Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates Leadership Lackawanna Graduates Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is celebrating three new graduates of Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna is an affiliate of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce which aims to cultivate community leadership and professional development for individuals who live or work in Lackawanna County in Pennsylvania. Over a ten-month course, participants in the Core Program gather once a month for leadership development training with a variety of local professionals and specialists. In addition to monthly training, participants spend additional time out of class working on community projects that benefit local non-profit organizations. This year’s TYAD graduates are Electrician Scott Burti, Organizational Development Specialist Tara Floyd, and IT Project Manager Shaun Young. Each graduate expressed gratitude for the opportunity to network with individuals from other organizations and gain a broader perspective on the needs of the local community. Floyd noted that the unique nature of the Core Program led to her sending in her application. “I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from employees on their experience in the program,” Floyd said. “I like that the program combined monthly sessions learning about leadership principles with an applied project in the community.” Burti said the goal of both professional and personal growth are key to the program’s successes. “I met a group of extraordinary individuals whom I might not have crossed paths with otherwise and created lasting relationships,” Burti said. “Professionally, I gained more project management experience, honed my leadership skills, and have an increased confidence in my future impact to TYAD.” Throughout the program, each participant worked with other area professionals on projects across Lackawanna County that positively impacted local groups and organizations. Young and Burti worked in the same project group. The group worked on a renovation project for the Catherine McCauley Center whose mission is to serve those experiencing homelessness with housing programs, case management, and support services. “For this project, we renovated two rooms in the group home to create an inclusive and dignified space for families to remain together during a crisis,” Young said. “This program has made me more aware of the programs and efforts going on in my community, provided the opportunity to meet new members of my community, and contribute to my community.” “The home we undertook was in Scranton and served women and children experiencing homelessness,” Burti said. “We renovated two spaces, one for children and the other for teens. Both rooms are now freshly painted and furnished with new flooring throughout. They’re welcoming spaces where younger residents can find comfort while in transition.” Floyd’s group worked on creating a fitness space for Outreach – Center for Community Resources in Scranton. Outreach offers workforce and family development programs to support individuals and families facing some of life’s challenges. “Our team’s project was to provide a fitness center in their new building for adolescents and young adults to build healthy life frameworks,” Floyd said. “The team raised over $10,000 for the project and was able to purchase premium fitness equipment for the center.” All three participants encourage other members of Team Tobyhanna who may be interested in strengthening their leadership skills, networks, and connections to their community to participate in Leadership Lackawanna. “I highly encourage anyone interested in developing leadership skills and competencies to participate in the Leadership Lackawanna Core Program,” Floyd said. “The program allows for plenty of networking opportunities, learning about the local region and community, and executing a community service project to give back to individuals and support nonprofits in the area.” Young spoke highly of the skills strengthened by the program. “It is an opportunity to be more involved in your community while developing your own personal growth, potentially even becoming an active leader in your community,” Young said. “You will develop leadership, interpersonal, and project management skills that you can use professionally and personally.” Burti echoed the sentiments of both of his TYAD colleagues. “If you’re looking to grow professionally and/or personally, this program is for you,” Burti said. “The program will challenge you to get you outside of your comfort zone where true growth happens. Sign up and don’t look back!”
Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognizes Employees of the Quarter Every quarter, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recognizes one junior and one senior member of its world-class workforce with an Employee of the Quarter (EoQ) award. Great candidates are easy to come by as there are many talented and hard-working artisans supporting TYAD’s vast and varied missions. For the 2nd Quarter of FY24, it is Michael Benner of the Installation Services directorate and Michael Rudick of the Production Engineering directorate receiving the honors respectively. Benner joined Team Tobyhanna as a firefighter in October 2020. He began his career in 2004, serving as a volunteer firefighter alongside his uncle and two cousins near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He earned a Fire Science degree from Harrisburg Area Community College, where he lived in a firehouse opposed to a traditional dorm. A native of Blakeslee, PA, he also served as a police officer with the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department and an emergency medical technician with Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services. Benner is no stranger to the United States Army and its values as he joined the Army component of the Pennsylvania National Guard in 2012. One of the Army core values, “selfless service,” goes hand-in-hand with the type of work he performs on a daily basis. He said that helping people is something he feels naturally compelled to do. “It’s something that I’ve always done,” said Benner. “I’m very familiar with the Army values and selfless service. I feel like everybody should have these values and help their fellow persons.” Daryl Gebhardt serves as Chief of the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) Branch. He lauded Benner for his commitment to team cohesion and his strong sense of duty and dedication. “Firefighter Benner exemplifies selfless service through his unwavering commitment to the Army values. He consistently prioritizes the needs of others above his own, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice personal comfort and convenience for the greater good,” said Gebhardt. “Whether it’s volunteering for challenging assignments, offering support to fellow firefighters, or going above and beyond to assist