News

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 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.

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.”

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:

1. 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.
2. Consider your portions: Small portions can still satisfy your cravings. Be mindful of portion sizes and how many servings you are consuming.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Beware of snack foods: Small finger foods can add up. Choose low–calorie finger foods when possible, such as vegetables, fruits, or pretzels.
10. 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.

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.

Take 5 minutes to learn about Zane Brorman, line-item project controls representative. This article details his role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture here. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of PXD.

Growing up not too far from Pantex, Zane Brorman was like many people in the site’s neighboring communities: he thought he knew about Pantex.

The site’s size, scope, and efficiency became clearer, however, when he joined the Pantex workforce.

“You always hear about Pantex and how many people work there, but you never really understand until you see the day-to-day operations,” he said. “I never thought I would be involved in construction projects at a nuclear facility.”

It may not have been the career Brorman envisioned, but life’s unexpected journeys are often the most rewarding.

“In college, I started working part time for a construction company in Amarillo, and I have just kind of run with it since. It is really cool to see a project from start to finish, no matter the size,” he reflected.

Looking back, Brorman better understands not only the complex makeup of the site and all the various work that goes on here, but also the common purpose that unites its people.

“There are many people who work at Pantex who are from different walks of life,” he explained, “but we are all on the same mission.”

All Pantexans have a share in the site’s mission to enable the U.S. military to field a powerful deterrent to the nation’s adversaries. Brorman indicated his work at Pantex has given him an even higher regard for his personal contribution to that mission.

“My current role on the [High Explosives Science & Engineering Facility] project has really put the mission into perspective,” he said. “Being involved with the construction of a much-needed updated facility gives me a daily reminder that I am helping achieve the Pantex mission.”

To that end, Brorman believes he brings a lot to the proverbial table at Pantex.

“A good work ethic … is something that my dad instilled in me when I was growing up out on the farm,” he explained. “My work ethic has helped me achieve the current role I have on the HESE project, and I believe that working hard within the team demonstrates my abilities to accomplish any task I am assigned.”

That solid work ethic is important but, by itself, it is not enough. To the incoming Pantexan, Brorman adds this sage advice:

“Never stop learning,” he said. “It’s something we could all benefit from.”

While the comment may have been uttered in a general sense, the notion of the group benefiting from the life lessons of each individual is, of course, a concept embraced across Pantex. Nowhere, he said, is that principle more evident than on a construction project where life and death might literally hang in the balance.

“Communication is the most important part of the mission, in my opinion,” he said. “How can we work toward the same goal if there is no communication? The ability to communicate across all platforms of construction is very important to the success of a construction project; if information is not being relayed across different areas/departments, it could be devastating to the project.”

Sometimes, Brorman said, the way communication happens is as important as the message itself.

“When a coworker noticed a mistake on a report we were working on, he approached me in a respectful and constructive manner instead of pointing the finger and reprimanding me,” he said. “The overall experience taught me the significance of constructive criticism and supporting each other in a professional setting.”

According to Brorman’s supervisor, Kris Lindsey, this kind of learning and application are among his greatest qualities.

“Zane’s dedication, attitude and team mentality exemplifies mission success,” he said.

What is your top bucket-list item, and why?
I would say to play golf at Augusta National, but that is pretty much impossible, so just attending the Masters would be awesome!

What advice do you offer someone who has made a mistake in his or her job? How should they be accountable for that issue?
Take accountability and handle the situation in a professional manner. Acknowledge the mistake, and learn from it.

Every employee brings value to our tasks. Why must we be open to learning and hearing from others?
There are many ways to accomplish the same thing. Although you may not agree with their process, it does not mean that it is wrong. Also, it promotes the questioning attitude that we should all have.

What characteristics define a good leader to you?
There are many characteristics that define a good leader, but I think the most important one is trust.

What drives you to be successful?
Continuous improvement—always striving to do better the next day or next report helps me look for different areas where I can improve … Always do the right thing, no matter the outcome.

People of Pantex is a series that highlights what makes Pantexans unique when they are not at our plant, and how those activities help them contribute to the mission.

Pantex technical editor Andrea Caudill was smitten the moment she was introduced to the very concept of horses.

“Horses make me happy down in my soul,” Caudill said. “Being able to interact with them, and to work with them, and learn with them, and teach them; it all just makes me very happy.”

Through her lifetime of passion for horse riding, Caudill (and her quarter horse, Matt) became 7-time world champions in western dressage, and are all-around horse ambassadors to the community.

“Being a horse person, the passion tends to consume you and tends to trickle out into the rest of your life,” she said. “My coworkers will occasionally hear me use horse terms that they might not be familiar with, but just seems like a standard thing for me. Everything that I do revolves around me having the horses.”

