Tobyhanna Celebrates Employees During Engineers Week Tobyhanna Army Depot observed Engineers Week from February 20-26 by shining a spotlight on some of its outstanding engineers. Founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, the observance brings attention to the skills and contributions of engineers worldwide. Tobyhanna employs more than 300 engineers in a variety of disciplines, including chemical; civil; computer; electrical; electronics; industrial; mechanical; and software engineering. Civil Engineer Nicolas Stoker Civil Engineer Nicolas Stoker of the Installation Services Directorate plays an important role for Team Tobyhanna. The depot newcomer leads the Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization team and currently manages more than $40M in modernization projects across the depot – within the gates and beyond. A lifelong interest in construction led Stoker to the field of civil engineering, which encompasses a variety of infrastructure services such as utilities, water, and wastewater services. “Most people don’t realize that civil engineers build far more than bridges and roads,” he said, adding that his position with Team Tobyhanna is truly gratifying. “While construction projects are never easy, I appreciate reaching the end goal, which is making sure everyone on Team Tobyhanna can do their jobs. It is satisfying to see an empty warehouse transform into a state-of-the-art facility that supports our mission and, ultimately, the warfighter.” Stoker is no stranger to military processes after attending the Military College of South Carolina –more commonly known as The Citadel – as a civilian to earn his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He says the experience was invaluable. “Attending The Citadel helped shape me as a team member and a person.” Stoker’s teammates applauded his contributions to the team and Tobyhanna’s mission. “Nic is a one of the most focused, diligent, organized, attentive, and driven engineers I have ever worked with. He motivates other members of the team and sets a good example for other engineers as well as technicians,” said Chris Sheerer, chief of the Site Installation and Satellite Communication Engineering branch in the Production Engineering Directorate. Mechanical Engineer Jenny Battenberg also earned accolades for her technical skill, tenacity and passion. “Jenny is hardworking, dedicated to her programs and strong-willed. She is not afraid to say how she feels about something and I admire that in her. I am thankful to call her a teammate,” said Nathan Thomas, deputy director of Production Engineering. As a young person, Battenberg did not aspire to a career in mechanical engineering. Unsure of her long-term goals, she applied and was accepted to Walt Disney World’s (WDW’s) intern program – an experience that taught her lessons she uses today. Fabrication Engineers like Jenny Battenberg perform work on-site at locations around the world, like this one in Italy. “Working at WDW was an adventure and everything they do comes down to design – just like my job at Tobyhanna. I remember being amazed at how carefully they planned swapping out holiday décor at the park. Inspired by their ingenuity, I’ve used similar strategies when managing my own projects.” Battenberg currently supports a variety of fabrication-focused engineering projects, which require her to travel to exotic locates like Japan, Iceland and the United Arab Emirates. Many of the programs have grown after customers responded positively to the impressive engineering support provided by Battenberg and her team. When asked about the key to her success, Battenberg says the answer is simple. “I have great co-workers,” she said, laughing. “I also believe that it is important to be honest, have humility, and be open to feedback.” In her spare time, Jenny enjoys exploring her creative side through interior design and crafting. She also enjoys baking and cooking – skills passed down through the strong and impactful women in her family. Outstanding Electrical Engineers like Jason Metzger play an integral role in supporting C5ISR readiness for America’s warfighters, according to Chip Tracewski. “Jason has been critical to the success of the satellite communications programs he supports,” he said. “His calm demeanor and attitude toward supporting his customers are a valuable asset to Tobyhanna Army Depot.” Tracewski leads the Production Engineering Directorate’s C4 & Logistics Engineering Division. Electrical Engineer Jason Metzger A graduate of Penn State, Metzger started his depot career in 2004 as an electronics worker on the production floor and spent four years repairing avionics equipment. Although he was not working in his degreed field, Metzger says the experience was beneficial nonetheless. “There is often a disconnect between production shops and their support teams. Working on both sides has helped me better understand the needs of my customers,” adding that he tries to use this experiential knowledge to educate the general depot population. “One thing I wish everyone