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Pantex Fire Department Captain Chad Zarbock taught hundreds of Pantexans the correct way to perform CPR using a mannequin. Photo by Adam Baker.

More than 1,000 Pantexans attended the recent Health, Safety, and Benefits Fair, a two-day event with a wide array of vendors, providing our workforce with valuable resources and information. By all accounts, the event was a resounding success marked by strong employee turnout and exceptional engagement throughout both days.

“The work performed here demands absolute precision, vigilance, and reliability, which can only be achieved when our workforce is healthy, supported, and operating in a culture that prioritizes safety above all else,” Wellness Manager Cody McClary, the event organizer, said. “Events like this reinforce that safety and wellness extend beyond compliance — they are fundamental to maintaining operational excellence and protecting the critical deterrence capabilities our nation relies on every single day.”

Thirty-one booths lined the Building 12-70 Cafeteria and the John C. Drummond Center to educate our workforce through memorable, hands-on presentations and displays.

“All of the booths were informative,” Environmental Scientist Emmy Schniederjan said. “My favorite booth was the Fire Departments’ because they had the coolest hands-on simulator, and I was able to learn how to use a fire extinguisher. It was great information to be reminded of in the case of an emergency!”

The Emergency Response Organization displayed exercise simulation photos and educated Pantexans on how drones can be used in emergency response. Occupational Health Services administered 120 influenza vaccines to safeguard our workforce against seasonal illness. Finally, representatives from the new insurance providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Sun Life, spoke with employees about their benefits, and Northwest Texas Hospital Healthcare System came to introduce themselves to the Pantex population.

“I gained so much knowledge about all of the awesome partnerships we have that emphasize our safety and health,” Schniederjan said. “I was also able to get some questions answered about our insurance and was reminded of some benefits I sometimes forget are an option!”

Facility Engineering Specialist Douglas Atwood said he has attended the fair every year since becoming a Pantexan nine years ago. The event allows him to see changes in equipment and how technology has developed over the last year. In learning about new technology, it sparks ideas of how it may help in our processes and procedures.

“The HSB fair gives me the latest in safety, and I am able to evaluate my facilities to see where there are areas where improvements can be made,” Atwood said. “Industrial Hygiene had a display that showed the purpose of a task exhaust and displayed visually how it operates. Reading about it is one thing but seeing it in action is totally different. I believe it was a great idea in displaying why we need to push safety in all we do.”

The event went off without a hitch, but the planning, execution, and behind the scenes arrangements started nearly half a year in advance. Preparation was a comprehensive, site-wide effort that began in May. Cross-functional collaboration was vital to the fair’s success — nearly every department across Pantex contributed resources, expertise, and support to ensure seamless execution from start to finish.

“We are immensely grateful to be part of an organization and leadership team that truly prioritizes the well-being of its workforce,” McClary said. “Having dedicated time, resources, and leadership backing for an event of this scale demonstrates that employee health and safety represent genuine, core commitments rather than mere talking points. It makes us proud to come to work every day knowing that our site actively invests in its people.”

Congratulations to Ben Stallwitz, Bella Schilling, and Christian Romo for being named Top 20 Under 40 award recipients by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. Photos by Shaun Scott-Jones and Adam Baker. Graphic by Ashley Hildebrandt.

Across the Texas Panhandle, millennials are making a name for themselves at work, home, and in the community. Nowhere is that more evident than at Pantex, where the mission touches national security.

This year’s Amarillo Chamber of Commerce “Top 20 Under 40” features three honorees whose paths are distinct yet deeply aligned: Christian Romo, Ben Stallwitz, and Bella Schilling. Their leadership illuminates a shared belief in disciplined execution, service to others, and the power of opportunity. Together, they embody a culture where character, craft, and community are inseparable and where young professionals are reshaping what’s possible.

Christian Romo, Pantex Field Office Performance Assurance manager
For Christian Romo, being named “Top 20 Under 40” is a reflection of the people who poured into her and a reminder of the standards attached to her role.
“Serving as the performance assurance manager carries a profound responsibility to national security,” Romo said. “This honor reinforces my commitment to bringing excellence, accountability, and disciplined leadership to our mission every day.”