the community, Mr. Benner’s actions reflect a deep sense of duty and dedication. His selfless service not only enhances team cohesion and morale but also strengthens the overall effectiveness for the F&ES Branch.” Benner recently led a small team tasked with developing the F&ES Branch’s Box Alarms, a system that ensures a structured and standardized response posture when dealing with emergencies. To do so, Benner met with mutual aid partners in the counties surrounding TYAD to develop a better understanding of what emergency response capabilities they were prepared to provide. He worked with them to ensure they knew exactly what was expected of them should the alarm rise to their level. The partnership works both ways so that TYAD’s emergency responders may also be dispatched should an emergency occur outside the gates of the installation. Gebhardt added that Benner’s efforts have made a lasting impact on the F&ES Branch’s capabilities. “Implementing Box Alarms under firefighter Benner’s leadership streamlined resource deployment, improving response efficiency. His initiative set a precedent, inspiring others to adopt similar structured approaches,” said Gebhardt. “By optimizing response protocols, Mr. Benner exemplified proactive leadership, enhancing overall departmental productivity. His innovative strategies not only expedited emergency responses but also fostered a culture of excellence. His commitment to efficiency sets a standard for operational effectiveness within the department, while his dedication to continuous improvement drives ongoing enhancements, ensuring sustained efficiency in emergency response.” Benner said he was grateful that leadership within the F&ES branch provided him the opportunity to lead a project so early into his depot career. “The fire department is really great in letting junior members really take projects and run with them,” said Benner. “When I noticed the alarm system needed to be revamped worked on, I presented it to the chief and he gave me the full power to run with it. Strong teamwork is a concept vital to the job of a firefighter. Benner credited the individuals he worked with on the project for its success. “The team always works better when everybody puts the team ahead of themselves. Everybody benefits from it. If the team is winning, everybody is winning,” said Benner. “The people I work with, I feel like we’re all on the same page. They made it easy to take the lead because they knew what to do and when to do it. Rudick is being recognized for his efforts dealing with the AN/TPQ-53, a multi-mission radar system, and the AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder system. When Army leadership needed a quick response for the evaluation of a AN/TPQ-53, he immediately took the lead to perform the necessary testing and provide a detailed report ahead of the requested deadline. Knowing they would be required to install and upgrade the AN/TPQ-53 system software, Rudick earned his CompTIA Security+ and Network+ certificates. Getting out ahead of this requirement was critical to TYAD being able to complete the AN/TPQ-53 Pilot Program repair effort and provide technical support to fielded systems ahead of planned Depot maintenance. He also took the initiative to better himself and increase his effectiveness at TYAD by achieving his Certified Electronics Technician and Engineer-In-Training certificates. Rudick volunteered to support another requirement by developing a test capability to validate digital phase shifters, a part critical to AN/TPQ-37 Power Amplifier Modules. He developed an automated program to reduce the amount of time required for manual measurements and also worked with the Original Equipment Manufacturer to develop a better understanding of AN/TPQ-53 testing. He then provided training to fellow engineers and C4ISR technicians in order to complete depot transition efforts within the contract timeline. Mike Sherin serves as a Supervisory Electronics Engineer and works closely with Rudick. He said his efforts have made an impact on the entire team around him. “Mike consistently dives head-first in new technical challenges. His self-motivation, positive attitude, and strong work ethic are inspiring to his peers. Mike volunteers for additional work assignments demonstrating a mission-first attitude to his team members and his hands-on approach allows him to lead by doing,” said Sherin. “Mike truly puts his best foot forward each and every day and encourages others to do the same. Mike is recognized by his peers as someone who is always willing to help others solve challenging technical issues, and takes any Pathways students under his wing to ensure they have a fulfilling experience at TYAD.” The Employee of the Quarter awards and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Investing In Our People line of effort. The plan aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
TYAD Honored Gatto as Supervisor of the Quarter When it comes to leadership at Tobyhanna Army Depot, Brandon Gatto, Chief of the Tobyhanna Legal Office, believes that good leaders will not instruct their teams to do something they wouldn’t do themselves. For his hard work, dedication to service, and strong leadership, he has been named Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) Supervisor of the Quarter for the 1st Quarter of FY24. Gatto joined Team Tobyhanna following years of experience working in law. Having earned degrees from Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and Temple University School of Law, he served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable James A. Gibbons in Lackawanna County and then a judicial law clerk to the Honorable James M. Munley in the United States (U.S.) District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. From there, he worked as a litigation associate at a large law firm headquartered in Philadelphia. Gatto joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a judge advocate right around the same time he entered private practice. He said he found the work to be inspiring and that he enjoyed the idea of being part of something bigger than himself and using the law to help servicemembers. It was the work he performed with the U.S. Army Reserve that inspired him to seek out full-time opportunities with the Army, which led to his eventual joining of Team Tobyhanna. Gatto said he appreciated the leadership component of the Army. During his initial year as a judge advocate, he said he received some of his best leadership training and had opportunities to work directly with extraordinary leaders. Lauren Leary, who serves as a Paralegal Specialist at TYAD, said that his leadership skills are second to none. “You often hear leaders describe themselves with words such as selfless, humble, and altruistic, but it is rare to find a leader that truly embodies all of these traits. Brandon is the embodiment of those qualities. He is incredibly caring and kind and is never too busy