Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day: Ready for the call

  • Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 7:41 am

Tyler White (left) and Mark McKinley (right)
Tyler White (left) and Mark McKinley (right)

In 1949, President Harry S. Truman established Armed Forces Day. Designated the third Saturday in May, this day is a joint celebration of all six branches of the U.S. military to honor all who serve. At Pantex, many employees remain enlisted. We honor these individuals on May 17 this year.

Always serving

  • Posted: Monday, May 15, 2023, 8:28 am

Pantexan Chafin H.
Chafin H. pulls double duty when it comes to serving others; he works at Pantex and is a lieutenant colonel (select) in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Once a month, Chafin H. loads up his Suburban and points the truck north toward Colorado Springs.

Armed Forces Day: Pantex’s Dr. Michael Paston reflects on importance of unified purpose

  • Posted: Monday, May 10, 2021, 12:33 pm

I have sometimes wondered what goes into designating a day an American holiday. Armed Forces Day, which is May 15 this year, began in 1949 after the armed forces were unified under one department — the Department of Defense. As someone who served in the Air Force, I have seen the benefits of people unifying for a purpose. This intangible force generates success, particularly in chaotic and uncertain times. We all agree 2020 was COVID chaotic, and 2021 will present uncertainty with the contract transition.