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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.

Production Manager Trent Jones takes pride in being a third-generation Pantexan. You may know him, or have seen him around giving a facilities tour, presenting on a new production milestone, or chatting with coworkers in the hallway.

Or selling your grandmother’s Buick.

Jones may have followed in his family’s footsteps out to Pantex, but he was the first to become an auctioneer.

“I had a good friend from church that has an auction company in town, and he influenced me to go to auction school,” Jones said. “Auctions are a thrilling experience, and I’ve always wanted to learn the trade.”

Jones is a licensed auctioneer through the state of Texas, and as such, he has a fiduciary duty to the seller. In a nutshell, he does his best to bring market value to the product being sold, be it a decade-spanning coin collection, ragged patio furniture, or an antique Mustang convertible. Yes, he’s really auctioned off all of those things, and truckloads more...including the trucks.
To do all of this, however, Jones made like Rodney Dangerfield and went back to school.

“I had to memorize numbered drills and tongue twisters before I actually went to auctioneering school,” Jones said. “When I got there, I went through 80 hours of classroom instruction and did some live auctioneering. Additionally, every year I have to complete six hours of continuing education to keep my license.”

Along with schooling, auctioneering students must learn how to perform one trademark characteristic: bid talking. Bid talking is the rhythmic repetition of numbers and filler words, or simply put, the fast-paced, energetic talk we associate with auctioneers. Jones strives to improve, even if it means selling a gently used set of vintage telephone poles as he drives by them.

“It’s just consistent practice every day,” Jones said. “But running your mouth and bid calling is the easy part. The hard part is getting ready for an auction.”

Jones has traveled the Texas Panhandle and down south to Dallas and Waco to sell all types of goods for all types of people. Depending on the venue, he may be in a suit and tie under the glow of a chandelier or in Wranglers and a ballcap kicking up dirt in the country.

With any great performance, a strong warm-up routine is crucial. For Jones, he enjoys reciting tongue twisters before going live. “Betty Botter” with her bitter butter and better batter is always reliable. Jones is familiar with taking center stage, yet he still feels the winged metaphorical cocktail of nervousness and fear in his stomach.

“I’ve worked some auctions before and you start off auctioneering and nobody’s raising their hand,” Jones said. “You’re thinking ‘oh my God, this is going to be a bloodbath,’ but once you get the rhythm going, get the butterflies gone, and excite the crowd, it’s smooth sailing.”

Auctioneering and Jones’ work role share two major similarities. First, public speaking since he gives tours and presentations at Pantex.

The second?

“Teamwork,” Jones said. “In every auction, there’s people that you’re counting on. The clerk is the one taking all your numbers down. A lot of times I don’t remember what I said and I rely on them to repeat it back. You also have a ring man and other auctioneers that you work with. Again, it’s just teamwork. Same thing at Pantex.”

The longer Jones has stayed at Pantex, the more he has realized how truly blessed he is to be part of an enriching work environment and spirited dynamic. What has kept him auctioneering, however, appeals to his adventurous side.

“The auction business is exciting and challenging,” said Jones. “It’s also an adrenaline rush and I need that from time to time. I believe in continual education and always learning something new. Auctioneering is just one of the ways I get to do all of that.”

Pantex Occupational Health Services General Administrative Specialist Sandra with the two awards Pantex received from Coffee Memorial Blood Center.

Imagine saving a life with just a few moments of your time. Donating blood is not just a selfless act but also a gift of hope. In a world where every drop counts, rolling up your sleeve to give could be the reason someone gets a second chance.

Pantex has received two awards from Coffee Memorial Blood Center, recognizing its significant role in helping save lives through blood donations. The awards honor the dedication of Pantexans who have consistently contributed to the center’s mission of providing essential blood supplies to 31 counties in the region.

Pantex earned the #1 Lifesaving Partner Award, collecting an impressive 660 donations in a single fiscal year. This achievement earned the plant top honors, securing the number one spot in the Top Ten Business Partners.

Pantex Occupational Health Services General Administrative Specialist Sandra Lightfoot said, “I didn’t even know it was a competition, but it’s one of those things where whoever has the most donations wins.”

Other awards were given out to top 10 high schools, community health centers, hospitals, and churches.

Pantex hosts a bloodmobile on-site, offering employees the opportunity to donate blood every two weeks. Since the bloodmobile began visiting the plant in 2002, the relationship has become a vital part of the center’s operations.