Romo’s path might surprise those who assume technical leadership requires a technical degree. She graduated from West Texas A&M University with dual majors in advertising/public relations and mass media, broadcasting and journalism. She started as an administrative assistant at Pantex and was later selected for a position at the Pantex Field Office serving as the Performance Assurance Manager.

“Credibility isn’t built overnight; it is forged through consistent, disciplined execution,” she noted. “Distinguish yourself by bringing actionable solutions, not just pointing out obstacles.”

Grounded by Amarillo roots, Romo serves the community through Make‑A‑Wish of the Texas Panhandle and other volunteer organizations.

To her younger self, she’d say, “Trust the process, embrace your unique perspective, and never let perceived limitations define your ceiling.”

Ben Stallwitz, Pantex Quality Assurance acting division director
Ben Stallwitz traces his recognition back to where it began: a farm in Dumas, where his dad, uncle, and grandad modeled work ethic and service. He’s quick to credit his mentors and his wife for the support that made his career possible.

“I don’t think the award says a lot about me,” Stallwitz reflected, “but it sure says a lot about the people who have influenced me. It becomes a responsibility for me to do the same for others.”

Stallwitz sees Pantex at an inflection point with a younger workforce, accelerating retirements, and a mandate to streamline and become more agile to support a growing mission. The result is a generation being asked to deliver in ways unseen.

“I think the opportunity that we have at Pantex has always been unique, but when you combine all those factors and you watch how this generation is making it happen, we’re at an elite point in Pantex history and we all should have immense pride in that,” Stallwitz stated.

Community is integral for Stallwitz, who measures involvement through the lens of raising five kids and being involved through church and community.

“People in the panhandle are salt of the earth, and they create a backdrop that we want to raise our family in,” Stallwitz emphasized. “I am usually looking through the lens of ’how can I help maintain a place that I want to raise my kids and help them thrive?’”

To his younger self, he’d offer a different kind of optimization: “I’d try to worry less about things I can’t control and embrace change as an opportunity.”

Bella Schilling, Pantex Process Engineering section manager
Bella Schilling doesn’t see herself as someone who naturally stands out but as someone who has been taught, supported, and pushed by people around her.

“The people here truly make the difference. I’ve had coworkers and leaders who took the time to teach me, support me, and push me when I needed it,” Schilling said. “You’re trusted with meaningful work early on, and you’re surrounded by folks who genuinely want you to succeed. That kind of environment changes your confidence and your trajectory.”

Before she felt completely ready to take on manager roles, Schilling accepted the challenge early on in her career. She learned by doing, making mistakes, asking for help, and growing through experience.

“Those early leadership moments shaped me far more than any formal plan ever could,” she reflected. “I’m grateful for the people who trusted me before I fully trusted myself.”

Her commitment to Amarillo is rooted in belonging to a place where people know you, care about you, and show up. Giving back is how she honors what the community gave her.

“I’ve been shaped by this community, and giving back feels like the natural way to honor what it’s given me,” she said. “I want others to feel the same sense of belonging and opportunity that I did.”

Schilling’s advice to rising professionals is simple.

“Give yourself more grace. You don’t have to rush, and you don’t have to have all the answers,” Schilling explained. “Trust your instincts a little more and your fears a little less. Eventually, everything connects in ways you never expect.”

PXD President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt (center) receiving the 2026 WT Distinguished Alumni Award with WT Interim President Neil Terry (left) and WT Alumni Association Board President Trevor Barnes (right). Photo provided by West Texas A&M University.

When West Texas A&M University (WT) honored its 2026 Distinguished Alumni at recent Homecoming events in October, one standout name resonated strongly at Pantex: Kelly Beierschmitt, whose leadership and vision have shaped national security operations for decades.

Beierschmitt, who serves as PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC president and general manager, earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering mathematics from WT in 1987 before completing a Ph.D. in industrial engineering at Texas Tech University.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the WT Alumni Association. Established in 1970, the recognition celebrates graduates who have achieved exceptional distinction through professional accomplishments, leadership, service, and continued commitment to the university. With this year’s inductees, only 132 alumni have received the award.