for any of us in the office,” said Leary. “He also consistently sets clear expectations and goals for his employees, so we never have to wonder what is expected of us. I can probably speak for everyone in the office when I say that we are not only better employees under his leadership, but also better people.” Legal Assistant Wendy Deprimo echoed Leary’s sentiment, saying she has learned and grown much under his guidance. “Words can’t possibly convey my admiration, respect, and appreciation for Brandon. He leads by example, inspiring trust, and empowering those around him. His natural ability to lead, inspire, mentor, and motivate others is truly impressive,” said Deprimo. “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work under his leadership and continue this growth journey.” Gatto’s leadership style embodies the old saying “there is no ‘I’ in ‘Team,’” metaphorically saying that the legal office rolls the ball up the hill collectively. “This is not a legal office where we sit back and wait for bad things to happen. We’re incredibly proactive. We work hard to understand new issues quickly and to empower those we serve to do what’s best for our client – the Army. ‘Leading by example’ is part of our overall culture and the servant leadership ethos that we try to practice,” said Gatto. “The ‘servant leadership’ mentality directly aligns with ‘leading by example.’ We prioritize client service, put the needs of others before our own, take ownership of the problems we face, and equip leaders to act with confidence. Doing so has helped us build trust across the organization quicker and demonstrate that we are all part of the same team.” Associate Counsel Shanna Williamson feels Gatto’s leadership style resonates with her, saying it is the epitome of reliable, honest leadership. “Brandon exemplifies what it is to be a true leader. He is decisive, compassionate, and fair,” said Williamson. “I am privileged to learn from his example daily.” Associate Counsel Jamie Schelling said Gatto not only inspires the team to reach their max potential but also makes coming to work a pleasure. “Brandon challenges us to think outside the box to find new, more efficient ways of doing things and he listens without judgment when we do. He makes it a priority to recognize our team’s wins big or small,” said Schelling. “He provides constant support but also trusts us to tackle projects without his oversight. He makes coming to work every day enjoyable and inspires us all to reach our full potential.” One recent initiative that Gatto supported, with help from TYAD’s Business Intelligence Team, was the development of a work tracker aimed at tracking responsiveness to client questions, among other things. The idea nests with the depot’s overall desire to implement metrics-based dashboards for each cost center with the goal of making data-driven decisions. Gatto said that although the team previously tracked each matter that they handled, they felt it didn’t really equate to a tracking service that their clients could see. He said the team decided to begin tracking responsiveness formally because they recognized it is important to their people. They quickly found that they were turning around client requests within 1-2 days, which is a high mark considering the complexities of some issues that arise. “Most of our leaders need answers yesterday. Showing them that we have the ability to rapidly analyze complicated legal questions builds trust immediately,” said Gatto. “It also dispels the myth that questions get ‘stuck in the legal office.’” Gatto credited the entire legal team, which boasts many years of experience, for his receiving the honor. He said that without them and their hard work and dedication, success wouldn’t be possible. “We have an exceptional team in both the professional and personal sense. I think our diversity and our experiences have led to that,” said Gatto. “My Supervisor of the Quarter plaque has a sticky note over it that says ‘Teamwork Award.’ That’s how I really consider it. Any individual recognition is a result of the team’s success overall. When one of us is celebrated, we’re all celebrated, and I believe that’s the mentality throughout the office.” Associate Counsel David Tomaszewski also works closely alongside Gatto in TYAD’s Legal Office. He said Gatto is the most talented and caring leader he’s had to privilege to work with. “Brandon consistently demonstrates the utmost character, competence in his guidance, and commitment to serving the best interests of Army, TYAD, and his Legal Office teammates. He fosters a collaborative team-oriented environment where everyone’s opinions and ideas are respected and valued. While Brandon has high expectations, the atmosphere in which we achieve them is relaxed and even fun,” said Tomaszewski. “Brandon truly cares about our professional and personal development and well-being. We are all inspired to do our best for him, as he always does his best for us. In my 38 years of legal practice both in military and civilian settings, I have not enjoyed a job more, nor experienced a more talented and caring leader, teammate, or coworker. I am proud to have the good fortune, honor and privilege to serve under Brandon’s leadership.” At the end of the day, Gatto said it is the individuals surrounding him that brings him the most joy in his work. “I have exceptional people throughout my chain of command. It’s the same thing I love about working for the Army. It’s the people,” said Gatto. The Supervisor of the Quarter award – and its companion Employee of the Quarter awards – are TOBY2035 initiatives aligned with the Invest in Our People line of effort. The plan, which has three additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Tobyhanna and USAMMA Cut the Ribbon on Modernized Medical Maintenance Operations Facility Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is now home to one of the most modernized Medical Maintenance Operations Division (MMOD) facilities in the United States. On Thursday, May 2, employees and Army leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of a brand-new United States Army Medical Materiel Agency (USAMMA) facility at TYAD with a ribbon cutting. The project was the result of a four year long, multi-million dollar effort that saw USAMMA transition their entire workspace to a newly renovated area. Keynote speakers at the event included TYAD Deputy Commander Robert Lantka and USAMMA Medical Maintenance Management Director CW4 (Ret.) Jorge Magana-Cortez. The repair and conversion of the new building, known as MMOD-PA, has been designed to meet the United States Army Medical Logistics Command’s (AMLC) requirements, which included complete renovations to an entire bay and half of another. Some specific renovations include a new roof, dock enclosures and ramps, structural steel mezzanine, overhead and personnel doors, lighting, sprinkler system and valve room, HVAC, X-ray room, conference room, offices, sterilizer testing