Team Tobyhanna recently joined a grateful nation in paying tribute to the past and present members of America’s Armed Forces on Veterans Day. Roughly 25% of Tobyhanna’s dynamic civilian workforce are veterans continuing their oath to our nation. These are three outstanding members of Tobyhanna’s robust veteran workforce.

Whether serving as a Machinist’s Mate aboard a submarine or as Lead Auditor in Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Internal Review and Audit Compliance Office, Tim Griffith likes to ensure a tight ship is being run.

A graduate of Hanover Area High School, Griffith initially attended Temple University and Luzerne County Community College before answering his nation’s call to enlist in the U.S. Navy, thus beginning over two decades of commitment to the nation, and specifically the Department of War. Griffith served mostly aboard the USS Michigan, a guided missile submarine, from 2004 until 2009. At the time of his discharge, Griffith had reached the rank of E-5 Machinist’s Mate.

Life aboard a Navy submarine comes with a unique set of opportunities and adjustments. Sailors work an 18-hour day (six hours of watch, six of maintenance, and six of sleep) and can go long periods without being exposed to sunlight or air outside the submarine. Griffith’s first deployment aboard the USS Alaska saw him underwater for 78 straight days.

Griffith smiled as he recounted a valuable lesson he learned after that first deployment.

“When you first leave the boat for an extended period of time after being exposed to clean air, all the particles in the atmosphere hit your eyes. It made me understand why everyone else left Bremerton, Washington in November with sunglasses on.”

Griffith said that time underwater made him appreciate the sunlight that much more, even if it took him only an hour to learn another lesson on the importance of sunscreen in Guam.

Griffith highlighted San Diego, Hawaii, and Japan as memorable stops during his time traversing the sea.

Working as a Machinist’s Mate in the auxiliary division aboard the Michigan, Griffith stayed busy with several responsibilities vital to the ship’s operation. Griffith likened the role to a mechanical engineer and estimated that about 10% of the crew were ensuring 75% of the ship’s systems were running properly and efficiently, including air compressors, atmosphere control equipment, hydraulic oil systems, and more.

Following his discharge, Griffith earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from King’s College as well as a master’s in forensic accounting from Strayer University.

Griffith credits the Navy for helping him achieve his academic and career goals.

“Enlisting in the Navy gave me a path forward. It gave me discipline that I didn’t have at 18 or 20 years old and contributed to shaping me to how I am today.”

During his last two years at King’s, Griffith began an internship at Defense Contract Audit Agency. He worked there until he joined Team Tobyhanna in May 2022.

Griffith said the move to Tobyhanna was a family-focused one that allowed him to continue doing the numbers work he is passionate about while further serving his nation.

“The move to Tobyhanna was about family,” said Griffith. “I was all about numbers at Defense Contract Audit Agency. This opportunity allowed me to continue working with numbers and continue my support of the Department of War.”

Griffith’s current role at the depot sees him working on various audits to make sure programs are in compliance with applicable regulations, are effective and efficient, and are achieving their objectives.

Although the specifics and setting of the work may be different, it is easy to draw comparisons between Griffith’s work aboard the Michigan and as a member of Team Tobyhanna. One constant in Griffith’s work is his drive and dedication to mission.

“I took an oath, and I wanted to continue that in some form,” said Griffith. “I have been able to continue my commitment of supporting the war fighter by being a civilian employee of the Department of War.”

His work, and the work of the entire Internal Review and Audit Compliance Office is crucial to Tobyhanna’s continued presence as a leading readiness provider at the best value to a ready, modern, and prepared force.

Outside of work, Griffith lives in Shavertown with his spouse of eight years and seven-year-old son. He also has two stepdaughters, aged 17 and 19.

Griffith said he enjoys playing basketball in his free time and says his son’s interests are driving his own, keeping him youthful in the process.

“Everything he’s doing now, I love,” said Griffith. “His drive and interests are reigniting passions of my own.”

For Megan Patane, service runs in her family. Inspired by her father, a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran, Patane followed in his footsteps when she joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2011. Over the next decade she served her country proudly, deploying twice to Guantanamo Bay before eventually finding her way to TYAD, the place she now calls home.

“I joined for my dad,” said Patane. “Everyone in my family has kind of served in some way. It just felt natural to continue that tradition.”