Caudill was born into what she calls a “city family” in Minnesota. Despite their unfamiliarity with horses, her parents fostered her interest by taking her to riding lessons starting at 7 years old. She entered her first competition at the age of 8. When she was 13, she got her first quarter horse and honed her riding and showing skills through 4-H.

After graduating from college, Caudill moved to Amarillo to turn her passion into a career. For 20 years, she worked at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), which is the largest equine breed association in the world with approximately 250,000 members and more than 6 million registered horses.

During her time at AQHA, Caudill wrote and published the association’s magazines, helped put on major programs and events, and promoted the breed. On her own time, she competed at the highest level in horse riding in multiple events, but Caudill (and Matt’s) specialty was western dressage.

“Riding dressage is perfect for a type A personality – It is all about the organization, the structure, the development of yourself and your horse,” she said. “I love being able to just dive into that. When you go out to the barn, you get to leave all your work and concerns behind.”

Dressage is much like gymnastics for horses, requiring strength and agility. The rider and horse duo are expected to do specific steps and patterns and are judged on their execution and fluidity. Each step should look smooth and effortless.

Caudill finds joy in the organized and methodical training required in dressage, which is much like the detail-oriented work she does as a technical editor and writer at Pantex.

“There is a precision required both in the equine sports that I do and the work that we do,” she said. “The mission that we serve is a very important one and it’s a very exacting one. When I’m giving my horse signals and cues, they need to be clear, they need to be precise, and they need to be accurate. When I do my job and I am editing a technical document, I need to make sure it’s clear, precise, and gives the reader the accurate message that they need the first time. That way we can get the mission done.”

After Matt’s retirement from the champion scene, Caudill continues to compete in horse riding competitions with her new horse (a quarter horse, of course), Dennis. She says while Matt brought her to the heights of competition, Dennis is reteaching her the basics as they train together. Both Matt and Dennis help her at events and parades to introduce kids and families in the community to horses.

“I grew up with limited access to horses, and now I have horses in my backyard,” she said, “I have a deep passion for sharing my horses with the general public and being able to give them the opportunity to feel the joy that putting your hands on a horse can bring.”

Watch this video for more on Caudill’s horse-riding journey.

Pantex Field Office welcomes new M&O partner

AMARILLO, Texas – In June of this year, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced that it selected PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC (PXD) as the new management and operating (M&O) entity for the Pantex Plant. PXD consists of BWXT Technical Services Group, Fluor Federal Services, SOC, and the Texas A&M University System.

The contract transition is now complete, and as of November 1, 2024, PXD assumed the responsibilities of managing and operating the Pantex site. The contract includes a transition period, which started in mid-July 2024, and a five-year base period with three five-year options, for a total contract period of up to 20 years, if all options are exercised. The estimated value of the contract is $1.5 billion annually. 
  
“We're very excited and proud to be at Pantex and to be working with the NNSA,” said Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt, PXD President and General Manager. “Pantex and Pantexans have a reputation for getting the job done. PXD will maintain that reputation and incorporate innovation opportunities where possible,” he added. “It's an honor to work with the patriots that drive this mission.”

Jason Armstrong, NNSA Pantex Field Office Manager shared those sentiments also. “The NNSA Pantex Field Office is looking forward to working alongside our M&O partner and will continue to enable and execute the Pantex mission and make sure it's done compliantly and safely, never forgetting the overall importance of delivering for our national security mission.”

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 the site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn.

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

Stephen.Myers@pantex.doe.gov

Take 5 minutes to learn about Cindy T., personnel security senior associate. This article details her role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture CNS offers. Now included in the questions is one related to a CNS performance element (communications, teamwork, problem‑solving, accountability, interpersonal, technical competence, or leadership). All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.

With approximately 4,600 employees at Pantex, it is almost impossible to meet every Pantexan, but there’s one person who comes close. Cindy T. welcomes new employees by giving their initial security-awareness brief, congratulates employees who just received their DOE clearance by conducting their comprehensive security brief, and bids employees farewell when terminating their security clearance. This complex, lengthy process is a team effort that Cindy is proud to lead.

“It takes a village to process all clearances––from the applicant, to the processor, to the NNSA,” Cindy said. “Without one [member of the process], the clearance process would not work, so we have to trust and respect each other by providing the necessary information in order for an applicant to receive their clearance.”

Having worked just shy of 19 years at Pantex, Cindy has learned a lot of lessons, but having a questioning attitude is her biggest takeaway.