pit, rack storage, and an open area with 40 workstations. In the end, 60,000 square feet of building area has been recapitalized. Magana-Cortez said that above all, the ribbon cutting is for the hard-working individuals who execute the mission on a daily basis. “In today’s audience is the very special staff who this was done for that execute the day-to-day operations. This ribbon cutting ceremony is for you,” said Magana-Cortez. “We appreciate all of the hard work that you’ve done and what you’re going to do in this building in the future.” This project builds upon an already strong working relationship between USAMMA and TYAD and represents a win-win for both parties. For USAMMA, they now have modernized facilities and furnishings. Additionally, the layout in their new area is more efficient and quality of life has been improved for their staff. For TYAD, the now unoccupied building has been returned to mission space and will be renovated with the goal of improving efficiency and quality of life for depot employees. Lantka lauded the teamwork that occurred between the teams at AMLC and TYAD saying that without it, this all wouldn’t have been possible. “The story of how we got here today is amazing. For over the last 12 to 14 years, Tobyhanna has been able to invest over $900 million into its facilities and this is just one successful program,” said Lantka. “The reason why this was successful is the excellent teamwork between the AMLC team and our Garrison Installation team. They ran the processes that ensure our modernization projects have the right justification, the right prioritization, and that barriers and obstacles got broken down to ensure success.” MMOD-PA Interim Director William Wall echoed Lantka’s sentiment, saying that the close collaboration allowed both parties to provide the very best to the warfighter. “This project was 4 years in the making. It wouldn’t have been successful without continued collaboration between AMLC, USAMMA, and TYAD. We all worked in concert to ensure the funds were secured and the project stayed on schedule,” said Wall. “The modernization of the facility has not only improved our capabilities to the Warfighter, but the infrastructure improvements have also improved the quality-of-life aspect for our team.” Additionally, Wall distributed 10 awards to USAMMA employees for their hard work and dedication during the renovation and moving process. Working with USAMMA to open this new facility is a TOBY2035 initiative aligned with the C5ISR Readiness and Shape the Future lines of effort. The plan, which has two additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Hosts Author, Motivational Speaker to Talk on Trauma and Redemption In accordance with Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), Team Tobyhanna recently welcomed author and motivational speaker Clark Fredericks to Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) on Tuesday, April 2, for a presentation on trauma and redemption. He is the latest in an annual series of SAAPM speakers, reaffirming the depot’s commitment toward maintaining a safe and healthy working environment in which all members of Team Tobyhanna can thrive. Fredericks’ presentation, titled “A Male Perspective,” is one of tragedy, overcoming abuse, healing, and inspiration. Whilst growing up in the quiet town of Stillwater, New Jersey, a sexual predator began grooming him at age seven for what became five years of mental and sexual abuse. After many years he sought revenge on his abuser, so he hunted him down and took his life. Fredericks would go on to serve time in state prison where he entered a pilot therapy program and began to turn his life around. Through his use of speech, social media, and writing books, he has used his story of overcoming childhood molestation as a vehicle to encourage victims of sexual assault to end their silence, move out of the darkness of abuse and into the light of healing. Ricardo Horn, who serves as Chief of the Employee Wellness Center (EWC), said that it was important to build upon the strong base his team set when they brought in a speaker for last year’s SAAPM. “With a commitment to excellence we challenged ourselves to build on that high bar we set for ourselves last SAAPM,” said Horn. “From sexual assault to substance use to suicide, Clark’s story captures every element of our Employee Wellness Center’s prevention efforts.” Jaime Shields, who serves as a Community Support Advocate within the EWC, echoed Horn’s sentiment. “A mentor once told me to always have courage in your convictions and to have the confidence to do what is right even when other people may not agree or approve. We wanted to find a speaker whose story would leave an impact on the organization and push the envelope on how we have tried to raise awareness about the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Program (SHARP), Army Substance Abuse Program, and Suicide Prevention,” said Shields. “Clark’s powerful message about surviving trauma, recovering from darkness, and emerging into light resonates with our mission to take care of our people and community.” In the years following his release, Fredericks helped spearhead a movement to change the Statute of Limitations Laws in the state of New Jersey, which now allows victims of sexual abuse civil to seek recourse beyond the previous two-year window. He says he has no plans to end his crusade for victims and hopes to start conversations about this epidemic, which effects children across the country. Horn added that he believes hearing stories such as the one detailed in “A Male Perspective” will help end some of the stigma associated with it and hopes it inspires members of Team Tobyhanna to come forward with any issues they may be facing. “Clark’s authenticity is captivating and helps us connect with topics that are all too often ignored or dismissed due to the stigma and shame they are associated with,” said Horn. “We hope that in hearing Clark’s message of recovery and redemption, Tobyhanna employees reach out for help knowing that change is possible.” TYAD employees in need of assistance with challenges they may be struggling with can contact the EWC at 570-615-8873 or AMC-CECOM-TYAD-EWC@army.mil to schedule a confidential appointment. Employees can also fill out this appointment request form https://forms.osi.apps.mil/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=D9fm-kuVEUiStgUw1vhMQyM3PGjIID9JvWTrV5xHm1RUMTM2MzRQR0RNNFUxWFpYMzNaU0gyRUhORyQlQCN0PWcu. Clark Fredericks’ presentation and the SHARP program are TOBY2035 initiatives aligned with the Invest in Our People and Shape the Future lines of effort. The plan, which has two additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Equipment Repair and Development a Constant, Evolving Mission For more than six decades, artisans at Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) have been at the forefront of repairing and employing automatic test equipment (ATE)to diagnose and