News

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.

Firefighters recently completed training using a large maze to solve complex challenges and reinforce problem-solving skills.

The task seems simple — to complete the training, firefighters must maneuver a ball through a maze without touching the ball. It’s like a life-sized game of labyrinth, but instead of knobs that move the board, the first responders manipulate a large table using various emergency response tools. Throughout the exercise, the height of the maze is adjusted and firefighters “crib” the table, or stabilize it, at the new height. Cribbing uses wooden or plastic blocks to create a solid support structure and is commonly used during rescue operations.

“This training better prepares members when it comes to lifting thousand-pound vehicles while ensuring safe operations,” Captain Joshua Brown said. “It reinforces the need to crib as you lift and sparks creativity in problem-solving. It’s more than just a maze, it is interactive training designed to reinforce and build upon essential firefighting principles in a practical and engaging manner.”

Groups of firefighters navigate complex paths in the maze to continuously improve on lifting techniques, stabilization skills, and the use of diverse tools. Firefighters communicate and coordinate with multiple team members to accomplish the mission.

“A core principle of this training approach is that learning is most effective when it is enjoyable and engaging,” Brown said. “The maze, with its challenging scenarios and timed competition, transforms routine drills into enjoyable experiences. This element of ‘fun’ in training is not merely a byproduct; it is intentional. When individuals are invested and find enjoyment from their training, retention of knowledge and skill development are significantly enhanced.”

The maze training encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving among peers. Each team adopted a different approach and used various tools to complete the exercise. Some teams spent over an hour completing the maze due to trial and error, but with each passing minute, skills were sharpened, equipment proficiency gained, and obstacles overcome. The timed element of the training added a sense of urgency to adjust and persevere.

“This training underscores the value of recognizing and adapting effective training methodologies within the Pantex Fire Department,” Brown said. “PXFD exemplifies a culture where imagination is embraced and tailored to accomplish a specific need that directly addresses training objectives.”

Life isn’t a game, but the skills learned from this puzzle could save lives. Interactive, hands-on training like this fosters proactive skill building and encourages enhanced safety and effectiveness during emergency response.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Kela Boyett 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.

When Kela Boyett was young, she told herself she’d never work at Pantex. With a father who worked at Pantex for more than 39 years, plus aunts, uncles, and cousins who were Pantexans, Kela Boyett considers herself a Pantex “legacy kid.”

While the temptation to rebel against the Pantex family heritage was real, ultimately, 15 years ago the opportunity came to apply for a job at Pantex, and she decided to take it.

“I thought I was going to go to law school and work in a law firm in Amarillo, but I began to think that Pantex could be a stepping stone to bigger and better opportunities,” Boyett said.

Boyett started out as an executive assistant, then moved to being a production planner before landing in Legal as an export compliance lead analyst.

“I quickly found that Pantex is more than what I thought — it is about protecting America,” she said.

“I’m proud to support the biggest mission there is. I also realized that Pantex is a little community where everyone knows each other and is proud to say, ‘I am a Pantexan.’”

As a production planner, Boyett learned the ins and outs of the plant and the importance of the nuclear security mission. When she joined Legal, she desired to play her own part in protecting America through safeguarding sensitive information from would-be adversaries.

As the export compliance office lead analyst, Boyett ensures both information or items leaving the site do not include anything that should not be shared externally or across borders.

“My job ties to Operations Security, Classification, Counter Intelligence and many other divisions when making decisions on export and Information Release Office determinations,” Boyett said. “This job has given me the opportunity to bring awareness to the plant population on what can and can’t be shared with others, how we have to dispose of materials and information, and what the implications are if we don’t follow laws and regulations.”

You could say Boyett is now converted to the Pantex cause.

“It’s truly a ‘family affair’ and I’m proud to say that carrying on my family’s legacy here at Pantex means the world to me,” she said. “I’ve always been known as Dennis Arney’s daughter, and that makes me very proud.”

What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex?
Smile, make eye contact, say hello, and good morning. The people you interact with at work sometimes see you more than your family. Form good solid relationships with your co-workers and make sure that you are approachable. I think it’s always good to start with a smile in the hallways and say “good morning.”

