Pantex Blog
It keeps going, and going, and going
It’s not déjà vu . . . Pantex will receive another award for sustainable purchasing. For five consecutive years, Pantex has earned the Electronic Product Environmental Assistance Tool award.
EPEAT® is the world’s ecolabel for electronics signifying environmentally preferable products. Environmental Scientist and Sustainable Acquisition subject matter expert Tracy Griffith administers the sustainable acquisition program at Pantex and says this achievement validates our commitment to eco-friendly purchasing.
“If you consider how we operate in an ecological, social, and economic environment, we’re creating long-term value to tax payers,” Griffith said. “Because we operate as federal contractors, our sustainable purchases encourage adoption of similar practices by other entities and help mature the markets for sustainable products.”
Receiving this award showcases Pantex’s commitment to purchasing products that are energy efficient, recycled materials, nontoxic, less toxic, or bio-based.
“EPEAT-registered products are designed for efficiency, longevity, and cost reduction by companies that prioritize responsible practices throughout their supply chain,” Griffith said. “Purchasing EPEAT ecolabel products helps buyers achieve greater results with less.”
Electronic purchasing is just one type of eco-friendly buying done on-site. Pantex also regularly receives the GreenBuy Award, which covers non-electronic products. Buying sustainable products isn’t as easy as clicking “add to cart.” Those making the purchases must attend sustainable acquisition training prior to being able to make purchases of any kind.
“In the class, we go over the background of why this is important, the regulations, and the drivers that surround the requirements for sustainable purchasing,” Griffith said. “We start with the why, then we explain what bio-based products are, what Energy Star certified products are, what EPEAT products are, and we introduce them to all those categories. Then we take purchasers though making the cost savings or potential balance of cost between a recycled material and virgin material.”
After training and when purchasing begins, items are requested through a standard approval process. Griffith can review and determine if the electronics meet EPEAT standards or suggest alternate products. Products fall into an energy-saving performance grading system of EPEAT Gold, Silver, or Bronze, or they are uncategorized.
“Sometimes it’s the one-off product and you have to research and investigate and see where this product will fall — what EPEAT category it lands in,” Griffith said. “If it’s a product that can be recycled, is biodegradable, or made of virgin material, I will go through the requests and review the products.”
In Fiscal Year 2024, Pantex spent $3,430,340 on EPEAT-registered electronics. Acquisitions purchased 587 desktops, 617 notebooks, 1,763 monitors, 93 workstations, and 68 mobile phones all in the Gold category. They also purchased 81 printers, 71 scanners, and 5 televisions in the Silver category, and 1 server in the Bronze category.
“This is important because at Pantex we adhere to what the federal government requires and want to lead by example of making the right choices for the environment,” Griffith said. “I enjoy it. When new products come through, we look for alternatives to meet the criteria that we have in our contract for the sustainability goals we have to meet. I enjoy going in there and looking for different options and working with people in the plant to achieve their goals and ours.”
More than a ball game
Jason Armstrong and Kelly Beierschmitt giving an interview on the field before the game.
Hodgetown lit up with Pantexan pride on June 12 as the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, faced off against the San Antonio Missions as the feature event of Pantex Night. The state-of-the-art ballpark in downtown Amarillo welcomed 1,925 Pantexans and their families for a memorable evening of baseball.
The purpose of the evening was to provide Pantexans and their families a fun, affordable event that strengthened bonds outside the workplace.
Before the first pitch, Pantex Field Office Manager Jason Armstrong spoke about Pantex’s critical role in national security during an on-field interview.
“Pantex is a cornerstone of our nation's nuclear security mission,” Armstrong said. “Every day, the dedicated workforce of Pantex ensures the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear stockpile — an essential component of our national defense.”
Pantex President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt emphasized how events like STEAM Day at Hodgetown support Pantex’s mission and values. This event offers youth an opportunity to glance into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
“Ensuring the effectiveness of the nuclear stockpile is a generational duty,” Beierschmitt said. “Getting students interested in careers in STEAM ensures there are future Pantexans who will continue our mission in national security.”
Pantex General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Tyler White had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
During the game, Mission Assurance Officer Colby Yeary participated in a radio interview. He said, Pantex uses its role as the region’s largest employer to positively impact the community.
“We encourage Pantexans to volunteer and we provide opportunities for them to give back to local communities,” Yeary said. “Pantexans live in and support the community, and we are proud to be Pantex Citizens.”
Pantex also provided tickets to several local nonprofit organizations, including the Maverick Boys and Girls Club of Amarillo, Amarillo Children’s Home, Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, Another Chance House, Faith City Mission, Family Support Services, and the Downtown Women’s Center, reinforcing Pantex’s commitment to community engagement.
More than just a night at the ballpark, Pantex Night celebrated employees, community partnerships, and the plant’s enduring mission. It truly hit a home run.
If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities or representing Pantex in the community, please reach out to Public Affairs at Public_Affairs@pantex.doe.gov.
Dedication adds up
Firefighter and Paramedic Ricky Hamilton and Day Shift Captain Steve Lasher
We all know 2+2= 4, but did you know 1+2 = 87?
