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As the nation comes together to celebrate 250 years of American independence, there is a quiet, enduring truth behind the parades and fireworks – America’s freedom must continue to be secured. At Pantex, providing for the common defense and securing the blessings of liberty is our daily mission.

“For the past two-and-a-half centuries, the United States has stood for liberty, democracy, and self-determination,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said. “The Pantex Plant is at the heart of our nation’s defense and stands for the same values.”

Celebrating America turning 250 is more than a historical date to Pantexans. This milestone is a direct reflection of the daily work that fulfills the site’s mission. Every component, every weapon, every safety measure contributes to the defense of the constitutional values that were signed in Philadelphia 250 years ago.

To honor this national milestone and recognize the connection to Pantex’s mission, a series of special, employee-focused events were held on July 2. The day included flag-raising ceremonies, food trucks, and the selling of exclusive Pantex America 250 merchandise.

The celebration reaffirms the commitment to the defense of a free nation, proving that the spirit from 1776 is still alive and well.

Beierschmitt concluded, “As America enters its next chapter, Pantex remains vital to preserving the nation’s peace and security.”

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

With those final words written into history, 56 men representing the 13 original American colonies gathered together in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Knowing what was at stake, they openly denounced the British crown and ratified the Declaration of Independence, signifying the birth of the United States of America and American Freedom.

Such a declaration wouldn’t come without cost.

Over the 250 years since that document was signed, scores of men and women, including many Pantexans, have taken up the call to military service by aligning themselves with the pledge made by those men more than two centuries before. But what inspired them to do so? Who better to provide those answers than some of Pantex’s former service members?

"It’s the people that make America what it is," Production Coordinator Devon Stayner said. "I’d like to think my military service played some small part in that."

"I felt like it was a duty I had to give what I could for the defense of the American way of life," Skilled Manufacturing Supervisor Chris Oglesby said.

For Production Technician Marshall Court, enlisting in the Navy was what made him who he is.

"After 9/11, serving felt different, like we were doing something that was bigger and more important than we could have imagined," Court said. "I know the military isn’t the route for everyone, but I do believe it was the best decision I could have made for myself."

As veterans, finding the same purpose in civilian life isn’t always easy, but as they found their way to Pantex, they each discovered a new way to serve.

"It is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

When the colonists vehemently declared their freedom from British rule, they knew precisely what they meant by providing new guards. But before the evolution of the technology available to us now, they couldn’t have known what it would mean for us today.

"The work we do is vital because it establishes a reliable deterrent," Production Technician Apollo Castillo said. "While the ultimate hope is to never have to deploy these capabilities, maintaining our readiness is essential for national defense."

Skilled Manufacturing Supervisor John Morgan agreed.

"My service contribution is a small piece of a larger mission to ensure our nation has a credible nuclear deterrent," Morgan said.

As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, it’s easy to get complacent. Returning to the tenets of what our service men and women fought for is key in remembering what we have.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

What does "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" truly mean? The answer will probably vary depending on who you ask, but the undeniable truth is that it is something worth fighting for.

"Regardless of what you look like or where you come from, everyone has the opportunity to live the life they want, love whom they choose, and do what makes them happy without being oppressed by a tyrannical government," Morgan said. "With the caveat of as long as it doesn’t deprive others from those same qualities of life."

"It makes you proud to be in a place that is made up of all these different places and people and cultures that have ended up here that have helped shape these rights and liberties that we don't often think about, and that we take for granted," Court said.

"Sometimes it feels like I didn’t do enough. It’s hard to explain," Stayner said. "But I feel that patriotism of being proud to serve."

"I think that it is important to feel a sense of pride and want to stand up and do something," Castillo said. "We’ve only made it this far because of that - people willing to stand up and do something."

A quarter millennia of proud Americans have fought for the rights laid out in the Declaration of Independence. While it hasn’t always been perfect, Americans continue to enjoy the freedoms gained centuries ago thanks in part to brave men and women who chose to serve and for those that find a different way to serve here at Pantex.