Misti Newsom, director of recruitment and events at Coffee Memorial Blood Center said, “Pantex takes a huge burden off of us with the reliability of being able to come every two weeks.” She continued, “We know and trust that we will be able to collect a minimum of 20 donations while at Pantex, and we’ve even had several blood drives where we left with more than we expected. It’s such a blessing.”

An individual can give blood every 56 days. In addition to regular whole blood donation, Coffee Memorial Blood Center offers the option of a collection process that collects a concentrated amount of red blood cells are then separated from the blood. The other blood components are returned to the donor.

“This type of donation especially helps those with sickle cell anemia or those with a high amount of blood loss.” Lightfoot said. “This type of donor needs to advise they want to do this ahead of time as it is a longer process.”

Lightfoot explained that when urgent needs arise, she sends out emails to encourage additional donations. “Our Pantex community really wants to do their part in helping out. That’s what really brings it home.”

Blood donations have a profound impact, with just one unit of blood capable of saving up to three lives.

“We have to collect 125 units a day to take care of our area patients,” Newsom explained. “Pantex is an invaluable partner in helping us meet this demand. The donors at Pantex are truly altruistic, and we can never thank them enough.”

The awards received from Coffee Memorial Blood Center are a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of the Pantex community.

“All kudos need to go to the Pantexans who donate, even if they donated just once,” Lightfoot said.

For those considering donating blood for the first time, Newsom shared a few tips to make the experience as comfortable as possible. “Be sure to eat well the day of your donation and drink plenty of fluids the day before and the day of your donation,” she advised. “Also, don’t look at the needle — just look at your phone or something else. Flexing your glutes and thighs can also help the blood flow during donation. And the most important thing is that you’re saving someone’s life!”

Pantex’s partnership with Coffee Memorial Blood Center is one way the site gives back to the Texas Panhandle community it calls home. Those employees who participate in giving blood are doing their part in being a “Pantex Citizen.”

If you’re interested in donating blood at a Pantex blood drive, keep an eye on The Zone for announcements on upcoming drive dates and times.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Kevin Baird 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.

When thinking of jobs at Pantex, many options seem obvious like Production Technician, Security Police Office, and Cyber Security. Others seem like a confusing word association game: high explosives - nuclear deterrence – prairie dog. When Wildlife Biologist Kevin Baird applied to work at the plant, a similar thought ran through his mind.

“Never in a million years did I think of wildlife biologist as a position at a nuclear facility,” Baird stated. “I was blessed to get a position out here and really surprised by the amount of natural space we have and the diversity in the wildlife population.”

Baird’s education and experience gave him a deeper understanding of nature and wildlife preservation, but now his expertise and duty extend to the animals prancing, slithering, and foraging across the estimated 16,000 acres belonging to Pantex.

“I am responsible for running the nuisance animal response team and training new team members,” Baird said. “My role is to address any concerns or issues that may arise regarding wildlife and natural resources. I also oversee the protection and maintenance of our wild areas to preserve them in as natural state as possible.”

Although Baird is continuously fascinated by the furry, feathered, and scaley creatures wandering the plant, there’s another Pantex native mammal that truly stands out to him.

“The people,” Baird said. “There are many different programs, teams, and departments, hosting an array of people from diverse backgrounds. They’re all friendly, helpful, and quick to get the job done. They also do whatever they can to help other groups that may be outside of their immediate department. “

Such comradery in the workplace is healthy and inviting, and in Baird’s case it’s one of the many reasons he loves Pantex. Working here has also afforded him personal growth, and a chance to serve toward a unifying goal.

“There are a lot of great people and opportunities that continue to increase my knowledge of natural resources, and the support to try new things in order to improve and maintain our local habitats,” Baird said. “I may not be directly involved with production, but I know my role is important to help keep things running smoothly. I take pride in knowing that I’m doing my own small part to help protect our nation by enabling the mission. I’m glad I’m here.”

What is your favorite aspect about your work environment? How does that aspect make you know the mission is being met?
Assisting with wildlife concerns. This allows me to go all over the plant and meet and interact with employees across all departments. When I take part in resolving a situation, I know that I’m helping protect my fellow employees from possible injury and ensuring that the mission can continue smoothly.

What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex?
Always ask questions about how and why things are being done a certain way. Be willing to offer suggestions for improvements, but take time to learn the processes and the reasons behind them first. Also, try to meet and interact with as many people from as many different departments as possible. As you continue in your career, those connections will greatly help you find unique solutions to problems and to get things done in an expedient manner.

