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National Nuclear Security Administration Administrator & Under Secretary for Nuclear Security Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty and US Representative Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) were on hand August 21 for celebrated milestones at Pantex, including the NNSA’s 20th anniversary.

The NNSA is a United States federal agency responsible for safeguarding national security through the military application of nuclear science.

“In June you completed the W88 Alt 370 First Production Capability Unit (FPCU) disassembly and inspection, which will be analyzed and incorporated prior to the start of the First Production Unit,” said Gordon-Hagerty.

“Similarly, the B61-12 Life Extension Program’s FPCU is targeted for this month. This L-E-P will improve the weapon’s safety, effectiveness, and security, and extend its service life by at least 20 years.”

Gordon-Hagerty noted that in 1999, Congressman Thornberry introduced a bill that served as the foundation for the NNSA Act that was signed into law later that year, along with his presence at the creation when Congress established the NNSA. He thanked her for her leadership and the Pantex workforce for their efforts.

“I appreciate the leadership at Pantex, both the DOE and CNS. And the fact that we are able to celebrate these milestones today…is a credit first and foremost to the workforce at Pantex, and to the leadership at Pantex.”

During the visit, Thornberry received the Administrator’s Distinguished Service Gold Award. It recognizes consistent outstanding leadership and sustained achievements. The Distinguished Service Gold Award is the highest honorary award granted by NNSA.

“That’s my job is to help do their job. Because what they do here at Pantex is foundational to the national security of the United States,” Thornberry said. “It’s so important.”

Gordon-Hagerty acknowledged the efforts being made at Pantex, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“For two decades now, every one of the 50,000 men and women of our workforce – to include the more than 3,000 employees here at Pantex – is making a vital contribution to our national security mission,” she said. “Although it goes without saying that these are not ‘normal’ times, the current environment and your response demonstrate why we as the NNSA and our nation are so very strong.”

While on site, the dignitaries also toured a new athletic track constructed by the Office of Secure Transportation and acknowledged Pantex emergency personnel who are credited with saving lives of victims at accident sites outside of Pantex.

The Broncos traveled to Bovina last Friday night and handed them a 30-14 loss to keep their perfect record at 3-0.

The Bronco defense was fired up and only allowed Bovina 30 total yards for the night. Tackles were spread out over the defense with Robert McGuire making nine tackles. Koyt Tucek, Ivan Gonzalez, and Jordan Herndon had six tackles each with Tucek sacking the QB twice, and Gonzales and Herndon posting a sack each. Jmaury Davis grabbed five tackles, two sacks, and a caused fumble and Antwan Bassett had three tackles and one interception. Lamarcus Peniger also picked off two Bovina passes in the game.

“I thought our defense played great,” head coach Clint Conkin said. “We had several kids making plays all night on defense.”

Offensively, the Broncos attacked both through the air and on the ground. Quarterback Brock Hatley was five for 10 for 80 yards and threw a strike to Davis for six. Davis had three catches on the night and earned 61 yards. Peniger gained 92 yards on 14 carries and had one touchdown, while Sylvester Ballard had one TD and rushed for 89 yards on 12 carries. Davis carried six times for 79 yards, and Bassett gained 26 yards on seven carries and found the end zone once.

“I thought our kids played really good,” Conkin said. “We had several kids that played in different positions due to some injuries.”

The Broncos will play at home this Friday night September 18 in their Homecoming Game against Hale Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. Queen coronation will be at 6:30 p.m in Bronco Stadium.