test military equipment. That mission continues today, underscoring Tobyhanna’s commitment to supporting the joint warfighters of the past, present and future. ATE refers to test hardware with its own operating system software that enables users to assess the functionality of a weapons system, detect quality issues, and ensure applied corrective actions have been successful. The use of ATE benefits the depot in a variety of ways, from increasing the quality of repairs to reducing internal turnaround times and beyond. Historical records show a huge surge in ATE at Tobyhanna in the early 2000s. The increased need for ATE came after a significant amount of new workload arrived at the depot; the workload transitioned to TYAD after a Base Realignment and Closure Commission, which was focused on divesting excess capacity and property within the Department of Defense. TYAD’s ATE repair workload has represented one of its most constant but always evolving initiatives. For example, the Electronic Quality Assurance Test Equipment (also called the EQUATE system) has been a TYAD mission for over three decades. Used by servicemembers worldwide, the EQUATE is a test station used for multiple types of testing for wire assemblies in support of counterfire radar missions. Investments into ATE programs like the EQUATE are particularly fruitful for the depot because the positive results are two-pronged. In repairing, maintaining, and sustaining ATE, TYAD enjoys consistent workload that directly impacts readiness and saves lives. The maintenance of these systems also allows the depot to apply the testing capabilities of the ATE to other products depot artisans are preparing for our nation’s warfighters. The benefits of ATE utilization are many. If one were to walk through the plethora of production floor areas at TYAD today, several instruments used to perform tests on workload both old and new can be seen. These instruments help to ensure every asset being provided to our nation’s warfighters is up to the lofty Tobyhanna standard through increased efficiency and accuracy. Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to ATE. It will rack up multiple instruments and put it under PC control, eliminating the possibility of human error and centralizing several tests under one umbrella. It is capable of performing various tests at once even if the systems aren’t exactly the same, reducing the time it takes to ensure compliance across multiple workloads. In order to mitigate unforeseen issues, ATE can also be used to proactively ensure systems are functioning the way they are intended. This offers artisans at TYAD a huge boost in efficiency as they can be certain no time is being wasted by assembling something that has issues. Electronics Engineer David Zahorsky said the use of ATE helps alleviate the load on an employee’s shoulders. “In some shops, you may see individual instruments used to test specific things. For example, say you need to make a voltage measurement and you need to manually input a lot of information. The beauty of automatic test equipment is that you can automate all of those tests,” said Zahorsky. “For the purpose of completing an entire test document, it reduces the burden on technician personnel to have to make those individual tests. It also reduces mistakes that could potentially be made by missing a test or something like reading an instrument.” ATE utilization and the development of test program sets (TPS) can also be used as a means to see around corners when navigating systems and preparing to take on new workload. By frequently running self-test alignments the individuals working on the production floor can hit the ground running and start properly testing the technological components necessary for the equipment to function correctly. Just as assets change to meet the needs of the warfighter on an ever-evolving battlefield, so must the test procedures evolve. Combined hands-on and software repair and troubleshooting works in synergy with proactive TPS development and transition to ensure TYAD remains on the cutting edge into the future. TPS development is a key activity during the transition to sustainment for military assets, streamlining the repair process. Test Engineering Branch Chief Matthew Rhoades and his team build test programs to support new assets and workload. Four TPSs are being developed during the onboarding of the MQ-9 Reaper workload, according to Rhoades. “The TPSs developed in conjunction with public-private partnerships with L3Harris and General Atomics enable TYAD’s electronics personnel to screen LRUs at the beginning of the process to identify where the asset requires repair. Once repair is complete, assets are tested to validate the repair, ensuring the warfighter receives a quality product – every time.” While Rhoades and his team work to either build new TPSs or rehost them on new ATE, Production Equipment Branch Chief Wayne Swire and his team keep equipment up and running. Swire said the key to sustained ATE success for Tobyhanna lies in the present. “The key is having the capability in-house. By adding to our capabilities in the present, TYAD best positions itself to support warfighters on an evolving battlefield,” said Swire. In many ways, the future of ATE has already arrived at TYAD. The last couple of years have been marked by transition from legacy and sustainment systems like the EQUATE to new systems like the Air Force-standard Versatile Diagnostic Automatic Test Station (VDATS) and the Army-standard Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS). While VDATSs have been at TYAD for a decade, the depot is scheduled to receive its first full rate production NGATSs this year. The VDATS has supported the aforementioned MQ-9 Reaper and depot personnel are ready to hit the ground running once the NGATS arrives to provide TPS capability for the AN/TPQ-53 Radar System. The utilization of ATE and the development of TPSs in conjunction with the precision and dedication of depot artisans ensures TYAD will continue to deliver on that mission now and into the future. The repair, sustainment, and development of ATE and TPSs directly aligns with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, which has four focus areas: Invest in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2035 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognizes Servicemember as Warfighter of the Quarter Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recently had the privilege of honoring another distinguished servicemember with the Warfighter of the Quarter award. The Warfighter of the Quarter award acknowledges the relationship between employees at TYAD and the servicemembers who selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our nation, living lives consistent with the Army core values, and being good stewards of their communities. The honoree for the 4th quarter of 2023 is Sgt. 1st Class Albert J. Avila, who received the distinction during a midgame