What advice would you offer a newer employee about the importance of solving problems and asking questions?
Pantex as a whole is very overwhelming. There are so many acronyms, and some are used for multiple things which can get confusing. It takes time to learn and distinguish the difference. Ask questions when you’re unsure. Unfortunately, ignorance is not bliss at Pantex and can land you in a bit of trouble, so never ever feel afraid to ask for help. Most of the time you are met with a smile and a willing heart.

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity?
My favorite activities are watching my son race his go-kart, seeing my daughter playing volleyball, and watching my husband drive his race car. Racing is in my blood. My dad raced stock cars and late models for years. I knew that when I had a son, I wanted him to carry on that legacy and he has not disappointed. I’m excited to spend my weekends watching them race.

Pantexan Jason Trosen’s role with the American Welding Society demonstrates the welding knowledge and experience he shares with his colleagues.

In the 2008 blockbuster “Iron Man,” the titular character found himself in an Afghan cave with a chest full of shrapnel and surrounded by terrorists. He had limited options, but he possessed a keen intellect and no shortage of scrap metal.

That character, Tony Stark, had one additional skill that facilitated his freedom — he was a master welder.

Pantex, of course, is not Afghanistan. Employees leaving for the day aren’t dodging shrapnel as they head for BN5A, and the plant’s Protective Force stands ready to ensure any terrorist foolish enough to set foot on the site would have a very, very bad day.

But, Pantex does have an Iron Man of sorts, a welding expert who shares his knowledge with others and who has now garnered recognition and leadership among an industry standards group.

“Jason Trosen is a world-class welding engineer who could have his pick of jobs anywhere in the world,” explained his supervisor, Projects Engineering Manager Billy Baker. “He has helped bring on three additional welding engineers since joining the team. The current welding team is a group of young engineers who love what they do and are dedicated to making the welding program and the mission of Pantex successful. Jason is an integral part of that success.”

Just as Tony Stark was no loner-type action hero, Trosen credited others for his involvement with the American Welding Society (AWS).

“In 2023, Rich Campbell, who was a vice president and lead of the welding program at Bechtel, performed a parent-company audit of our welding program,” he explained. “Rich is very involved in various code committees and encouraged Pantex to get involved as well. He invited me to attend the next AWS D1 meeting that fall. I got involved with writing some code updates. Last fall, I was asked to serve as the vice chairman of the Materials Task Group.”

Trosen went on to explain the D1 Committee is responsible for establishing welding standards for structural integrity. It comprises numerous subcommittees, each with an assigned area of responsibility. The group Trosen helps lead includes engineers, scientists, metallurgists, manufacturers, and fabricators. His group is responsible for adding new materials to welding codes and recategorizing materials within existing code. While Trosen’s involvement is an undeniable feather in his cap, he continued to focus on those who’ve shared his career adventures and guided him along the way.

“My dad has always been a big encouragement to me in my career,” Trosen said. “He started his career as a welding engineer as well, so we have a lot in common.”

Trosen’s role with the AWS promotes awareness of Pantex, too.

“Jason’s involvement in the AWS D1 Committee brings national visibility to the mission of Pantex within the welding industry and provides him — and, subsequently, the plant — valuable insight into where the welding industry is going and how we can better prepare for changes that may come from developments in the code,” Baker said.

Trosen agreed.

“Involvement in code committees allows Pantex to have visibility of upcoming changes to the codes to which we work as well as a voice in those changes,” he said. “It also gives us great contacts to leaders in the industry. In one meeting I attended, we had recently been through a Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board audit where a code interpretation question had come up and I was able to talk with the chairman of the committee that wrote that code and get very valuable insight that helped address DNFSB’s concerns.”

In the end, what makes Trosen a Pantex Iron Man is not swooping in to save the day like Tony Stark; instead, it’s sharing what he’s learned so both he and his peers go home each night happy and healthy.

“We have six classes and computer-based trainings where we share knowledge about welding and welding program requirements,” he said. “We regularly work with groups all around the plant to help them understand welding requirements and ensure we meet welding code requirements that are in place to ensure our safety.”