WT Interim President Neil Terry highlighted the significance of Beierschmitt’s contributions, stating “Dr. Beierschmitt’s achievements reminds us that the value of a WT education extends far beyond the boundaries of our campus. Through work and service, he has strengthened his profession, supported his communities, and brought great distinction to his alma mater.”

Fellow WT alumnus and Pantexan Amberly Winningham nominated Beierschmitt for this honor. In the nomination letter, she wrote “From the very first time I met Kelly, we bonded over both being alumni of this great university. It is that very passion and commitment to WT that made me want to recommend him for this honor. His accomplishments shine a light on WT graduates and Texas Panhandle residents.”

Beierschmitt’s nomination was supported by Mission Assurance Officer and Business Services Division Director Colby Yeary and The Texas A&M University System Vice Chancellor for Nuclear Security Initiatives Dianne Hurtado.

Yeary said, “As someone who works alongside Kelly daily, I can attest to his unwavering dedication to mission success, his strategic foresight, and his commitment to fostering future leaders — including strengthening ties to WT through meaningful opportunities for students and faculty alike.”

Hurtado echoed the sentiments.

She stated, “Kelly’s experience and expertise place him among a small number of people in the United States, but this is only the beginning of what makes him special. Many qualities, which were seeded and nurtured at WT, have earned him the trust of stakeholders across government entities, industry leaders, and the local community.”

Beierschmitt said he is humbled by the recognition.

“There are so many great people who have graduated from WT. I can go through a list of people I know who deserve this honor, so I’m very grateful for it,” he said. “It’ll be an interesting legacy for my grandkids. Maybe I can talk them into coming to WT. It will be great to see them follow in these footsteps.”

Congratulations to Pantex leader Kelly Beierschmitt on this prestigious honor.

Image Provided by West Texas A&M University

Newly created role developed to accelerate modernization, expand R&D, and deepen regional academic partnerships

AMARILLO, TX–PanTeXas Deterrence LLC (PXD), the management and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant, has named distinguished educator and materials researcher Dr. Emily Hunt as its inaugural Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

The newly created executive post marks a forward-thinking investment in Pantex’s future, designed to advance its technical posture, accelerate site-wide modernization, and expand research and development capabilities central to the nuclear security enterprise, as prioritized by President Donald Trump in modernizing America’s nuclear production capacity. As CTO, Dr. Hunt will serve as the plant's lead scientist, steering the long-term innovation strategy and cultivating next-generation scientific capabilities.

"Dr. Hunt brings a unique blend of nationally recognized scientific acumen, executive leadership, and deep regional roots to Pantex," said Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt, President and General Manager of PXD. "Her proven track record in applied science, energetic materials research, and workforce development directly aligns with our mission to modernize and innovate. Appointing an executive who understands both our mission requirements and the strength of the Texas Panhandle's higher education ecosystem position us to lead the enterprise forward from day one."

A Proven Innovator with Deep Regional Ties

A mechanical engineer by training, Dr. Hunt earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. Her relationship with Pantex spans more than two decades, beginning as an engineering intern on-site before establishing an international reputation in energetic materials, explosive processing, and nanocomposites.

Dr. Hunt joins Pantex from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), where she has served since 2005. As the founding dean of WTAMU's College of Engineering in 2020, she transformed engineering education across the region, building public-private research alliances and graduating top-tier engineering talent who now serve critical roles throughout the national security enterprise. Most recently, she served as WTAMU’s Associate Vice President for Research Development and Innovation.

Across her academic tenure, Dr. Hunt secured more than $11 million in competitive research funding, founded the Energetic Materials Laboratory, and established the Panhandle Institute for Engineering Research. An inventor and prolific scholar, she holds multiple U.S. patents, has authored nine books and more than 90 publications, and remains a national champion for STEM workforce pipelines.

Returning Full Circle to Advance National Security

Dr. Hunt’s appointment bridges academia, regional talent development, and vital national deterrence missions.