ceremony at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Military Appreciation Night hockey game. As part of the Penguins’ salute to our nation’s heroes, members of Team Tobyhanna displayed a military vehicle and shared information about TYAD’s mission with game attendees. Additionally, Sgt. 1st Class Avila performed a ceremonial puck drop to start the game and Janet Warnick of TYAD’s Installation Services directorate provided a rendition of “God Bless America.” Currently, Sgt. 1st Class Avila is assigned to the Scranton Army Recruiting Station in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is the recipient of seven Army Achievement Medals, two Army Commendations, and a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. TYAD Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Riggs joined Depot Commander Col. James L. Crocker in presenting the latest Warfighter of the Quarter award. Sgt. Maj. Riggs highlighted the significance of the honor and emphasized the respect he has for Sgt. 1st Class Avila and his work. “The Warfighter of the Quarter award provides TYAD an opportunity to recognize servicemembers who are doing good work. It allows for engagement with the local community and the military community in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Sgt. Maj. Riggs. “This gives us an opportunity to reward Sgt. 1st Class Avila’s example of dedication to duty and work for the community that might otherwise go unnoticed.” Sgt. 1st Class Avila said receiving the award was a tremendous privilege that made him proud of his commitment to the Armed Forces. “Receiving the TYAD Warfighter of the Quarter Award is an immense honor, deeply affirming my commitment to the United States Army Reserve and my role as an Army Recruiter,” said Sgt. 1st Class Avila. “It’s incredibly gratifying to be recognized for successfully assisting others in achieving their goals, as my work brings me great satisfaction in knowing I’m making a difference in their lives.” While assigned to the Scranton Army Recruiting Station as an Army Ambassador, Sgt. 1st Class Avila distinguished himself by displaying professionalism and dedication to duty, keeping with the finest traditions of military service. Some specific achievements include his orchestration of seven Future Soldier promotions for members of the Delayed Entry Program (a program designed to accommodate new enlistees into the United States Armed Forces before shipping out to basic training), his development and implementation of a transformative weight loss program that assisted civilians in meeting Army physical requirements, and providing education for seven high school guidance counselor offices on the March2Success program, an online program that helps individuals reach their civilian or Army educational goals. 1st Lt. Thomas Gascoigne works alongside Sgt. 1st Class Avila at the Scranton Army Recruiting Station. He said his impact has gone further than just the organization. “Sgt. 1st Class Avila goes above and beyond the normal scope of duties that recruiters perform,” said 1st Lt. Gascoigne. “Sgt. 1st Class Avila is not only an asset to our organization, but he is an asset to his community as well.” The Warfighter of the Quarter award and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Connecting with the Community line of effort. The goal of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s plan is to strive to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Highlights Hobbies of Employees During National Hobby Month January is National Hobby Month – an opportunity to celebrate the unique ways The Tobyhanna Army Depot finds joy and fulfillment in their personal lives. Gabrielle Dutz from the Resource Management Directorate likely has one of the most creative cubicles on the installation. Posted all over is just a portion of her postcard collection, which is a hobby she has enjoyed for a number of years. Dutz said that even as a child, she was into collecting. Once upon a time she had a playing card and a magnet collection. Nowadays she primarily collects postcards but has a t-shirt collection from places she’s visited as well. She said that she gravitated towards postcards due to their low price point and that they serve as reminder of previous trips and events to come. Dutz has always considered herself a creative individual. While in college, she decorated her dorm with photo collages, to include postcards. This served as somewhat of an inspiration to decorate her workspace at TYAD the same way. She said that having her postcards on display at work serves as a good way to enjoy her hobby even while supporting the warfighter. “I’ve always collected little things along the way and I really love souvenirs. I just had all of these post cards hanging around in boxes so I thought why not bring them to work,” said Dutz. “They are a nice reminder of life outside and things to look forward to like a trip or an event. It is just cheap little trinket to remember things.” Dutz said that although she loves collecting postcards, she likes to acquire them naturally and isn’t often browsing resale sites for them. As someone who enjoys traveling, she said a lot of her collection comes from places she has visited, citing their easy accessibility as one of the main drivers for grabbing them in gift shops wherever she is visiting at that time. She said it is usually the uniqueness of the card design that helps her chooses which to bring home. Dutz added that, as a music fan, one particularly special postcard she owns is themed after the rock band “Grateful Dead.” She said this vintage postcard is special as it was a gift from her mom and isn’t easy to come by. “We keep it in the vault and only bring it out on special occasions,” joked Dutz. Dutz said that at the end of the day, looking at her postcard collection enriches her life and gets her excited for the next fun event she is attending. “You always need that next trip or that concert or that next thing on your calendar to look forward to and my collection helps me do that,” said Dutz. “It is kind like the thrill of the hunt. You’re somewhere, you’re out, you see stuff and you want to grab it. When you go on a trip you hope to take a souvenir home but you want find that right thing. Having the collection makes it more purposeful spending. You’re not just buying things to buy things. It marries that practical side with also looking for a cool visual or creative thing. That really drives me.” According to Ryan Beilman, life is better behind the wheel of a Volkswagen (VW). A lifelong fan of “things with wheels,” Beilman is particularly enthusiastic about VWs and has owned more than 45 different VW vehicles in the past 20 years. A white 1978 VW Rabbit was the springboard for Beilman’s obsession, which focuses on vehicles manufactured prior to the year 2000. He says these “pre2K” vehicles (as they are colloquially called in the VW community) are just more fun. “I like having a car I can work