Jennifer and Ronnie Thomas followed in their son Cameron’s footsteps out to Pantex. Photo by Adam Baker.
When you search the name “Thomas” in the Pantex Directory, you get 319 results. While the name is common as a first and last name, the steadfast work ethic shown by Ronnie, Jennifer, and Cameron Thomas is uniquely theirs.
“Working here together has shown me the kind of dedication and character they’ve always carried and I’m proud to be part of that legacy,” Cameron said. “Not everyone gets the chance to see firsthand the example their parents set every day. The best part is hearing stories from people who have worked with them. It reminds me that the impact they’ve made reaches farther than just our family.”
The Thomases are also unique in the journey of how they all ended up at Pantex. You’ll hear countless stories of children following in their parents’ footsteps, but for the Thomas family, their son led the way. Cameron started at Pantex in 2021, then Ronnie came in 2022, and like clockwork, Jennifer made her way to the site in 2023. Cameron is a construction contract administrator, Ronnie is a construction project manager, and Jennifer is the administrative senior support for the Mission Assurance Officer and Business Services Division Director Colby Yeary. Their diverse talents ensure that no matter what organization you work in, there’s a good chance you might run into a Thomas shining somewhere.
“They are both great leaders,” Ronnie said. They’re always willing to help and just have tremendous work ethic. I get compliments anytime the connection is made.”
Outside of work, Cameron and Ronnie drive dirt-track racecars and Jennifer is there cheering them on. The family spends a lot of time prepping the cars and traveling on race weekends. The teamwork dynamic doesn’t stop there. When life at work goes from 0 to 60, Cameron knows he can always make a pit stop with his parents to refuel.
“Even though, out of my family, I’ve spent the most time at the plant, I do find myself still going to my parents for advice,” Cameron said, “whether it be a simple task with Microsoft Office or asking for professional advice.”
Jennifer says she’s happy to offer support and guidance, bounce ideas around, and provide suggestions leveraging their diverse expertise in their respective fields.
“We’ve even scheduled an Outlook 101 family meeting on Teams to share quick tips,” Jennifer said. “And I’ve often leaned on Cameron for his insights on procurement-related questions. It’s great to see their faces in the hallways or on Teams calls. There’s a unique sense of connection in being able to relate to each other’s day-to-day routines and experiences.”
The Thomases say working at Pantex has brought them closer together. They can understand each other’s schedules and responsibilities in a way that wasn’t possible before.
“I frequently hear about infrastructure progress, and I'm particularly grateful that Ronnie is involved in completing projects that directly benefit employees and contribute to the lasting transformation of our site's landscape,” Jennifer said. “Cameron began his career as a production technician on the W88, and we recently celebrated the final production unit at the site. He previously served as a buyer and successfully procured the ESD flooring project supplies ahead of schedule and under budget. Cameron is a natural leader and an exceptionally hard worker. While he is quiet just like his dad, his mind is seeking ways to enhance processes more efficiently.”
The Thomases may be three of 319 at Pantex, but their bond is one in a million.
“It’s special knowing we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves while also getting to share it as a family,” Cameron said. “Not many people get the chance to say they’ve worked alongside the people they love in a place with such an important mission. It’s created a bond and level of pride that’s hard to put into words.”