"In the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."

So, whether it be pride, freedom, or a sense of duty to fight for something greater, we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and remember all of those who came before and continue to serve today, both overseas and here at home.

"It will never be forgotten how much Pantex feels like a family and rallies together when times are tough," Oglesby said. "Whether it’s a fire, a deployment, or an unexpected life event, Pantexans are special people. It’s an honor to celebrate 250 years of America together and I look forward to many more."

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Alex Guglielmetti 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.

Information Technology (IT) Advisor Alex Guglielmetti asked if we could conduct the interview somewhere more relaxed than his hotel workspace, so we set off across the JCDC. In our short walk, several Pantexans greeted him by name. We briefly chatted with one of them, a promise to reconnect later pausing the exchange.

Shortly after the interview started, another Pantexan stopped to say hello to Guglielmetti. He introduced us and then they engaged in conversation — Guglielmetti encouraging his colleague to join him at a Lone Star Pantexan Social dinner as well as an upcoming IT-related conference.

Later, in continuing the interview, I asked Guglielmetti what he enjoys most about working at Pantex.

“The people,” he said swiftly. “Can’t you tell?”

It was more statement than question.

Before transitioning into IT, Guglielmetti held a marketing and commercial leadership role at a media conglomerate, building a relationship-driven skill set he still uses today. Eventually, that industry’s tech side appealed to him, so he pursued degrees in software engineering and cybersecurity. By then, though, Guglielmetti wanted away from the media business and into something more fulfilling.

“The mission-driven nature of Pantex interested me,” Guglielmetti said. “Now that I’m here, I’ve enjoyed this great work atmosphere. Pantexans are very respectful and compelled to solve problems and tackle challenges together. People and the mission go hand-in-hand.”

As IT Advisor, Guglielmetti provides project support such as strategizing processes and implementation, and coordinating relationships among parties involved. However, he remains a natural connector, focused on building relationships and helping stakeholders understand how technology enables mission success.

“I enjoy communicating with my team and our customers,” Guglielmetti said. “I do so in layers using different avenues and methods to share wins, explain important points, and answer questions. In other words, I love helping anyone connect the dots.”

Guglielmetti has a passion for people. So much so he created the Lone Star Pantexan Social, a way for any and all Pantexans to connect outside of work while enjoying local cuisine. His enthusiasm has also provided a unique perspective on pride in the workplace.

“Take our three flags out front of the JCDC and what they represent. Despite the elements, they continue to stand strong. The meaning behind them never wavers, even when ragged, whipping in the Texas Panhandle wind. Same with Pantexans. We push through challenges to achieve mission success. By combining our tech and knowledge, along with our unique Lone Star Pantex style, we get the job done in our own unmatched way. I’m proud to be part of this community.”

Why is communication important for your team to succeed?
We don’t live in a vacuum. Communication is one of the most important aspects of our day-to-day and mission success. Also, understanding communication avenues that exist and associated benefits and challenges of each is paramount.

What advice would you give to a new employee?
When a door of opportunity opens, you don’t always have to accept. Ask yourself questions, like if it will benefit your growth or your plans for your future. Just make sure it’s the right fit for you.

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
I’m an ultrarunner who recently attempted a 300-mile race through the Arizona desert. Around Amarillo, many know me as the guy always running somewhere, so if you see me on the roads or in Palo Duro Canyon, say hello. I’ll likely wave back mid-stride.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Allen Hassler 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 Electronics Technician Allen Hassler says he works on radios, he’s not talking about your run-of-the-mill walkie talkies or something you would listen to music on; he’s talking about two-way radios that help protect the nation.

“I am responsible for the lifecycle management and operational readiness of approximately 2,700 radios supporting Pantex site operations,” Hassler said. “My duties include installing, programming, providing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing two-way radio and wireless communication systems in both mobile platforms and fixed infrastructure across the plant. Our role is to maintain communications integrity, minimize downtime, and support the broader national security mission without interruption.”