“When I first came to Pantex, I had come from another DOE site, and I thought all sites worked in a similar fashion,” she said. “I learned that Pantex has a very different mission than where I came from. So, I learned quickly to ask questions, and that saved me from some embarrassing mistakes.”

Pantex’s growth is the most surprising thing Cindy has seen in her time at the site. Each month, her team receives a report from the NNSA that details the volume of work that Pantex processes. Despite being a smaller DOE site, Cindy is proud that Pantex’s numbers keep up with the larger sites. She believes that this growth emphasizes the importance of the site’s mission.

“We respect our country and what it stands for,” she said. “Those who work for CNS, work towards the common goal of meeting our mission to help protect our country and [the people] who call this land home.”

Cindy feels that Pantex isn’t just a place where you ‘work’–– it’s a place where you can establish a lifelong career. In the short time that employees spend with Cindy, it’s easy to understand why she has a passion for her work. Her infectious energy as well as her commitment to security excellence and the CNS mission is contagious.

“We have a mission to provide national security for all who live in the United States. We have to be held accountable, or we could fail that mission,” Cindy said. “We are dedicated to the mission success of CNS by providing our customers with integrity, trust, respect, teamwork, and excellence in all we do to process security clearances, which is a vital part of fulfilling that mission.”

What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex or Y-12?
Pantex is a place to work like no other. We are unique in what we do. Garner as much information and knowledge as you can from those who have been here a while, and have a questioning attitude. If you don’t know, ask. Follow all the rules, and you’ll be fine.

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
Spending time with my family and reading a good book. I’ve just become a new “Nana,” and I’m enjoying that role wholeheartedly. Family is very important to me and was always something my parents instilled in each of us, so I enjoy spending as much time as I can with each of my three children and their spouses (and now, my grandchildren). I also enjoy reading because it takes me to some places I might never get to travel to and also provides me with relaxation.

Take 5 minutes to learn about David B., project controls scheduler for Construction Trades. This article details his role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture CNS offers.

Balancing the priorities of different projects all at the same time is a tough task. Pantexan David B. does not back down from the challenge. He is responsible for the project controls on 83 construction projects active at Pantex, all in various stages of planning and construction across the site.

Scheduling is a key function in the position David holds in Construction Trades. He works with field engineers to plan out the work and tracks material, equipment, and permits. He checks in each week with construction management and superintendents, where they review durations, dates, and resources and update progress, ensuring that the team delivers as promised. Program managers come to these meetings to ask questions and set (and change) priorities, while project engineers manage issues and change requests.

A Pantexan for 2 years, David is proud to be part of the company.

“Everybody I know that’s ever retired from Pantex had pride in what they did and where they worked,” David said. “Of course, I didn’t understand how they were keeping our nation safe until I started working here. I think every Pantexan shares that pride to some degree.”

Teamwork and camaraderie are two things David values at Pantex.

“Pantex is a massive industrial site with thousands of employees, and it’s the teamwork between people and departments that makes everything we do possible,” he said.

David feels he contributes to mission success by supporting Construction Trades and working to revitalize outdated and aging infrastructure, “delivering as promised” a long and continuing series of construction projects.

“Updated facilities and equipment support the machinists, production technicians, engineers, chemists, and more,” he said. “Collectively, all of our work supports this nation and I feel honored to be a part of that.”

With every completed project, David sees another victory.

“I get to see how the incredible complexity of all the puzzle pieces come together, with different planning and execution, to complete the big picture,” he said. “Construction Trades does it all from classified conference rooms to creating additional office space, modifying areas to increase production capabilities, and making buildings safer for employees.”

David knows new employees may not understand the “why” behind the way things are done or the culture at Pantex. Having a questioning attitude is needed and helpful to getting acclimated.

“Asking questions can lead to seeing a problem from a different perspective or seeing the problem or solution in a different light,” he said.

The most surprising thing about Pantex for David? The size of the site.

He said, “I knew Pantex took up a lot of real estate, but this place is like a small city.”

A small city, with a big team, all working together to achieve mission success. David fits into that puzzle seamlessly.

What is your favorite aspect about your work environment? How does that aspect make you know the mission is being met?
We turn abandoned 80-year-old buildings into modernized office spaces that house the most advanced equipment in the world. We correct deficiencies in old areas so we can perform new production work. We perform abatements to make buildings safer for employees. Every completed project, like a little victory, lets me know the mission is being met now and in the future.

Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
My grandfather Alton D. and aunt Nancy H. worked at Pantex for many years. My cousin is a nuclear engineer and interned here while attending Texas Tech. I feel blessed to work at the same place they did.

What is one thing your coworkers be surprised to know about you?
I used to have really (really) long hair when I was younger and I was a tattoo artist when I was in college.