…. years that is. Firefighter and Paramedic Ricky Hamilton and Day Shift Captain Steve Lasher have collectively served Pantex and its mission for 87 years. In May, Hamilton and Lasher were pinned with commemorative 1 and 2 badges, respectively, showcasing their longevity and honoring their unwavering dedication.
Hamilton and Lasher began their careers in Emergency Services in the ‘80s. Since then, many political events and technological advances have occurred: the Cold War ended, Operation Desert Storm started and ended, 9/11 occurred, Facebook launched, and Apple debuted iPhones 1-16. Even though there has been a lot of change in the past 44 years, one thing that remained the same is Hamilton and Lasher’s loyalty to Pantex. Both men credit their longevity to an innate personal value of helping others.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping other people in their time of need,” Lasher said. “It’s provided well for my family. You’ll never hear me complain about this place.”
“I want to protect my family as well as yours,” Hamilton said. “It’s a privilege. It’s nice being recognized.”
The badge pinning was done in a small informal ceremony after the morning muster meeting that begins a 24-hour shift. Assistant Chief Bob Napp pinned the 1 badge on Hamilton who then pinned the 2 badge on Lasher.
“People always ask me why I’m still here, because I could retire,” Hamilton said. “I still enjoy the job and can still do it well. We still perform the same strict physical regiments that all responders do.”
“I always tell new firefighters they will go through phases,” Lasher said. “In your career there’s going to be ups and downs. Through the hard times, you’ll eventually appreciate it and be glad you’re here.”
When at the fire department or out on an emergency scene, people can see the 1 and 2 badges and acknowledge the extensive years of enriched experience, sharpened skill, and profound knowledge found in the firefighter ranks. Congratulations to Hamilton and Lasher on their continuing careers and this distinguished recognition!
Uncleared connection: stories of friendship
Pantex Field Office Deputy Assistant Manager for Nuclear Safety and Engineering Reid Copelin and Pantex Industrial Hygiene Operations Supervisor Topher Garrison pose.
Nine years, one month, seven days, four hours, and eleven minutes…that’s how long Reid Copelin and Topher Garrison say they have been friends…approximately.
Their friendship started when Reid took the time to introduce himself in the uncleared room when Topher started his job at Pantex. The building they both worked in at the time was called the “lighthouse”.
“Reid was off the first few days I was at the lighthouse,” Topher said. “When he got back from his time off, he introduced himself. We quickly became friends…probably in part because we both are a little mischievous and like making other people laugh.”
Reid is the Pantex Field Office deputy assistant manager for Nuclear Safety and Engineering and Topher is the Pantex Industrial Hygiene Operations supervisor. They work in different roles, but support the same mission. Networking in the uncleared room had a positive impact on both their professional and personal lives.
“It really is crazy the number of people from the uncleared room that I work with almost every day,” Reid said. “These are some of the closest friends that I have, too. It’s great to know people from across the plant. Our mission is so big and there’s so much to learn, so it’s always great to call up a friend that has an answer to your question. In the uncleared room, you really have the time to build these connections that you don’t really get the opportunity to do compared to when you are cleared and start work in your own department.”
Topher agreed saying, “I enjoy the relationships I have built with different people all over the plant. Having those relationships is great when it’s time to come together to get work done. They are even more important for the lasting friendships that have come out of them.”
In the case of Reid and Topher, hours in the uncleared room turned into days outside of work spent hunting, disc golfing, watching The Office together, and even founding an imaginary woodworking company.
“We hang out almost every day,” Reid said. “Our families have also gone on several trips together. We are always doing something together. We work on furniture or home remodeling projects for our friends and families. We jokingly call ourselves T&R Woodworking, and our motto is ‘amateur work at professional prices.’ Our wives even made us some “company” shirts for my birthday one year.”
Putting yourself out there and making connections helps to build knowledge of the site and promotes camaraderie.
“Why not take the opportunity to strike up a conversation and look for similar interests?” Topher said. “It may lead to a fake woodworking company, bathroom remodels, being their child’s godparents, and multiple vacations together!”
Time in the uncleared room created a lasting friendship, all because of the few minutes Reid took to welcome a new member to the Pantex team. Be a good Pantex Citizen. Introduce yourself to other Pantexans, educate them on your role, and continue the legacy of supporting our nation’s nuclear deterrence together. Five minutes could turn into nine years of friendship.
Program paves vets’ path to successful Pantex careers
Rody Timmons participated in the Veterans to Engineers Program after a successful Navy career.
When an armed services member completes their duty to the nation, they may find themselves with a heart full of patriotic fervor, a couple of decades’ worth of time to fill, and, all too often, an uncertain direction.
“Coming from active duty was a big change and challenge for me and my family,” recalled Pantex engineer Cecilio Morado.
Morado and his wife, both Air Force veterans, had left the service to be closer to family and to focus on completing their college degrees — while raising their two young children.
“I started here at Pantex after my first semester back in college, and from there I was presented with more challenges as I was trying to juggle family, school, and work.”
Pantex Program Manager Channing Sparks oversees Veterans to Engineers (VTE), a program to guide veterans like Morado into successful careers as Pantex engineers.
“VTE participant, joined the program after a successful Navy career. Timmons said he appreciates the broad exposure