As a curious and analytical child, Hassler grew to be an even more curious and analytical adult. While riding the bus as a child, he occupied his time by taking apart and fixing things. This leaned heavily into adulthood and his career as a signal support systems specialist in the U.S. Army where he protected his fellow soldiers from things like IEDs or radio explosives through his maintenance of communications channels. When he returned home after 14 years of service, he worked a few jobs that he liked, but didn’t quite fill his need to be a part of something bigger.

“I’ve spent nearly my entire professional life in the defense industry, and I’ve seen firsthand — both domestically and internationally — just how critical this mission really is,” Hassler said. “The work done at Pantex isn’t abstract to me; I understand its impact and importance. Pantex has given me the opportunity to continue serving in a mission I believe in, while also growing professionally in a field I know well. Being part of something that significant gives me a real sense of purpose and pride.”

Not only does Hassler believe in the Pantex mission, but he also believes in the people that he works side-by-side with. He believes they are highly capable and the way they work together is why they are so successful.

“Teamwork is important because no single person carries the mission alone. In a high-consequence environment, gaps between people become risks. Strong teamwork closes those gaps. At the end of the day, teamwork isn’t about being agreeable — it’s about being accountable to one another so the mission succeeds safely and consistently. You need a unique personality to thrive in this role. We are all very like-minded and have unique eccentricities and we complement each other’s flaws. I don’t want a perfect team; I want a team that knows how to work together.”

How do you and your team contribute to mission success?
In simple terms, “No comms, no bombs.” Reliable communication is foundational to everything we do. My team ensures that the systems supporting operations across the plant and nation are secure, operational, and ready at all times. Without dependable communications, coordination slows, risks increase, and mission execution suffers.

What do you think makes Pantex so special?
Pantex sits at the intersection of national security, technical precision, and absolute accountability. The work done here directly supports the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. There’s no room for shortcuts, ego, or complacency. Standards are high because they have to be. We work in a place where precision isn’t optional, teamwork isn’t a buzzword, and the mission isn’t theoretical. That combination is rare.

What is the best advice you have received from a fellow Pantexan?
Don’t tackle the problem alone if you don’t have to. There is always someone willing to step in and help out.

Seen or not, technology connects us, integrated in what we do and how we do it. Hardware and software inarguably help us collaboratively make the mission a success. Much like plumbing pipes crisscrossing underneath the earth or power lines scratching across the sky, these crucial systems and programs require a specialized boots-on-the-ground, out-in-the-field maintenance team. Within the Pantex fence line, we have just that — our very own dedicated IT crew focused on keeping end users technologically alive and kicking. This is Plant-Side Field Support.

“We provide direct support for end users inside the plant,” Field Technician Adam Landeros said. “We install hardware and software, and we troubleshoot
issues they experience. My team’s job is to make certain our customers can do theirs.”

Given their location and customer base, the team must be mindful of the area they are working in and the equipment they are working on, which challenges standard IT operations.

“We encounter a diverse range of systems, from cutting-edge technology to specialized legacy equipment, demanding a broad and continuously updated skillset,” Field Technician Keith Hernandez said. “The critical nature of these systems means that any downtime has significant implications, placing high pressure on rapid and accurate problem resolution.”

And to fix those issues, the team’s service-with-a-smile doesn’t always follow a nine-to-five workday.

“We do have customers that work swing shift, so if an issue arises, we will schedule time to help them during their hours,” Plant Field Operations Supervisor Matt Reyna said. “Also, we hold non-traditional hours when working major projects like RSA token rollout or government-furnished phone deployment.”

As tech evolves, the field technicians must remain ahead of today’s industry changes.

“We consistently engage in formal training and pursue industry certifications, often tailored to the specialized technologies and stringent security
requirements of our environment,” Hernandez said. “Additionally, we employ vendor resources and engage in collaboration with other Pantex teams across the site to gain a holistic understanding of how technology impacts our critical mission.”