"Returning to Pantex to build this new office is both an honor and a meaningful homecoming," said Dr. Hunt. "My career has been dedicated to solving complex technical challenges while cultivating the next generation of engineers and scientists in the Panhandle. I am thrilled to partner with Pantex’s exceptional team to expand our cutting-edge R&D, drive scientific excellence, and ensure our national security posture remains stronger than ever."

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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

Members of the Procurement Engineering Group (left to right) James Hyde, Carissa Goulbourne, Thomas Hunt, K.J. Trosper, Wes Townsend, Chris Jamison, Antonio Jimenez, Andrew Zielinski, Sam Nazworth, David Kraman, and Kevin Henry recently volunteered to clean up a two-mile stretch of highway, where they collected nearly 40 large bags of trash. Also volunteering but not pictured were Alex Tow, Cynthia Tivis, and Johan Gonzales.

A two-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 60 is a little cleaner today thanks to the Procurement Engineering Group. The tight-knit organization’s recent volunteer activity put Pantexans on a pollution-prevention mission.

“We had been brainstorming for a volunteer effort that we could do as a group since we enjoy hanging out outside of work,” said Procurement Engineering Group Manager K.J. Trosper. “This was something my entire team came up with as a teambuilding and volunteer opportunity.”

Procurement Engineer Wes Townsend said the team split into groups of three or four and sectioned off responsibility for their designated two miles of Highway 60, east of Farm-to-Market 2373 near the grain elevators.

“We collected nearly 40 large trash bags as well as larger items like tires and lumber,” Townsend said.

Of course, the day was not without its share of surprises.

“We also came across several rattlesnakes while we were cleaning up,” Trosper said. “We pulled together and decided to steer clear of thick brush for safety’s sake.”

Texas Department of Transportation Maintenance Support Technician Christy Plagge shared her appreciation for the Pantexans’ efforts.

“Driving by and seeing the results was amazing,” she said. “We are so grateful for the effort and dedication that went into making this happen.”

Procurement Engineer Antonio Jimenez noted the day’s impact.

“We all have something to contribute, and sometimes even a small effort can mean a lot to someone else,” he said.

Trosper echoed the sentiment.

“We have fostered a culture within the group that I am extremely proud of,” he said. The fact that we had the opportunity to go out and have some fun together and provide a service that was impactful to others was a win-win in my book. I can’t wait until next time!”

Robert Spence has worked at Pantex for 34 years. His son, daughter, and son-in-law are continuing his legacy. Photo by Adam Baker.

The Spence family operates on a simple philosophy: True strength is built from the inside out. They understand that while physical endurance keeps them moving, it is their shared values and emotional resilience that anchor their commitment to one another — and to their work.

“We are very close and do just about anything together,” Robert Spence said. “My kids are hardworking, dependable, loyal, and great people all around. We all like to stay fit through exercise and eating right, so we can bump into each other at the gym, cook out at each other’s homes, or I go to watch the grandkids’ sporting activities.”

Strength and endurance go hand in hand. Robert has been at Pantex since 1992, paving the way for his family’s legacy with resilience and fortitude as the senior manager over production stores. His son Jared is a manager for Safety Analysis Engineering and his daughter Kasie Thomas is a health physics supervisor.

“Our family spans three generations of supporting national security initiatives,” Jared Spence said. “My dad and grandparents worked for the Kansas City plant many years ago and now having most of my family working at Pantex has a special meaning.”

Kasie’s husband, Devin Thomas, is an issues and records manager for the Project Performance Analytics group. While Devin married into this nuclear family, he has resilient roots of his own.

“What brought me out to Pantex was my mother, uncle, and grandfather,” Devin said. “Brenda Thomas, my mother, worked out here 40 years and has already retired. Robert Digby, my grandfather, retired from Pantex and was a pipe fitter supervisor. Dale Stapp is my uncle. All encouraged me to seek out a career at Pantex due to the opportunities and the chance to make a difference with the work we do out at the plant.”

Devin says it’s been great to actively see his biological and chosen family flourish at Pantex.

“It is always a joy to see each other succeed in various ways, whether it is a promotion, a raise, a successful project, or by seeing each other’s faces on TheZone.”

