The Pantex Citizen feature shines a light on the remarkable employees of Pantex who go beyond the job. Pantexans manage dual roles as dedicated professionals at the plant and as active, engaged citizens in their communities. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC.
Thomas Hunt has been a steady force at Pantex for the past 15 years. He currently serves as a procurement engineer, and his impact stretches far beyond the gates of the plant.
In the Amarillo community, he is the Pantex team lead for the Texas Ramp Project. The organization provides ADA-compliant ramps for homeowners who are unable to afford them.
Hunt’s motivation for volunteering is deeply personal and rooted in purpose.
“I’ve always felt a strong calling to serve in any manner I’m able,” he said. “I have been shown several examples of sacrifice in my life and if I need to spend a couple of hours to make someone’s life better, then I’m doing what I’ve been put on this Earth to do.”
Texas Ramp Project builds roughly 300 ramps each year. Every ramp transforms a client's mobility and independence. The Pantex team typically builds two ramps per month and is happy to take on any extra calls for ramps in the community.
“Every ramp we build is memorable. Each one is special because it changes the lives of those homebound clients that gain a little more freedom,” Hunt detailed. “Many wouldn’t be able to leave their homes otherwise. Some weren’t able to leave the front porch of their house for more than 7 years.”
Hunt believes strongly in being a Pantex Citizen.
“I can’t do it alone. Thank you to so many others that are so willing to jump in and help with the Texas Ramp Project,” he said. “Pantex has given me so many opportunities to be able to go out and make a lasting impact for others. I haven’t always been able to do that.”
His message to anyone thinking about volunteering is simple: start small, but start.
“I think being a good neighbor and taking care of those around you is important because you never know how important you can be in someone else’s life until you get involved. People need people,” he said. “It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day or life. Find a way to get involved. Anything helps whether you think it does or not. Even the smallest gesture can make a huge impact.”