Considered a public face of the IT Service Management organization, Plant-Side Field Support creates and maintains strong relationships with end users. This customer service core is crucial in keeping us all connected in more ways than one.

“Every member of my team genuinely cares about our end users. My team strives to make a customer’s life easier by ensuring their computing experience is as seamless and efficient as possible,” Reyna said. “I’m incredibly fortunate to lead an exceptional group of individuals. They are truly an all-star team.”

From left: Landon, Kyle and Connor Bräck pose for a family photo. Photo by Adam Baker.

Sunday, September 12, 2010, was a day for the history books in the Bräck family... the end of an era. That’s the day Kyle Bräck could no longer beat his sons Connor and Landon in basketball due to an ACL injury. Although he may not win any more on the court, Kyle says he won in life because he gets to work with his sons at Pantex.

“This is such an oddity in this day and age to be able to work together; it’s so rare,” Kyle said. “It hearkens to the old years of farming families, being able to work together, that hardly ever exists anymore. We have the strong realization this is a privilege.”

Landon is a system-requirements engineer and Connor is a software automation and engineering management analyst. Kyle has been employed at Pantex two separate times but is currently an adviser in Emergency Services. One of the Bräcks’ favorite things to do revolves around, you guessed it, basketball. They often travel to watch Texas Tech University, their alma mater. A 2019 trip to watch Tech play Duke in New York marked the start of Landon’s Pantex career. That weekend, he got the call to intern at Pantex while at a hotel in Manhattan.

“I did my Pantex interview in the hotel room and was told I got the engineering intern position,” Landon said. “Then, we went out to Madison Square Garden to celebrate during Christmastime in New York.”

Connor was the last to join the family as a Pantexan in 2024 and was grateful to have his brother and dad around to help.

“Everyone knows it’s daunting or can be scary when you join here because of all of the new things you learn,” Connor said. “My first week I was full-time teleworking and couldn’t log in to the VPN. Luckily, my brother was right down the hall and helped guide me through it.”

Kyle and Connor recently worked on the mass-notification system update to Everbridge, among other Digital Transformation-related projects.
“I was on a meeting with other people but my dad was on there, and when it came my turn to talk, I wasn’t quite sure what to say, and I wasn’t going to call him his government name or Mr. Father, so I just called him dad. In the beginning I was timid, but he’s my dad.”

Adviser, coach, and mentor are a few of the other titles Kyle holds at the plant. His proudest title, however, is father.

“Our dad coached us in everything,” Connor said. “He came to all our events. He would choose to do that over anything else every time. He used to come to lunch at school to play basketball with all the kids. Coached all our buddies. He was and is a very present dad.”

Coaching didn’t stop at athletics. Kyle says he catches himself counseling his sons while at work.

“Now it’s not school or sports but life,” Kyle said. “I do still mentor them on how to carry themselves in a meeting, how to position themselves or helping give career advice at Pantex.”

Part of the Bräck family legacy at Pantex revolves around the basketball league. When Kyle was at Pantex the first time, he played. Connor currently plays and Landon is the league president.

“Back then, Pantex Basketball won the city league,” Kyle said. “Before we took pictures, I saw the broom closet open, ran and got a broom, because it was a clean sweep.”

Landon and Connor haven’t won any clean sweeps but insist that is because the league is tougher now than back when their dad was playing. Just like the league, many things may have changed over the years... and that’s not always a bad thing.

“He used to drop us off at preschool,” Landon said. “And when I was hired on at Pantex, I started dropping him off at work. Our lives did a 360 and we’re grateful for it. Our dad is the perfect example of a Pantexan who takes pride in what he does and works to share his knowledge with others around him and we get to be here to watch him do that.”

AMARILLO, TX– Pantex recently began construction on a new building that will provide around 14,000-square-feet of modern office space for its workforce. The Flexible Support Facility II incorporates new technologies, allows for efficient travel to and from common job-sites, and is designed to house teams that often collaborate on complex projects.