knew was that even though their requests seem easy to complete, engineering-related tasks are often more time-consuming and complex than you would think. Helping Team Tobyhanna understand why we do what we do is key.” Metzger’s cross-functional experience also includes time working in the Strategic Initiatives Office, learning about the depot activation and business development processes. In addition, he participated in a nanofabrication educational program at Penn State. Metzger’s co-workers say he is a true asset to Team Tobyhanna. “I’ve had the good fortune of working alongside Jason for many years. He is an extremely conscientious and professional engineer who possesses exceptional technical skills that allow him to quickly solve problems and effectively bridge the gap between the theoretical and practical sides of engineering,” said Thomas Ondrey, an electronics engineer in the Production Engineering Directorate. While Metzger appreciates the accolades, he noted that none of his success was accomplished alone. “I owe it all to the amazing team I work with every day.” In his free time, Jason enjoys spending time with family, his two dogs, and being outdoors. The technical expertise of Team Tobyhanna’s engineers is integral to its mission and long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028, which has four focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2028 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 Warfighter of the Quarter Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) honored one of its own Saturday night for outstanding service as an Army Soldier. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Frank E Boehme, Jr. of the 109th Infantry Regiment out of Easton, PA – and a member of the TYAD workforce – was recognized as the first Warfighter of the Quarter of 2022 during a ceremony at the Wilkes-Barre/Penguins Military Appreciation Night event. The award, which celebrates the bond between TYAD’s employees and the warfighters they support, has been presented to over 35 deserving military members from across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Boehme’s commanding officer, Lt. Ryan Joyce, nominated him for the honor, noting the Sergeant’s extraordinary commitment to his fellow Soldiers. “SFC Boehme is by far the most skilled and professional Platoon Sergeant that I’ve worked with. He lives by Soldier first and mission always.” Kelvin Spencer agreed. “SFC Boehme serves as a premier role model for Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers across the Army. He consistently sets the example for all to follow and demonstrates commitment to the Army Values, to the Warrior’s Ethos and he superbly represents our country’s military force of the future,” he said. Spencer is the chief of Tobyhanna’s Electronics Fabrication Division and leads the Tobyhanna chapter of the Association of the United States Army. He also served as depot Sergeant Major from 2009 to 2012. Open and honest communication is a priority for Boehme, who cites General Colin Powell as one of his leadership influences. “General Powell famously said that the day Soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you stopped leading them. I work hard to ensure my team knows that I care and will do anything I can to assist them.” Boehme also noted that his career achievements would not have been possible without the love and support of his family. “Whenever it was time to pack up my duffle bags and leave, I knew that things back home were going to be okay – whether it was for a weekend, a few months or for a yearlong deployment. My parents and my family always step up and cover down during my absence so I can stay focused on my Soldiers and my mission.” Coworkers and depot leadership similarly laud Boehme’s performance. “Frank continuously provides exceptional service, whether it is as Soldier or civilian,” said Jason DeMatteo, chief of the Law Enforcement Branch. Boehme says his years in uniform have given him a unique appreciation for the role Department of Defense civilians play in national security. “I feel tremendous gratitude to the entire Tobyhanna team for their efforts to make life easier for warfighters on the battlefield.” Boehme enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in January 2004 and deployed twice to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A highly decorated Soldier, he has been honored with the Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), an Army Achievement Medal with two OLCs, the Armed Forces Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four OLCs, and the Combat Infantryman Badge – among other impressive accolades. He is a member of the Order of the Combat Spur (Gold) and is the recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice Medallion. The Warfighter of the Quarter award is a TOBY2028 Connecting with the Community initiative. The long-range strategic plan aligns with the depot’s four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications; and aims to posture the organization for future success.