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
Spending time with my wife and daughters. We like going to new places and traveling off the beaten path to explore areas that aren’t always the normal vacation or tourist destinations.

Why is teamwork an important aspect when working at Pantex?
Everyone has a different job, experience, and knowledge set. Working together with other members of your group or across orgs allows you to tap into those different perspectives and try to anticipate issues you may not have anticipated. Additionally, you can leverage these various skills to more efficiently resolve issues and complete tasks.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Carrie Brain 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.

Behind every LaRusso, Balboa, and Skywalker, there’s a Miyagi, Mickey, and Master Yoda. These mentors teach and help sharpen their pupils’ respective disciplines, typically set to a memorable montage. We don’t have that luxury in the real world, even if we crank “Eye of the Tiger” to 11. What we do have at Pantex, however, are great instructors, and instructors for those instructors.

That’s where Carrie Brain comes in. Brain serves as the lead instructor of instructor programs at Pantex. Her responsibilities include curriculum development, assisting with training compliance job duties, and leading instructor developmental classes. Essentially, she’ll teach you how to teach.

At one point in her life, Brain believed she’d become a copy editor for Random House or Penguin Books, but as the saying around the plant goes, all roads lead to Pantex. Fortunately for Pantexans, that included Brain’s career.

“I grew up in Amarillo,” Brain said. “Back then, people didn’t talk about Pantex. Because of that, I was scared to start a job here, but the second I came aboard I knew I was part of something greater than myself. Joining Pantex made me more of a patriot.”

Brain still has passion for the written word, and she’s adopted certain elements into her instructional development. Does your team need to know updated training procedures? Looking to train new hires? Great! She will help you figure out what to say and how to say it and help tailor your content based on your audience.

“Not everybody likes to be mentored the same way,” Brain said. “Pantex is a team, but each of us learns how to do things differently. As a mentor, ask your trainee what they think they need. Also, don’t just tell them how to do something, show them how to do it.”

Brain loves her students and sees them as messengers of the mission. She’s proud to be a part of that system, empowering them with skills and tools needed to be great instructors. Yet, with any great mentor/mentee story, be it cinematic or real life, there’s a cyclical nature to the dynamic.

“I’ll run into instructors that I trained months later and see how they use the skills I taught them,” Brain said. “Yet, as I watch them train others, I learn new tricks and techniques on how to better myself as an instructor. I provide them with feedback as well. It continues on and on like that. I’m a source of support for them, and they’re a source of support for me.”

Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
My dad. As a kid, I didn’t understand why he did or said certain things or didn’t say anything when I thought he should. When I grew up and we talked as adults, I realized he did those things to take care of me. He taught me how to think, research, and articulate for myself.

Why is it important we hold ourselves accountable in our daily tasks?
We have to meet Conduct of Operations, for one. Secondly, we need to take ownership of the good and bad. By doing so, we can correct those mistakes faster and learn from them. The more we understand why we need to hold ourselves accountable, the less fear we may have when owning up to our mistakes.

What advice do you offer someone who has made a mistake in his or her job?
Stop and or pause work. Seek out a peer or mentor and get the ball rolling for a path of correction. Mistakes happen. The sooner you speak up, the better off you’ll be.

Provide an example of lessons you’ve learned through overcoming a work-related challenge?
Stop talking and listen. I constantly try to became a better listener because sometimes when we’re silent, you have a chance to process what the other person is saying rather than thinking about your response. Don’t let yourself miss the point because you wouldn’t listen.

AMARILLO, TX – As part of Pantex’s ongoing efforts to strategically manage available on-site office space and accommodate long-term growth, it is moving employees into the Pantex Amarillo Campus, located at the Happy State Bank Building in downtown Amarillo. In celebration of this important step forward, Pantex held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 15.

“Today is not just about cutting a ribbon – it’s about progress, growth, and the continued collaboration between Pantex and the Amarillo community,” said Kelly Beierschmitt, Pantex president and general manager. “We are proud to be here, and we look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on our operations and the continued success of our mission.”

This new location, situated in the heart of Amarillo’s central business district, provides office space for more than 400 Pantexans.

"Center City is excited to welcome the Pantex team members who will be working in our downtown,” said Beth Duke, executive director of Center City of Amarillo. “The addition of the Pantex workforce will add vibrancy to our efforts to continue improving Amarillo's historic downtown. They will discover the downtown dining district, Hodgetown, our downtown hotels, and all the great downtown businesses that are ready to welcome them."