Some know Jared is his father’s son because of physical resemblance and shared last name; however, people may not know Kasie’s relation since she carries her married name — but she’s still proud to claim them as family.

“I have always been very proud of my father and brother for the career paths that they had chosen,” Kasie said. “After being in healthcare for five years, I decided to make a career change in 2020. I knew the work that my father, brother, and husband did out here was important. Coming to Pantex was the best decision I could have made.”

While Kasie celebrates her dad, brother, and husband, they all recognize that she is a powerhouse.

“Kasie hands down outworks all of us!” Devin said. “She is a very hard worker and a quick learner.”

In the end, strength is just the decision to keep going, even when it’s hard. The Spence and Thomas families continue by lifting each other up, figuratively, through the ups and downs.

“I always like to see my family succeed and ultimately be happy,” Jared said. “Working at Pantex provides the opportunity to have both happiness and success.”

Sapphire Pantex Leadership Academy traveled to Texas A&M University to participate in leadership development.

Just like Rome, leadership isn’t built in a day. But at Pantex, you can feel it building — in the classrooms, in cohort conversations, and in the stories shared across TheZone — there’s a quiet but unmistakable momentum. People are growing, teams are strengthening, and the Pantex Leadership Academy (PLA) is becoming one of the most energizing parts of that journey.

Having just passed the one-year anniversary of the first PLA cohort, what began as a single successful leadership program has grown into a multi tier academy designed to shape leaders at every stage of their career. The PLA helps employees step forward with confidence, curiosity, and a clearer understanding of what leadership looks like, feels like, and demands across the Pantex mission.

The strength of the PLA is in the design. Instead of a single unit, the academy offers three paths, each crafted for a different stage of responsibility, readiness, and aspiration. The Emerald, Sapphire, and Diamond tiers form a progressive continuum of leadership excellence, with each tier building on the last to cultivate a unified, mission ready leadership ecosystem.

"Building the PLA has been a collaborative effort that reflects the commitment of senior leadership, the dedication of our facilitators, and the enthusiasm of participants across each cohort,” Leadership Training Director Amy Moran said. “By coordinating with external partners and stakeholders across the site, we’re able to create an experience that strengthens each participant’s leadership skills and elevates the success, alignment, and confidence of the teams around them."

This fall marks a major milestone as the first Sapphire cohort wraps up and PLA gears up to push out the first Diamond cohort. This turning point is a reason to pause and appreciate a homegrown leadership pipeline built for Pantexans by Pantexans.

“Watching these programs grow and seeing Pantexans step boldly into their leadership potential has been incredibly rewarding,” Moran said. “We’re excited to continue expanding the PLA and investing in the people who make our mission possible.”

Emerald is the spark where leadership begins. This tier is built for individual contributors and aspiring leaders who want to grow their influence and confidence. The primary focus is on foundational skills, team dynamics, and practical management.

Sapphire is where things deepen. Built for first-line leaders and managers stepping into broader leadership responsibilities, the program expands their capabilities in coaching and mentoring, developing team autonomy, managing through influence, and applying adaptive leadership. It also strengthens operational oversight through project management fundamentals, talent management, and resource prioritization, while advancing cross functional collaboration and strategic thinking across departments. As the first Sapphire cohort crosses the finish line this fall, their experiences mark the beginning of a new chapter for mid level development at Pantex.

Environmental Compliance Manager Alicia Barley reflected on what a top-tier experience the Sapphire Leadership Academy was for her. She was afforded the opportunity to connect and learn alongside fellow managers and engage directly with division directors.

“Those connections have broadened my understanding of our organization and strengthened my ability to lead effectively,” Barley said. “The relationships built, insights gained, and experiences shared throughout this journey have made the program both inspiring and transformative.”

Soon to launch its first cohort, Diamond will prepare leaders for future senior-level/c-suite/executive responsibilities. The core focus will be on enterprise strategy, complex decision making, long range vision, and the executive presence needed to guide the site’s future. Diamond completes the PLA structure, offering a pathway from emerging leader to executive candidate.

As Emerald thrives, Sapphire celebrates its first graduates, and Diamond prepares for launch, one thing is clear: PLA is more than a training program. PLA is a promise to invest in our people, to grow our future, and to make sure Pantex leadership is as strong as the mission it supports.