on – one that has the traditional ‘vehicle’ smells and sounds.” A dearth of quality VW-related events led Beilman to take on the role of community organizer in 2010. Since then, he’s spearheaded dozens of meetups and car cruises with other VW enthusiasts from across the Northeast, eventually leading him to partner with others to launch a yearly weekend-long VW event in Wildwood, N.J. Beilman takes pride that the event facilitates a positive environment for VW collectors of all ages. “Our event, focused on “pre2K” VWs, is not just about looking at cool cars. We strive to create an authentic space where people in the community can enjoy vendors, learning from others, and meetups – in a wholesome way. As a parent myself, I really appreciate the opportunity to share what I love with my wife and daughters, and I am proud to have a hand in letting others do the same,” he explained. When he’s not meeting in person with other VW enthusiasts, he co-hosts a podcast focused on “pre2K” VWs. Over the course of 100-plus episodes, the podcast has featured others active in the VW community, technical experts and even a representative from VW Group of America. Despite having owned a lifetime’s worth of VWs, Beilman notes that there’s still a “white whale” that eludes him: the extremely rare and valuable 23-window VW bus, a vehicle he hopes to obtain and restore sometime in the future. Tobyhanna Army Depot Master Scheduler Steve Gardner’s mother said he’s had a love for drumming since childhood. Gardner’s first drumming experience came on a familiar, but unorthodox, drum set – pots and pans. Gardner was keen to turn anything he could into a drum set. “I’ve always had an affinity for the drums, and I remember listening to 8-tracks as a kid and using tent poles to pretend I was playing drums on my pillows on my bed,” said Gardner. Although drumming seems to have been in his DNA, Gardner said he discovered his ability for drumming in the early 90s while over his friend Roger’s house. Roger was a guitarist and he and his family were big country music fans. Roger pulled a drum set from the attic and started playing “Sweet Home Alabama” on his guitar while Gardner started playing a drumbeat. It came naturally to Gardner, who said, “I didn’t really know I could play the drums, but it just kind of happened.” When presented with a choice between a computer and a drum set, Gardner’s choice was obvious. Around 30 years removed from that impromptu jam session, Gardner has been drumming ever since. He has showcased his talents in several bands ranging from country to metal to mainstream rock. Gardner highlighted two bands, Whiskey Tango and Soul Satellite, as particularly successful endeavors. His drumming has seen him play several venues, including Tobyhanna Army Depot once during a Pittsburgh Steelers pep rally held during break time. The diversity of projects Gardner has participated in speaks to his eclectic taste and genuine appreciation for music. “I’ve always loved music and playing the drums is very therapeutic. When you’re playing, it turns the volume down on everything else. I love playing, being creative, coming up with something new and just having a good time.” Much like any band couldn’t work without a drummer keeping the beat, Team Tobyhanna can only reach its full potential when following an efficient battle rhythm. Gardner said his hobbies make him a better member of Team Tobyhanna. Gardner is passionate about the work he does at Tobyhanna Army Depot and is proud of the impact Team Tobyhanna has on our nation’s warfighters. He said his hobbies allow him to be creative and curious in his downtime, and channel that into a heightened focus during working hours. “Having any kind of hobby helps you with your work because that’s your downtime, that’s your therapy. If you have a frustrating, exciting or stressful day, it helps balance out the day.” When he’s not on the stage or behind a drum set, you can find Gardner spending time with his wife and two kids, playing golf and riding his motorcycle.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Names Supervisor of the Quarter Since joining Team Tobyhanna, Paula Mesaris has worked in multiple positions and pursued continuous learning opportunities whenever possible. Due to her effective leadership skills and strong body of work, she has been honored as Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) latest Supervisor of the Quarter. Mesaris came to TYAD in 2006 following a job as a postal worker. She began her depot career working in what was then a combined safety and environmental office. After 10 years in that position, she was named Chief of what is now the Environmental Branch in November of 2016. Mesaris and her team manage all of the environmental compliance programs for TYAD while also focusing on sustainability and conservation. They strive to ensure the depot remains in compliance with federal, state, and U.S. Army regulations in regard to cultural resources, hazardous waste, natural resources, pollution prevention, energy, pest management and solid waste/recycling programs. Under Mesaris’ leadership, the environmental team earned the 2023 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for water resiliency through wastewater treatment technology. This award comes in addition to the Secretary of the Army Energy and Water Management Award for Exceptional Achievement in Water Efficiency the depot received in February 2023. Additionally, she oversaw TYAD’s participation as an Army Pilot site for a cooperative program centered on Environmental Justice which included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force. Mesaris has also spearheaded multiple depot clean-up events, to include the 2023 Earth Day clean up event. During this event, 110 members of Team Tobyhanna collected 142 bags of trash with other debris such as metal, wood, plastic, rubber, etc. Mesaris said when she got the news about receiving the award, it came as a big surprise. “It is such an honor. I was very surprised. It was very unexpected,” said Mesaris” “You kind of just go about your job and then when something like this happens it is nice that somebody notices that your team is performing well.” Mesaris thanked her team above all, saying that no supervisor can earn such an award without a strong group of people around them. “When you look back, you don’t remember the tasks you did over the years, you remember the people you worked with. I don’t think anybody can win this award without a really awesome team and I’m very blessed to have one,” said Mesaris. We have a lot of new team members that are very gung-ho and are very environmentally conscious. They are about their job and about serving the depot and it is just a great pleasure to have a team like that. They make it pleasant to come into work because I have people that care.” Environmental Engineer Amalia Thomas praised Mesaris for her strong leadership skills and people-first mentality. “Paula is a fantastic