The lease agreement includes an initial five-year base period, with potential extension options. Pantexans began work in their new offices on April 14.

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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.

CONTACT
Rachel Smith
Communications
(806) 573.6032
rachel.smith@pantex.doe.gov

Courtesy photo of Randy Broom (right) and his dad Jack (left).

How much money would it take to completely alter your life?

For Randy Broom, it was just a small bucket of change.

Broom’s dad died in January because of a slip and fall incident. His father was taking coins to the bank to be exchanged when the container holding the money slipped out of his hand. His dad tried to catch the container, causing him to lose his footing and fall, injuring his neck and spinal cord.

“If you’re going to do something, don’t set yourself up for failure,” Broom said. “My dad put the coins in a container that was smooth and didn’t have a handle, so when the weight caused it to slip from his hands and he tried to catch it, rock salt on the ground and uneven footing caused him to fall and become paralyzed from the neck down.”

Slip and fall injuries can happen to anyone. Broom says this tragic event is a good reminder that even small choices have big consequences.

“Decisions matter,” Broom said. “You have to weigh each decision and think the outcome through before you do it. You want to take care of yourself, and in doing so, you’re also taking care of the craft, because you’re trying to put out the best work package to mitigate any hazards.”

Broom, senior advisor, teaches a conservative decision-making class educating Pantexans on the importance of protecting themselves and others through thoughtful actions.

“In my class, I tell people that the decisions you make do not just affect you, they affect family, coworkers, and others,” Broom said. “People have to be safety minded and ask themselves critical questions before performing any task.”

Is what I am about to do necessary? Is the weather going to affect this job? Is there a time crunch? Should I wait until I’m better prepared? Do I need help with the task? Does the task have the correct tools or containers that will make me successful?

Broom says safety should be at the forefront of everything we do—big and small. Asking questions can’t prevent all bad things from happening, but it can help lessen the likelihood of an incident.

“My dad was laying in the hospital bed and told me, ‘Randy, I wish I had taken that money and threw it in the trash. It wasn’t worth it,’” Broom said. “I said ‘dad you can’t think about it that way’. You don’t know what is going to happen. What happened to my dad might not have occurred if he would have had the right safety tools for the job like a container with a handle or a clear walkway.”

Broom says when going out to a job site, check your surroundings for slip and fall hazards. The site might be dry when the job was planned, but rain could happen at any time. Do a visual inspection and think ahead.

Spare change changed Broom’s life, but he’s honoring his dad’s legacy by educating others on thoughtful decision making and adherence to safety requirements.

“I talked to my dad every day,” Broom said. “I did everything for him, and he did everything for me. And now he’s gone. You never think it’s going to happen to your family. I encourage everyone at work or out in town, just be mindful and take care of yourself. Take care of others. It’s not just you that is affected.”

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Chris Perez 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.

The Human Reliability Program (HRP) is a security and safety reliability program designed to ensure that individuals who occupy positions with access to certain materials, nuclear explosive devices, facilities, and programs meet the highest standards of reliability and physical and mental suitability. As the HRP Management Official, Chris Perez has the unique role of making sure Pantex is held to that standard.

Growing up, Perez always thought he would be a high school coach. While in college, he began working at a bank and realized his passion had changed. When an opportunity at Pantex presented itself, he knew he was ready for the next step in his career.

“Pantex is the only one of its kind, meaning the work done here is unique,” he said. “For me, there is a lot of pride in understanding the kind of contribution you can make toward the overall mission and delivering for our nation and allies.”

After joining the Pantex team, Perez was surprised by the overall size and amount of diverse work it takes to carry out the mission. “The passion of my fellow coworkers and those involved in HRP is unmatched,” Perez said. “It is one of the main requirements to conduct the work here at Pantex, and that makes me proud.”

While HRP helps ensure safety and security, it is also about ensuring the well-being of our fellow Pantexans. “Working with people that might be going through something is never easy, but it’s part of the job,” Perez said. He added that it is very important to him that the employees who participate in the HRP know he cares about them no matter what they are going through.

This position has allowed him to develop his problem-solving skills. Questions or concerns are presented daily, and it is Perez’s responsibility to make sure they are handled appropriately. The longer he is in this role, the easier it gets to find solutions. However, Perez has found that not being afraid to ask for help and listen to different perspectives has contributed the most to his success in his role.