Department of Defense Military Packaging Design Training Now Available at Tobyhanna Army Depot PSCC’s Wade Myrthel assists a PACK 2 student during capstone testing. The Army’s premier training for military packaging has a new home. The Army Sustainment Command Packaging, Storage, and Containerization Center (PSCC), located on-post at Tobyhanna Army Depot, has fully implemented a new version of the critical PACK 2 Military Packaging Design Course. The course educates Department of Defense (DoD) personnel on techniques to properly design packaging that protects high dollar mission critical items from the rigors of military storage and the defense distribution system’s complex network of air, sea, and land transport – a challenge that requires simultaneously controlling costs, conserving resources, and minimizing unit pack size and weight. Thanks to the efforts of PSCC personnel, the DoD now has a comprehensive design course to address all of these concerns and provide DoD packaging designers with the skills they need to successfully support mission requirements. Since 2008, the closure of the School of Military Packaging Technology (SMPT) and the effects of attrition have resulted in a significant gap in the DoD packaging subject matter expertise. In response to this need, PSCC developed a redesigned PACK 2 that leverages the packaging expertise of in-house personnel and the resources available in PSCC’s Packaging Applications Testing Facility. The eight-day course consists of classroom lectures, as well as hands-on instruction in PSCC’s world-class packaging testing facility, which includes water intrusion, random vibration, and simulated handling testing apparatuses. A variety of packaging-related topics are covered in the training, to include design requirements, design methodology, shock and vibration, fragility, suspension systems, cushioning properties, cushioning design procedures, special packaging instructions, and validation testing. The culmination of the course is a capstone, requiring students to build and test a package that can meet military packaging standards – and withstand durability testing. Beginning in the first lesson, the capstone is integrated. By immediately following up each lesson with a relevant exercise, students get to reinforce what they have just learned and obtain a clearer picture of how it applies to real world design. According to David Gomes, re-launching the course was an arduous effort. “Our team spent the past year developing the PACK 2 course and ensuring it met the rigorous standards of the Defense Packaging Policy Group (DPPG),” adding that PSCC was chosen for the mission due to the subject matter expertise of its employees, as well as their modern testing facilities. Gomes is a senior packaging specialist in PSCC. A pilot of the course was held in late FY21 and included representatives from the DPPG, the Defense Contract Management Agency; the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armament Center; the U.S. Marine Corps; and the U.S. Navy. Gomes noted that the course benefitted attendees as well as PSCC personnel. “Having personnel from various DoD Components in one room allowed for dynamic cross-collaboration and discussion.” The pilot – and PSCC’s instructors – earned rave reviews from attendees as well as DPPG representatives, who gave the green light to fully offer the course to the DoD community. General Engineer Brian Rawhouser says the entire DoD – especially Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) – will benefit from having the PACK 2 training on-post. “The packaging fundamentals taught in this course ensure military assets are protected from environmental impacts, transportation and handling, and remain in a ready-for-issue status throughout the supply chain. That has a direct impact on TYAD’s mission; for example, proper packaging can reduce warranty claims, increase safety, and, most importantly, ensure materiel readiness.” The PACK 2 course is scheduled to run again in late January, April and July 2022. Those interested in learning more about the course or about PSCC’s unmatched facilities and team, please call 570-615-7257 or visit PSCC’s website at https://www.pscc.army.mil/. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,700 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities. *please note: These photos were taken at various times during the year, during which the Department of Defense guidance on masking/COVID-19 precautions changed in step with the guidance from the Center for Disease Control.