Photo by Michael Schumacher

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Sheldon Downing 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.

For Solutions Architect Sheldon Downing, working in IT is more than technology. The continually advancing “world of tomorrow” captivates and intrigues him, yet what has truly kept him in IT is the same beating heart of many industries: customer service.

“I enjoy listening to internal customers and peers and supporting their needs,” Downing said. “I love networking and collaborating, helping individuals with their issues or sending them to the right person if I’m not the one to fix them. My small contributions have a great impact on mission success and the people responsible.”

Networking and collaboration lend to strong, resilient teamwork. But to get there, it’ll take a change in workplace culture, continuous effort, and open communication.

“It’s easy to find ourselves facing silos and handling problems on our own,” Downing said. “Sometimes, it may be because we don’t know where to start, but that’s why you ask anyone and everyone and figure that out. Vocalizing that you need help is hard, but having help makes the project goal so much easier to attain. You can’t stay isolated.”

Knocking down silos further reminds us that we aren’t alone in our mission, and like Downing, we should all be grateful for what we do.

“Not everyone can contribute to our national security, and I’m proud to be a part of that,” Downing said. “It wasn’t until I joined Pantex that I better understood the vital nature of our mission. We shouldn’t take that for granted, me included.”

Downing has a lot of accomplished work and strong working relationships to take pride in, but his proudest moment happened right after site separation.

“I was on the small team to replace the Unclassified to Classified system right after site separation,” Downing said. “We had to replace that system rapidly, yet we crossed the finish line ahead of schedule. For most of my work, I don’t always immediately see my contributions but to witness that take effect followed by its instant impact was amazing.”

How do you and your team contribute to mission success?
We are tied directly to Digital Transformation, modernizing several efforts across the site and the Enterprise Secure Network. We ensure we have site-to-site collaboration and can grow in stride with the rest of the enterprise.

What advice would you give to a new employee?
Don’t expect to know everything. And ask lots of questions. Find a good mentor or ask for one. Also, it's easy to stagnate and follow the status quo in our processes. Don’t be afraid to respectfully and professionally challenge methods, even if that’s the way it’s always been done.

What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
Warhammer 40K. It’s the definition of being a nerd, but I love all aspects of it; collecting, building, painting models, and even the lore. I enjoy playing with my friends and sharing this hobby with my children. It’s quiet, relaxing, and a nice break from staring at screens all day.

Raymond Nobile (center) received the 2026 Roy Linton Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award. Photo by Adam Baker.

Pantex Fire Department firefighters had just sat down to celebrate their Infrastructure colleagues at the annual Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Luncheon when alarms sounded. Lights flashed inside the bay as emergency dispatchers announced the reported smell of natural gas in a building on-site and response was necessary. But you can’t respond to a potential emergency without a vehicle — and that’s where EVTs come in.

Watching the firefighters drive off from the station were five of the six EVTs being honored that day. The yearly banquet is held to thank the EVTs for ensuring that when alarms sound, emergency vehicles are ready to roll.

“Our EVTs maintain multiple different styles of fire trucks, brush trucks, and ambulances, so they are ready when we need them,” PXFD Captain Josh Brown said. “These vehicles require optimal maintenance and skilled workmanship because they are expected to last for 20 or more years. We used to take our trucks off-site, but thanks to this group’s expertise most work can now be done here.”

As highly trained mechanics, EVTs hold eight certifications which must be renewed every six years. This enhanced training and set of qualifications proves their expertise in niche automotive areas. Since 2007, they’ve been responsible for ensuring Pantex Fire Department apparatus and other emergency vehicles stay mission-ready and work when our first responders need them.

“Fire engines today are much more complicated and technologically advanced than they used to be,” Assistant Chief Bob Napp said. “The absence of modern technology here makes their jobs more challenging; however, when something breaks, the EVTs can be counted on to get it back in service.”