Everyone offers value to our tasks. Why must we be open to learning and hearing from others?
The work at Pantex is full of policies, procedures, orders, regulations, etc. Oftentimes, there are many different perspectives or interpretations of what something means. There is a very dynamic and knowledgeable workforce at Pantex, and talking advantage of that is the best way to learn. It also allows you to create your own understanding.

What advice do you offer someone who has made a mistake in his or her job? How should they be accountable for that issue?
We are HUMAN. It is literally the first word of the program: Human Reliability Program. Mistakes are going to happen no matter how big or small. It’s your response to the mistake that is crucial. Holding yourself accountable and showing focus and sincerity in the corrective actions is important.

How has teamwork allowed you to grow as an employee?
In HRP, we are dealing with the majority of the plant population. Working together with not only the HRP team but the plant population is vital to the success of the program. It also increases my overall plant knowledge—I learn something new every day that allows me to apply new knowledge to my job.

Why must we understand the requirements, procedures, etc. tied to our jobs?
HRP is driven by regulation, just like many other programs. The understanding of the requirements is vital because of the access individuals are being granted to complete the mission. If an HRP requirement is missed, that means the individual is not allowed to conduct HRP work, which could mean they are not contributing to the mission until all requirements are met.

What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Pantex?
Understand that it’s going to be overwhelming at first. However, embrace it and find people that are passionate about their job and learn from them. Also understand, there is a reason for everything and if you don’t understand, ask!

Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
My Father-in-Law, Jimmy “JW” Walker. He took me under his wing when I was young and, at that time, I needed a male role model in my life. I have never seen someone work so hard and be as dedicated to his family as he was. He was battling cancer for the latter part of his life and for the most part you couldn’t tell by his attitude. His perspective on life was much different than I have ever seen. He was someone that cared about everyone and those that knew him loved him. I could never repay him for what he did for me or my family, but I do my best every day.

Dispatchers Ayana Moore and Melodi Parton say teamwork is essential when coordinating response during an emergency.

What is an emergency? It may seem like an easy question to answer, but an emergency to one person may not be urgent for the next. Life experience, knowledge, and individual circumstances, among other things, may lead people to differ on their opinion of a true emergency.

Seeing firetrucks and wanting to know what happened — not an emergency.

Ordering a pizza and the delivery driver forgets the drink — also not an emergency.

Someone’s life or health is in danger — emergency.

Property, public health, or the environment is in danger — also an emergency.

When an emergency happens, dispatchers answer the call. The Pantex Fire Department maintains a 24/7 Emergency Services Dispatch Center. When dialing 9-1-1 from a phone at Pantex, the call is routed to their dedicated team. If calling from a cell phone, the emergency will be handled by the appropriate off-site dispatch center.

Even though dispatchers are often the initial point of contact for emergency situations, they sometimes do not receive the same recognition as other first responders. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week aims to change that. Held annually the second week in April, NPSTW honors and recognizes 9-1-1 professionals like dispatchers Ayana Moore and Melodi Parton — both frontline responders.

“I got into this line of work because my heart’s desire is to make a difference in my service,” Moore said. “We are trained to protect and serve, so I feel my service is to protect from greater danger, to prevent a greater tragedy, and to provide the help that is needed.”

Dispatchers are trained in taking emergency medical and fire calls, monitoring alarms, mutual-aid requests, and answering non-emergency calls. Parton says it is important to stay calm while working in such a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

“A clear mind allows for better decision making and communication which can be vital in emergencies where every second counts,” Parton said. “Panic can lead to mistakes or delays that could exacerbate the situation. My reaction has to be one of urgency coupled with composure.”

If there is an emergency, stay calm and remember to breathe. When calling 9-1-1, first give the location of the emergency. If the address is unknown, use landmarks or describe things nearby. Dispatchers are highly trained professionals ready to use the information provided to effectively respond to a variety of calls.

“I never know what type of situation I may have and who I have the pleasure of talking to,” Moore said. “If someone calls with an emergency and they’re panicking and I’m panicking, I wouldn’t be of any service to them. Staying calm is the key to dispatching.”

While one dispatcher takes calls, asking questions and gaining valuable information, their teammates are hard at work notifying responders to get them enroute quickly. Training and experience help dispatchers know what information is critical to ensure an appropriate response.

