition to our service, but survival from cardiac arrest is dependent on a team approach based on the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival,” Baker said. “We encourage people to stop a firefighter and ask us questions about performing CPR when you see us around plant site.”
Baker recommends finding a local CPR course to learn what to do when witnessing a victim in cardiac arrest.
“EMS is only one link in the Chain of Survival,” Baker said. “When we work together, we can improve patient outcomes.”
Eat smart, move more: maintain, don’t gain this holiday season
LiveWise’s Registered Dietician, Tessa Pendergraft, weighs employee in preparation for the Maintain Don’t Gain Challenge this holiday season. — Photo by Adam Baker
The holiday season is full of meats and treats that tempt us to overindulge. Mealtime traditions are a big part of the holiday season, but they can lead us to make unhealthy choices. The key is a healthy and realistic mindset. Many people head into the holiday season swearing to stick to a New Year's resolution. Instead of making a drastic lifestyle change, however, try focusing on something sustainable so weight maintenance will be a more achievable goal. These tips may help:
- Plan your meals: If you plan to eat a large meal, eat a small snack before your meal to stay full and keep from overeating.
- Consider your portions: Small portions can still satisfy your cravings. Be mindful of portion sizes and how many servings you are consuming.
- Enjoy the social aspect of eating: Spend time between bites catching up with family and friends. Remember the holidays are a celebration of loved ones—food doesn't have to be the focal point.
- Don't drink your calories: Limit high–calorie drinks and supplement with sparkling water, seltzers, or diet sodas. Alcohol can stimulate the appetite and quickly add calories.
- Burn calories: Start your holiday with moving your body. After your holiday meal, consider taking a walk. Walking burns calories and helps you deal with holiday stressors.
- Avoid overindulging in desserts: Allow yourself to enjoy desserts, but enjoy them in moderation. Watching your servings and portion sizes can allow you to enjoy guilt–free desserts.
- Slow down: Take your time eating, savoring, and enjoying your food. This will allow time for your food to digest and keep you from eating when you are full.
- Listen to your body: Stop eating when your body has had enough. Wait 30 minutes before going back for seconds, and only go back if you're still hungry.
- Beware of snack foods: Small finger foods can add up. Choose low–calorie finger foods when possible, such as vegetables, fruits, or pretzels.
- Don't be a grinch: Forgo the “all–or–nothing” mindset and treat yourself! Depriving yourself of special foods or guilting yourself for enjoying them isn't part of a healthy eating strategy. Enjoy this holiday season's treats in moderation and remain guilt free.
Maintaining a healthy weight can provide, among other benefits, a way to help you manage and prevent diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Set realistic weight–maintenance goals this holiday season, and join your fellow Pantexans in pledging to eat smart and move more. Reach out to LiveWise to access our Pantex Registered Dietician, Tessa Pendergraft, to create a personal nutrition plan to improve your health.
Confident in crisis: Exercise helps Pantexans prepare for the worst
A damaged vehicle used during the full-scale exercise on November 6
Pulling onto a busy farm road, a vehicle is T-boned at high speeds, trapping the occupants. Extraction rescue tools, sometimes known as the jaws of life, were quickly used to pull the wreckage away from the patients and rush them to an awaiting helicopter. At the same time, an explosion sets a building and the surrounding wildland ablaze.
It all looked serious, but none of it was real.
Emergency Preparedness Specialist Kenton Falerios and his team planned the practice scenario down to the frantic actors elevating the urgency at the scene by screaming for help.
Even though the “fire” was orange plastic cones, the firefighters treated it as a real scene and worked to preserve life and property. A mannequin was “driving“ the mangled car but first aid was administered as if the patient were real. Roads were closed down to simulate the real-life conditions needed to bring a medical helicopter on-site.
The full-scale exercise held on November 6 tested first responders’ emergency response capabilities. Emergency Response Organization (ERO) team members do not know ahead of time what the exercise will consist of or when it will occur. This is to replicate the essential rapid deployment of services across the plant site and to surrounding communities during a real disaster.
“Drills are a form of training and are important for our personnel to learn from,” Falerios said. “Exercises are the test to validate our plans, procedures and responses.”
When a crisis happens, even if only for training, the ERO is activated. More than 200 members make up 14 specialized teams collaborating to support emergency response. The ERO brings together subject matter experts to handle the incident and advise the incident commander, the person responsible for managing all aspects of the response.
First responders and members of the ERO participate in drills and exercises throughout the year, preparing for various emergency scenarios. These training sessions are essential for ensuring proficiency.
“Our goals are life safety, material protection, public safety, and restoring services to continue our mission,” Falerios said.
The exercise was site-wide and included Pantex first responders on shift, on-call ERO members, and local community partners from Carson County, the city of Panhandle, and Life Star helicopter ambulance service. The dedicated responders are concerned about the safety and welfare of the site and employees.
“Pantex Emergency Management could not effectively accomplish successful exercises or response without the support of Pantex volunteers and personnel,” Falerios said. “When the unexpected happens, we have a well-trained team ready to respond and restore operations as quickly as possible.”
This scenario was simulated, but what if a real emergency occurs at Pantex? Always call 477-3333 on a site phone to alert first responders. Falerios said to follow the direction of the Plant Shift Superintendent, uniform emergency responders, and building wardens.
Pantex first responders play a crucial role in ensuring safety, both within the plant and in our surrounding communities.
“They are a vital part of the safety envelope for not only the plant but for our surrounding communities,” Falerios said. “Each individual is assigned to a team with common skills or interests, creating a vast knowledge base to help key decision-makers find the best possible solutions.”
Practicing the skills needed to respond when disaster strikes leads to the team being ready to respond whenever an emergency happens.
“These exercises are proof Pantex is capable of handling any emergency at any time,” Falerios said.