During the luncheon, Raymond Nobile received the 2026 Roy Linton Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award. He was selected for the pride he takes in his work, his attention to detail, and his willingness to lend a hand no matter how busy his schedule gets. Nobile was given a ceremonial prop axe as a trophy along with personal gratitude from emergency service members and senior leaders in attendance.

“If they could give out six awards, they should,” Nobile said. “Every one of the mechanics here puts in as much hard work as I do. We take care of what we need to take care of.”

“Nobile is a man of character and an absolute professional,” Brown said, adding the trait is typical within the group of mechanics.
The award was created to honor one of the original EVTs, Roy Linton, who died in 2020.

“Roy was a hard worker, positive, kind, and above all else a man of character. He approached his work with professionalism and took immense pride in ensuring our rigs remained operational, ensuring our firefighters returned home after every response,” Brown said. “Roy was the embodiment of reliability and integrity.”

Members of PXFD personally sponsor the luncheon and take time to prepare and serve it to the mechanics. They say this is because every department at Pantex is connected — and supporting each other — supports the mission. The shared meal celebrates colleagues and shows appreciation where it’s due. It is a thoughtful gesture to a small mechanic team that keeps the biggest trucks running.

Meteorologists Steve Kersh and Corbin Voges combined have decades of local weather expertise. Photo by Adam Baker.

Reports show that in 2025, Texas recorded more than 13 million lightning flashes — the most of any U.S. state. And while Panhandle residents often welcome the rain that sometimes comes with thunderstorms, the lightning is another story. At Pantex, two on-site meteorologists work around the clock to protect the plant and its people through specialized analysis, constant monitoring, and multiple layers of redundancy.

“When I first started at Pantex in 2020, I was the only meteorologist,” Electromagnetics and Facility Engineering Meteorologist Steve Kersh said. “We were building redundant lightning systems — we only had one at the time. When that system failed, we had to scramble to get coverage back in place. Now, we’ve expanded our systems and added a second meteorologist in July of this year.”

Kersh focuses on electromagnetics, while Pantex’s new meteorologist Corbin Voges supports Emergency Management.

“I work directly with our Plant Shift Superintendent staff and the Operations Center,” Voges said. “I help establish lightning-free windows for production and support decisions when weather could prevent employees from safely getting to work — whether it’s snowstorms, wildfires, severe storms, or extreme temperatures.”

Combined, Kersh and Voges bring more than 40 years of Panhandle weather experience to Pantex — experience that matters in a region where weather changes fast. Texas’ size creates Texas-sized storms, producing high lightning count and long thunderstorm seasons. If it’s raining, chances are lightning isn’t far behind.

“Because of Amarillo’s proximity to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and moisture from the Gulf of America, mid latitude cyclones often form right here in the High Plains,” Voges said. “We get some of the sharpest pressure gradients in the country, and this leads to that Panhandle wind many of us might despise in March and April.”

To track these systems, Kersh and Voges maintain and expand redundant weather-monitoring networks across the Panhandle. Lightning detection sites, skycams, and remote weather stations require continuous upkeep to keep production safe and ensure emergency teams have reliable, real-time data.

“We have about 94 pieces of weather equipment across the Panhandle,” Kersh said. “Sensors at places like Boys Ranch, Pampa, Clarendon, and Happy help us monitor conditions. The Happy site has been running since the early 2000s.”

Employees can also use Pantex tools to monitor weather on-site and at home. The StrikeNet app provides temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and real-time lightning within 25 miles of each sensor. The Lightning Mapping Array shows cloud top electrical activity and can even detect static buildup before a lightning strike occurs. These systems benefit more than Pantex.

“Weather plays a vital role not just in our production but for our staff and surrounding communities,” Voges said. “Partnering with ranches, businesses, and other local organizations strengthens everyone’s safety. StrikeNet and our skycams support Pantex, but they also serve our neighbors.”

Pantex also hosts three West Texas Mesonet sites — east of the JCDC, on FM 683, and near Pantex Lake — providing official meteorological data to the Mesonet and the National Weather Service.

In a state where weather is always changing, the Pantex meteorology team delivers safety, preparation, and resilience. By combining advanced systems with decades of local expertise, Kersh and Voges help ensure operations continue safely — rain, wind, lightning, or shine.