Safety Program at Tobyhanna Army Depot Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Safety and Occupational Health Office (SOHO) is earning rave reviews for its efforts to ensure a healthy workplace for more than 3,700 team members. The SOHO team successfully led Team Tobyhanna through a sweeping, four-day audit by external Department of Defense (DoD) officials earlier this fall. Representatives from the Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Directorate of Safety were on site to evaluate the effectiveness of Tobyhanna’s safety and occupational health program. CECOM personnel noted multiple depot best practices during the visit. One such best practice was Tobyhanna’s extensive COVID-19 mitigation strategies, especially the COVID-19 Task Force, praised by auditors for its comprehensive methods to keep employees safe during the unprecedented pandemic. The cross-functional group, which meets regularly, is charged with ensuring depot policies are focused on employee safety and in accordance with applicable DoD, federal, state and local public health guidance. Among the Task Force’s accomplishments is the procurement of more than 7,000 face coverings to distribute to personnel and visitors; the installation of ionization systems and self-check temperature stations; and the deep cleaning of nearly 1M square feet of depot property. The Task Force also spearheaded a detailed contact tracing process on-post to prevent the virus’ spread. Auditors also lauded the depot’s lifting devices inspection program. The SOHO has three full-time equipment inspectors who maintain the program. The trio examine depot equipment such as overhead cranes and pallet jacks for operability and safety to Army and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. “Our mission covers a variety of equipment. Basically, if it lifts or holds weight, we inspect it and make sure it is safe for our depot teammates,” said Michael Lazowski. Lazowski and his co-workers, Darren Stout and David Huntz, conduct an average of 600 inspections per month for Tobyhanna equipment as well as assets belonging to tenant activities. They also perform physical load tests, inspection of fall protection harnesses and provide support for unforeseen requirements, such as re-inspections of new and repaired equipment. Stout says depot personnel can help make the program run even more smoothly. “We have a great working relationship with our customers; however, there are two things they can do to make our process even easier for all involved. First, they can proactively schedule their inspections, which helps us with our demanding schedule; and second, they can self-report in advance when they need a reinspection. Both of these actions are small, but important, ways to help us serve our customers better.” Lazowski says there is never a dull moment in the life of an equipment inspector. “This position allows us to experience the many different parts of Tobyhanna’s mission and facilities – and we know what we do matters, which makes it even better.” Several opportunities for improvement were also identified by CECOM, according to Bilotta. “During the audit, it was noted that our existing Safety Hazard and Near Miss Reporting process was effective, but could be further improved. In the coming months, our team will be working to streamline this process.” Reflecting upon another successful audit, Bilotta noted SOHO could not do it alone. “The workforce does a great job making safety a priority and we attribute our successes to their effort and enthusiasm.” Tobyhanna’s safety program adheres to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 45001 safety standard, recognized across the world as benchmark for workplace safety. Tobyhanna was the first organization within the Department of Defense to obtain the ISO 45001 accreditation in 2019. Employee safety is a fundamental part of Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028. The plan aligns with the depot’s four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications; and aims to posture the organization for future success. External auditors will return to Tobyhanna in January and February for further reviews.
Tobyhanna Modernization Efforts Support Future Warfighter Needs Electronics Engineer Mark Sgobba briefs Maj. Gen. Edmonson during the QUB. (Photo Credit: Thomas Robbins) Modernization and growth were the main points of discussion during this week’s quarterly update brief (QUB) at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson, Commanding General of the U.S Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), and Command Sergeant Major Kristie Brady spent three days with Team Tobyhanna during a wide-ranging visit that included tours, interactions with the workforce, and briefings on current Tobyhanna modernization initiatives. Much of the QUB focused on the recent visit of the Organic Industrial Base (OIB) Modernization Task Force. The cross-functional Task Force team toured TYAD on November 8, the first in a series of visits to the 23 depots and arsenals within the OIB. Their mission is to determine what is required to support the Army Materiel Command (AMC) 15-year OIB modernization strategy, launched earlier this year by AMC Commanding General Edward Daly. The phased plan focuses on ensuring the OIB is prepared to support all future Army requirements. While some of the Task Force’s stops will be conducted with a critical eye, those involved say the team came to Tobyhanna to learn. Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson addresses Tobyhanna personnel during a recent visit. (Photo Credit: Thomas Robbins) “The Task Force was focused on how the Army can capitalize on the nearly $1B in modernization efforts that have transformed TYAD’s facilities and ensure we are prepared to support warfighter requirements today, tomorrow and into the future,” said Katlin Edmunds, adding that the depot is further investing in four focus areas that support its future vision: to provide full-spectrum support for the Department of Defense’s communications and electronics readiness needs. “We will not stop growing – we continue to evolve our C5ISR readiness, cable, radar, and systems integration capabilities to expand our footprint,” she said. Edmunds leads the Strategic Initiatives Office. During the visit, Edmonson urged Team Tobyhanna to challenge their existing perspectives and ensure the organization is consistently focused on supporting future warfighter needs. “This [the OIB Task Force effort] is bigger than us, and it will have significant effects for years to come. Our focus must not be on what is best for us – but rather, what is best for America’s warfighters.” Gen. Daly will brief Congress in early 2022 on the OIB Modernization Strategy. The briefing will include findings from the OIB Modernization Task Force as well as funding recommendations to best support emerging warfighter requirements and Army Futures Command 31+4 modernization initiatives. Tobyhanna personnel pose with CECOM personnel during the recent quarterly update brief. From L to R: SFC Brent Leverette, CECOM CSM-Enlisted Aide; CPT Ashley Cooper, Aide-de-Camp to Commanding General; Command Sgt. Maj. Kristie Brady; Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson, CECOM Commanding General; Tobyhanna Deputy Commander Frank Zardecki; Depot Commander Daniel L. Horn; Morgan Monts, Financial Management Analyst, CECOM; and Depot Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Wiles. (Photo Credit: Thomas Robbins) Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post-production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,700 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
Scranton Penguins Teddy Bear Toss to Support Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus December 4 Toss a plush toy onto the ice after the Penguins’ first goal! Support Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus by bringing a new, unwrapped stuffed animal to the game and toss it onto the ice after the Penguins’ first goal. All toys will be collected and distributed to children in need throughout northeast Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Operation Santa Claus is a charitable private organization operating at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Buy tickets for the game here!
TOBY2028 Strategic Plan Drives Growth at Tobyhanna Army Depot Big changes are happening at Tobyhanna Army Depot – all thanks to the organization’s future-focused strategic plan, TOBY2028. TOBY2028 aligns with the depot’s four strategic focus areas, called lines of effort (LOEs): Invest in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. The endeavor was launched in 2018, as depot leaders envisioned becoming the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. According to TOBY2028’s overall lead Heather Fiedler, the plan’s success can be attributed to the participation of depot employees. “TOBY2028 has showcased the talents and passion of Team Tobyhanna, and they have done a great job working to shape our future and deliver on our commitments.” Fiedler is the depot’s organizational development specialist. The foundational LOE under TOBY2028 is Invest in Our People (IiOP), focusing empowerment efforts for the Army’s most important resource: its people. Fielder lauded the success of the IiOP’s Peer2Peer (P2P) Proactive Education Program, which trained employees on how to handle peer-to-peer disclosures such as harassment, suicidal ideations, substance use and mental health issues. The program strives to create grassroots support where trained peers can connect co-workers with the appropriate first responder for intervention. “Because we know that disclosures are often made to peers first, we developed this program to ensure members of Team Tobyhanna always have a trained person to confide in. After less than a year, we’ve received a wealth of positive feedback for the program – and its participants,” Fiedler said. P2P, aligned with the Communication- Electronics Command’s Selflessness-Ownership-Unity-Larger Purpose (SOUL) program, is part of a larger slate of people-focused initiatives outlined by Fielder. Two standouts include a reciprocal shadowing pilot designed