When her military service ended in May 2025, Patane faced a new challenge having to transition from soldier to civilian while balancing life as a mother.

“It was definitely different,” said Patane. “In the military, you worry about yourself and your soldiers. Then suddenly you’re home, and you’re mom again. But my kids are great, and we made it work.”

Her transition to civilian life led her right back to the mission of supporting America’s warfighters, except this time in a new uniform. Encouraged by a fellow service member, Patane accepted a position within Tobyhanna’s Installation Services directorate, continuing to serve her country in a different way.

“It worked out great,” said Patane. “I love it here. The community, the people, the sense of purpose. It feels like a small town where everyone looks out for each other.”

Today, Patane’s days begin early with guard mount before heading to her assigned post. Whether conducting vehicle inspections or patrolling the depot grounds, no two days are the same. That’s the part Patane said she enjoys most.

“It’s different every day,” said Patane. “That’s what keeps it interesting.”

When asked what Veterans Day means to her, Patane’s answer was concise and heartfelt.

“It’s about remembering everyone who’s served and those who are still serving,” said Patane.

Her advice for fellow veterans making the transition to civilian life is to take things at your own pace each and every day.

“Take your time and adjust on your own terms,” said Patane. “Your family has kept things going while you were away, so ease yourself back in and take it one day at a time.”

Patane’s dedication to service doesn’t end at work. Her husband, who also serves at Tobyhanna and remains active in the military, shares her commitment to the mission. Together they’re raising their family in Jim Thorpe, continuing the proud legacy of service that has defined both their lives.

With decades of dedicated service as both a warfighter and Army civilian, Paul Ward stands as an invaluable asset to Team Tobyhanna and the Department of War.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania native enthusiastically enlisted in the U.S. Army in late Summer 2001, driven by a deep sense of pride, patriotism and a clear vision for the future. However, his plans changed dramatically just two weeks later when the America was attacked on September 11, 2001. Like many Americans, Ward acknowledges that the pivotal event profoundly changed him.

“After September 11, everything was different in the Army. For example, my basic training was much harder, because we knew we had to prepare to potentially go to war and defend our nation,” he said.

Over 21 years of active duty and reserve service, Ward had a diverse career, deploying to Southwest Asia and gaining expertise with a variety of military equipment from tactical vehicles to radios and everything in between. The experience prepared him well for a future career at Tobyhanna, working alongside the very civilians who helped keep him safe when in uniform.

Today, Ward serves as the hazardous materials pharmacist for the C4ISR Refinishing Center in the Mission Execution Directorate, managing countless chemicals essential to organization’s mission. The position provides him with what he desires most: a sense of accomplishment.

“I enjoy keeping the building going and equipping my coworkers with what the need to do their job,” he emphasized with a smile.

In addition, Ward’s dedication to providing military readiness extends past the gates of the installation. He has supported nearly 50 mobile depot maintenance missions in every corner of the globe in places like Asia, the Middle East and countless locations within the continental U.S. The missions are critical, ensuring vital support is brought to directly to American heroes, but require Ward to leave home for long periods of time. He says the sacrifice is worth it.

“I know how hard it is for our warfighters,” he said. “I take pride in being able to help play a role in keeping them prepared for the battlefield.”

Although he has since retired from the U.S. Army Reserve, Ward remains an ardent supporter of past and present warfighters. He’s a frequent participant in Tobyhanna’s Veterans Support group, an endeavor led by the Employee Wellness Center’s Jaime Shields – a veteran herself. Monthly meetings of the group allow veterans in the depot workforce the opportunity to connect, share experiences and find community outside the uniform. Ward noted the importance of the group for him and other veterans.

“The Veterans Support Group allows us to share experiences, to learn about resources that can help us, and most important, to motivate one another. I find it extremely beneficial, and I encourage others to attend.”

Ward says he is most proud to use his experiences to help better connect Team Tobyhanna with the American heroes they serve.

“Every day, I try to bridge the gap between the civilians and warfighters,” he said. “I can use my boots on ground experience to help support the warfighter.”

In his limited free time, Ward is a passionate fisherman who loves to explore the scenic landscapes across Northeastern Pennsylvania. But, more than anything, he enjoys spending quality time with the people he loves – his family, friends and his rescue dog, Millie.

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