“This new office building will allow us to bring these vital teams together under one roof where they can collaborate using the most up-to-date technologies possible and can efficiently travel to areas of the plant where their expertise is needed,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said.

Pantex Plant, located near Amarillo, Texas, has for decades been the nation’s primary assembly, disassembly, and life-extension center for nuclear weapons. It also serves as the National Nuclear Security Administration’s High Explosives Center of Excellence for Manufacturing.

“We are very excited by this period of growth at Pantex. This is just one of several construction projects at the site. Each project is designed to better meet the current and future needs of our mission – to safely and securely maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrence,” Beierschmitt said. “Some of these new facilities bring together specific tasks that were spread across multiple buildings. Other facilities, like this one, bring together people who will work better and provide a better product by being co-located,” he added.

The Flexible Support Facility II follows a commercial construction approach to allow for cost savings and accelerated construction, with a projected completion date in mid-2028.

“This facility is one example of how we are modernizing Pantex, in this case by using the same ENERGY STAR design used at the Nevada National Security Site,” said Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong. “Sharing standard, scalable building designs across Nuclear Security Enterprise sites means we can ultimately reduce design costs and accelerate construction of office buildings like this and other non-nuclear facilities.”

Pantex will soon open the High Explosives Science and Engineering Facility and break ground on the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility, further solidifying Pantex as NNSA’s High Explosives Center of Excellence for Manufacturing.

PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt addresses the crowd during the Flexible Support Facility groundbreaking. Photo by Adam Baker.

A crowd gathers to hear remarks by PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt. Photo by Adam Baker.

Leaders from PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, the Pantex Field Office, and contractor Hensel Phelps come together to break ground on the Flexible Support Facility. Photo by Adam Baker.

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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.

For more information on Pantex, visit www.pantex.energy.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Steve Myers
Communications
(C) 806-236-2826
stephen.myers@pantex.doe.gov

It’s a warehouse — a place where stuff is stored. What possible research and development could be done in this area? How could asset storage be optimized?

It was exactly that last question that started the Plant Directed Research and Development (PDRD) Warehouse Optimization Project at the Pantex Plant (Pantex). Was there a way to optimize storage efficiency, improve space constraints, control inventory and placement, or track the location of assets?

A group of Pantex principal investigators set out to research ways to optimize and modernize the plant’s storage facilities.

Initial research focused on an automated forklift system that moves stored assets within a storage facility. The research used an unmanned forklift controlled remotely by an operator and a mockup of a warehouse.

“This early research demonstrated a forklift can be guided through aisles from a remote-control station, where the operator uses camera feeds to navigate, select specific pallet locations, and transport items to designated drop-off points, all without the need for direct human presence in the storage area,” stated Caleb Heltenberg, Pantex PDRD program manager.

This research’s success spawned additional warehouse research.

Automated Storage and Retrieval System
By automating the retrieval and storage of assets, this research presents a comprehensive feasibility study and a preliminary implementation framework for integrating an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) into warehouses. It addresses critical horizontal footprint constraints and delivers a tailored solution and strategic roadmap for execution. Additionally, this system has shown an advantage in vertical applications with high-ceiling clearances in warehousing facilities.

“The proposed system is projected to significantly maximize volumetric storage capacity, optimize inventory organization, reduce retrieval latency, and enhance overall occupational safety,” explained Josue Perez, principal investigator for the AS/RS project.

Vertical Lift Modules
This project was initiated out of a necessity for additional space in the special tooling warehouse. Vertical lift models (VLMs) consolidate items from storage or location bins into a single location. By using a combination of storage solutions that include the VLM and AS/RS systems, the team has determined that storage capacity can double per square foot in the areas in which these systems are installed. This saves space as well as centralizes the location for assets, reducing the back and forth of asset movement and taking advantage of the high-ceilings clearances in the facility.