“When receiving a call, the process begins with an immediate assessment,” Parton said. “Dispatchers focus on gathering essential information from the caller and ensuring they feel heard and supported. Dispatchers then determine the best course of action. They remain calm to effectively relay information to first responders and coordinate resources efficiently.”
Dispatchers are a crucial aspect to public safety, acting as the link between callers and the responders providing emergency assistance.

“When I help get resources to someone during an emergency, I feel relieved, hopeful, stressful … many emotions but overall grateful to serve in this capacity,” Moore said.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week shines a light on the people behind the phones who serve our plant and our community as first responders. Whether the call involves people, property, or even pizza, dispatchers will answer ready to coordinate a response.

“Knowing that my actions can significantly impact someone’s life during a critical moment is both humbling and motivating,” Parton said.

The Ruck Up Foundation embarks on their annual Memorial Day ruck styled hike in Palo Duro Canyon.

Holidays and special occasions can be bittersweet. Sweet are the times you get to celebrate and share your love with those closest to you; bitter are the periods of grief that creep in and remind you that someone you care about isn’t there to share those moments. Memorial Day is one holiday that is hard for families of fallen soldiers.

A small group of proud Pantexans – Cosme Alonzo, Anthony Jaramillo, Daniel Mata, Ismael Ordaz, and Daniel Prieto – who are also combat veterans, saw an opportunity to help local Gold Star families and bolster the legacies of these fallen heroes. A Gold Star family has experienced the loss of an immediate family member as a result of active-duty military service.

“For many, Memorial Day is a weekend to barbeque and enjoy the start of the summer season, but there are a lot of people who find themselves in a really negative place during Memorial weekend,” Alonzo said. “One year, we decided that we needed to stop drowning our sorrows in unhealthy outlets and find a wholesome way to memorialize our fallen comrades.”

And so began the Ruck Up Foundation.

The men, all of whom are Security Police Officers, wanted to find a way to say “thank you from a grateful nation.” The Ruck Up Foundation has committed to sending birthday cards to children of fallen heroes through their 21st birthdays. They have also established an annual college scholarship for a family member of a fallen soldier. Through their 10-mile ruck in Palo Duro Canyon and other events, they raise money to host an annual Gold Star Christmas event, partnering with Toys for Tots, to provide Christmas presents for the children.

“Our Ruck Up hike for Memorial Day is our biggest event and my personal favorite,” Mata said. The group sponsors a 10-mile hike to raise money for these projects. “For $50 you get into Palo Duro Canyon, a t-shirt, and some fun swag. What started out as three guys trying to pour their grief into a healthy outlet has turned into 121 individuals hiking in remembrance of fallen soldiers.”

The Ruck Up Foundation feels so lucky to have the support and compassion of their coworkers and encourages anyone who wants to tag along.

“I would say about 50 percent of our participation comes from Pantexans or immediate family members,” Jaramillo says. “Pantexans like Chelsey Westfall. When I reached out to her for a quote for her photography services, she was so supportive of our cause that she donated her services for free. At the end of the day, that’s the kind of support that allows us to do this.” Westfall is the Administrative Assistance for Safeguards and Security.

For many, Memorial Day marks the kick off to summer. For the Ruck Up Foundation it is time to pause and reflect on what the day is really about. They encourage people to take a moment to give thanks and honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. And, if you’re up for it, join a group of dedicated Pantexans on Sunday, May 25, for the Foundation’s annual hike at Palo Duro Canyon.

If your family, or a family you know, could benefit from the services the Ruck Up Foundation provide or if you would like to participate in any of their events, visit their website for more information.

Severe weather season is unpredictable, scary, and can be dangerous if you are not prepared. Whether on‑site or off, it is important to know what to do if severe weather hits. Here are a few ways to prepare and keep yourself and your family safe:

• Make sure at least one family member knows first aid and CPR.
• Download the FEMA app for resources and safety tips.
• Have a family plan in place; all members of the family should review and practice the plan.
• Have family members’ and other important phone numbers written down or memorized.
• Assemble an emergency supply kit and keep at least three days of food and water at home.
• Store important documents in a fire‑proof safe or safety deposit box.
• Know how to shut off utilities including natural gas and water.

To be more informed about local weather, the Pantex StrikeNet© app offers meteorological information such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, relative humidity, dew point, barometric pressure, rainfall, rainfall rate, and even lightning data. Download the app on your phone through the Apple Store and Google Play.