and dedicated supervisor. She always has a happy face on and is always willing to help you out,” said Thomas. “She strives for growth of her employees and has the utmost respect for her colleagues. Paula is there when you need her.” Mesaris said she has always been a strong proponent for pursuing learning opportunities. Throughout her career, she has been involved with the Combined Federal Campaign, COVID Trace Team, TOBY2035 Line-of-Effort teams, the Peer-to-Peer program and more in addition to her typical duties in the spirit of learning as much as she can. She is actively in the process of earning her master’s degree from Marywood University to go alongside her bachelors degree from the same school. Mesaris credited the strong leadership she has received throughout her career as her reason for trying new things. “I have always had really great support from my leadership teams,” said Mesaris. “I’ve always received encouragement to take a leap and pursue something that was out of my comfort zone. Having mentors like that definitely helped and made an impact on me throughout my career.” TYAD’s Chief of Public Works James Wisnewski serves as Mesaris’ supervisor. He lauded her for being incredibly reliable and willing to do what it takes to get the job done. “Paula is an exemplary employee, mission minded, organization focused and willing to go to great efforts to ensure TYAD’s success,” said Wisnewski. She is a well-respected and dependable member of TYAD’s supervisory workforce and is always willing to assist without hesitation.” The Supervisor of the Quarter award – and its companion Employee of the Quarter awards – are TOBY2035 initiatives aligned with the Invest in Our People line of effort. The plan, which has three additional focus areas, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognizes Latest Employees of the Quarter Over 3,100 individuals make up Tobyhanna Army Depot’s world-class workforce. Although many of which are worthy of praise, each quarter two employees are named the junior and senior employees of the quarter. For the 4th quarter of 2023, it is Mr. Zachary Long of the Installation Services directorate and Ms. Kristina Nolan of the Resource Management directorate receiving the honors respectively. Nolan’s career at TYAD defines the idea of “working your way up.” After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Education from Marywood University, she took a job as a Teacher Assistant at Tobyhanna’s on-post Children and Youth center. After two years, she moved into a position supporting to the mission side of TYAD’s operations, working a total of four years as a secretary in the C4ISR and Field Logistics Support directorates. About halfway through her time as a secretary, she decided to return to college to further her education. Having always had an interest in computers, she was encouraged to pursue a master’s degree in IT Cyber Security from Capella University. It was while earning this degree that she applied for and received the opportunity to work in TYAD’s Information Management Division as an IT Specialist. Nolan’s employee of the quarter award comes two years into her time as an IT Specialist. She said receiving this distinction is a tremendous accomplishment. “It is a big accomplishment definitely. It shows that the hard work I have done to this point and will continue to do is recognized and is respected and that means a lot to me,” said Nolan. “Because I know this isn’t just a “my department” kind of an award, it means that I am recognized across the depot for the work I have put in and the things I have accomplished up to this point so that means a lot to me.” Cyber Security Enterprise Branch (CESB) Chief Sean Hannan serves as Nolan’s supervisor. He lauded her not only for consistently seeking opportunities to better herself, but also her dedication to TYAD’s mission. “Ms. Nolan’s dedication to mission success was nothing short of exceptional, consistently exceeding her daily mission requirements with unwavering diligence. Throughout this quarter, she took on increased responsibilities and requirements, showcasing a remarkable commitment to surpassing current duties and contributing to the overarching mission objectives of TYAD,” said Hannan. “Not only did she embrace these additional tasks willingly, but she also proactively sought out knowledge to educate herself on the necessary mission systems, demonstrating her selflessness and determination to ensure successful execution.” Hannan also credited Nolan for serving as a helping hand to her colleagues. After she spearheaded a recent network coverage initiative, she took the time to impart essential knowledge to her teammates, guiding and training them in the proficient utilization of mission systems that were critical to success. She credited developing this mindset to mentors she’s worked with through her time at TYAD. Nolan said that, in her line of work, being a team player is essential. “Especially in our department, we definitely have to be cohesive as a team. There’s such a diversity of skills among the team in the CSEB and we help each other to balance all our skills as a community to achieve success. To teach newcomers or people just coming into that department all of the ins and outs and getting accesses and everything is very important,” said Nolan. “There is just so much happening on a daily basis that is behind the scenes that our department has to shift gears quickly so being able to help out in any of the areas and being well rounded in each of the skills helps everyone a lot.” Nolan credited team in the CSEB for her success. “I owe a lot to the team I work with in CSEB, they are a group of incredible people, with such knowledge and skillsets,” said Nolan. “Their willingness to share knowledge and communicate so well is a definite contribution to the success of the department and the depot. They’re just a great group of people to work with and for.” Long is receiving the honor in recognition of a unique maintenance and tracking program he created that is being utilized at TYAD. The creation of this program was a cross-functional effort with the Equipment and Supply Branch that required he go beyond his typical scope of work. Lancelot Ottley is a supervisor within the Installation Services directorate. He said the initiative Long took to create this program benefits not only the team he works with, but the depot as a whole. “Long’s exemplary handling of administrative matters attested to his professional knowledge, willingness to accept responsibility, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt himself to any situation,” said Ottley. “His ambitiousness in establishing and managing this program has motivated his peers and increases overall readiness status and sustainability.” The Employee of the Quarter awards and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Investing In Our People line of effort. The plan aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