Conveyor Systems
Conveyor systems allow for assets to be moved throughout the facility without the need to load and offload pallets using a forklift. This reduces wait time and allows for on-demand asset handling when needed. In the tooling warehouse, the conveyor system moves assets from the storage location to maintenance, to quality control, then to another facility.

These areas of warehouse research have increased facilities’ storage capacity, with reports of up to a 100% increase. This research has also increased throughput for selecting and placing assets, as well as moving assets between required workstations (maintenance, inspection, quality, etc.), without requiring a manual. Most notably, this research has led to an increase in occupational safety. Collectively, these PDRD research projects drive Pantex’s material handling towards the factory of the future.

“This research enables Pantex to maximize current facility/warehouse space while also providing technology for future facilities,” stated Heltenberg. “Future facilities and warehouses can be designed around this technology to optimize operations.”

Additionally, the warehouse optimization research supports the supply chain in general and also supports the Smart Factory and robotics/automation initiatives of Pantex’s digital transformation. It helps to enable rapid response, ensuring equipment, tooling, and other assets are where they need to be when they need to be, improving efficiency.

“Implementing this technology is the start of advanced technology in supply chain management and asset handling at Pantex” indicated Perez. “This is very mature technology that has a significant impact, but it also enables the future implementation of newer, less mature technologies in this space.”

In fiscal year 2026, several VLMs have been and continue to be installed across facilities at Pantex. Fiscal year 2027 will focus on transitioning the AS/RS and conveyor system from a conceptual study to implementation at Pantex. Key actions will include defining the final system integration requirements and preparing facilities for preliminary integration.

“This research enables Pantex to maximize current facility/warehouse space while also proving this technology for future facilities,” stated Heltenberg. “Future facilities and warehouses can be designed around this technology for optimization.”

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Jessica Cavazos 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.

Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Children of all ages — welcome — to the greatest workplace on Earth! Step right up and be amazed at the nation’s primary site for the assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of nuclear weapons. Not everyone gets a ticket to see inside, but today is your lucky day. We have dazzling, dependable employees, delivering for today and optimizing for tomorrow — magnificent, world-class safety experts pushing our success to new heights, and fearless firefighters performing feats of grace and strength that only Pantex citizens would. All seen here at the one and only Pantex Fire Department (PXFD). Your ringmaster for this evening — the fabulous Jessica Cavazos.

Cavazos earned the nickname of “Ringmaster” because she is a central, cherished, and important member of the fire department family. Of course, Pantex isn’t a circus, but sometimes work might feel like a juggling act straight out of Barnum and Bailey. Thanks to dedicated team members like Cavazos, Emergency Services never drops a ball. Cavazos has worked as the PXFD secretary for 11 years, and quickly became an integral part of the team, effortlessly balancing several critical duties to help keep the organization running smoothly.

“Jessica takes pride in her abilities and responsibilities and that pride produces high-quality results,” Fire Chief Mike Brock said. “She cares about our personnel and will go out of her way to ensure they are taken care of. She does so many things behind the scenes that we don’t even think about. When she had to be off several weeks unexpectedly, it quickly became evident how much she does without prompting.”

The popular idiom “not my circus” is something Cavazos refuses to accept. She would insist it IS her circus and that she has a responsibility to live up to her nickname. Affectionately referring to the team as “her” responders, Cavazos is always willing to assist with events or tasks that unexpectedly pop up.

“During emergencies, I may be called upon to make important notifications, direct incoming phone calls, and help with on-scene operations by directing the Fire Department Support Team to receive their assignment,” Cavazos said. “I know my firefighters and paramedics are ready and willing to go out and take on whatever task they face when the tones drop. I am very honored to be a part of the fire department team. It provides me a great deal of pride to know I do everything I can to support them.”

Cavazos’ work isn’t all popcorn and cotton candy, but she loves her job. Just like the ringmaster starts the show, Cavazos is the first face you’ll see when you walk into the fire department, and you’ll almost always find her with a smile.

“Although not on official duty, I am an ambassador for the department,” Cavazos said. “I get the pleasure of assisting our visitors by helping them locate people or direct them to their meetings or events. Since I get the opportunity to meet people from all over the plant, I often get the pleasure to introduce visitors to our firefighters.”

Why are you proud to be a part of your specific team at Pantex?
I’m proud to be a Pantexan. I like that I am contributing to the team to accomplish a mission for the United States and its citizens. I enjoy being around all the great people I’ve met, the benefits, and pay I receive for doing a job I love.

How do you contribute to your team and make sure the mission is met?
I maintain records, payroll, emails, take notes, compose memos, oversee overtime weekly reports, assist with employee paperwork, support the responders, and more. In the over 20 years I’ve been at Pantex, I’ve seen lots of changes and opportunities. I feel my mission is to help coworkers with the things they need to do their job. Although the fire department is not directly related to weapons work, that work cannot be performed without our support and services.

What has surprised you the most since joining Pantex?
The connections I have made. I expected Pantex to be like other jobs where I show up, perform my work, and go home. Here I have met lots of good people and developed unbelievable relationships with great friends. It still impresses me that we are the only place in the world that does what we do. I am blessed to work for an organization that helps maintains nuclear deterrence.

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Molly Brown 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.

History remembers one survivor of the RMS Titanic tragedy as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” of New York. Her can-do attitude helped her assist other survivors on her lifeboat, establish soup kitchens for coal miners, and later in life, push forward the fight to win women’s rights. Pantex certainly isn’t sinking, but we do have a Molly Brown, and she is just as determined to improve the lives of the people around her.

Brown started at Pantex four years ago to put her chemical engineering degree to use in Reliability Engineering. After making connections with her Infrastructure colleagues, she agreed to manage a new team, Infrastructure Process Improvement, which drives optimization throughout the organization.

“My role is to drive process improvement by identifying and addressing outdated or cumbersome processes,” Brown said. “Our goals are to enhance efficiency for plant maintenance, improve job satisfaction for maintenance personnel, and in turn help provide high-quality service to other organizations around the plant.”

An avid listener of crime podcasts and reader of murder mysteries, Brown gets a thrill from being able to solve problems. She is driven by numbers and follows the evidence until she figures out the best solution for an issue.

“Keeping a questioning attitude is essential for our mission because it helps us avoid getting stuck in our ways,” Brown said. “We always try to get to the root of the problem when we look at something so we can fully fix it. It’s so satisfying when we solve a problem for the users to make their lives so much better!”

Though her team is relatively new, Brown is hopeful about the possibilities as they take on the task of improving work within Infrastructure. Being able to
focus on input from people who do that job daily and work to make the process something the process owners can be proud of is the ultimate “why” for Brown.

“Pride in the work we do is what motivates us. For our team, pride means we pay close attention to feedback and use it to continuously improve our
processes and enhance the day-to-day experience for Infrastructure personnel. Even though we are a new team, we have had some significant
accomplishments for our organization and we are excited to build on that momentum.”

Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
Learning from others allows us to avoid repeating past mistakes and eliminates blind spots that come from relying solely on our own knowledge. In fact, a good part of my day-to-day involves actively reaching out to subject matter experts to gain their insights and learn from their experiences. This collective knowledge and willingness to learn from each other ultimately strengthens our team and our ability to achieve our goals.

What has been your proudest moment at Pantex to date?
My proudest moments at Pantex revolve around seeing the success of my team members. I can recall the excitement I felt when one of our reliability engineers received the Engineering Employee of the Month Award for his hard work. Enabling and celebrating the success of others is one of my goals as a leader.

What do you enjoy most about working at Pantex?
Hands down, what I enjoy most about Pantex is the ability to be home with my family every night. Before Pantex, I was traveling weekly for my job, so having time at home with my loved ones makes a huge difference in my daily life and is something I truly cherish about working here.