to build relationships across organizational silos and a twice-weekly mindfulness group to help reduce employee stress. A pivotal accomplishment under the C5ISR Readiness LOE is the enhanced scheduling process, identified by the Army Materiel Command as a best practice earlier this year. The endeavor, originally piloted at Tobyhanna, provides leadership with real-time reporting tools based upon data entered by production floor personnel. It also heightens visual management to optimize production floor execution. Production floor leadership gave the new process rave reviews. “Enhanced scheduling enables us to more efficiently execute mission requirements by clearly defining and prioritizing workload requirements based on real-time data,” said John Scott, Chief of the Tactical Satellite Systems Branch in the C4ISR Directorate. As subject matter experts on the topic, Tobyhanna hosted 12 government agencies for a summit in July to provide training on the enhanced scheduling process. The summit also allowed depot personnel to directly interact with their counterparts at other organizations, sharing knowledge for collective growth. Strategic communications (STRATCOM) were also improved under TOBY2028, with the introduction of multiple initiatives to better inform depot stakeholders. One such initiative was the development of a recruitment video to attract talent, jointly produced by the IiOP and STRATCOM LOEs. Anne Gebhardt, Recruiting the Future Workforce team lead, says the video will be a big help in publicizing Tobyhanna to prospective employees. “We believe this video will showcase not only the many different careers at Tobyhanna, but also the excellent benefits package and the advancement opportunities here. We also believe current employees sharing why they remain part of Team Tobyhanna is a powerful endorsement.” Another STRATCOM initiative was aimed at ensuring a growing communication platform – social media – was fully accessible to all members of Team Tobyhanna’s diverse stakeholder group. “Our team was excited to develop a plan to guarantee our media products were 508-compliant, ensuring our teammates who are deaf or blind can still engage with our digital platforms and are spun up on the latest news from Team Tobyhanna,” said Ryan Beilman, co-lead of the STRATCOM Effective Communication team. Beilman outlined the plan, which requires all depot social media to include closed captioning for videos or the integration of a sign language interpreter, while images all must be accompanied by a detailed image description. Significant efforts are also underway for the Shape the Future LOE, whose mission is to drive a collaborative approach to innovation to support emerging requirements for the future force. The team’s current focus is the Technology and Capability Review Team (TCRT). This new group will identify sustainable short and long-term workloads and establish a business case analysis to address the investment opportunities. Shape the Future Lead Katlin Edmunds believes the TCRT will be a big success for Tobyhanna. “This new effort will enable us to use data for process-based decisions on strategic capability investments. Simply put, it will help us better identify new workloads for Tobyhanna’s unique skill set.” Fielder says TOBY2028 will endure long past the year 2028. “TOBY2028 is not only our organizational roadmap today; it will remain our guide well into the future.”
Tobyhanna Recognizes Employees on National Tradesman Day Charles “CJ” JaniszewskiGerard Reichle Matthew NelsonChristopher Valenza Tobyhanna Army Depot observed National Tradesman Day on September 21 by shining a spotlight on some of its expert tradesmen and saluting all tradesmen who contribute to the organization’s mission. The depot employs artisans in a variety of trades for both mission and base operations. Many of these tradesmen work in the Directorate of Systems Integration and Support (SIS), supporting refinishing and manufacturing operations vital to Tobyhanna’s overall mission supporting the joint warfighter. Charles “CJ” Janiszewski works in SIS’s Machining Branch and is responsible for a variety of tasks, including machine program editing and set-ups. A graduate of Johnson College, he says Tobyhanna Army Depot was always his employer of choice. “As soon as I graduated college, I pursued a career here because I was interested in an important mission like supporting the warfighter. I also heard a lot about the modern facilities here, and they did not disappoint,” adding that he appreciated the opportunity for personal growth thanks to the depot’s vast number of career opportunities. Machining Branch Chief Keith Knecht lauded Janiszewski’s performance and contributions to Team Tobyhanna. “CJ’s positive attitude makes him a great team member. He goes out of his way to help others, regularly offers suggestions to make things better, and is always willing to learn new things. He’s a rare find.” After 14 years as a member of the depot workforce, Sheet Metal Mechanic Christopher Valenza still comes into work with a smile on his face. “It’s amazing to be able to take a simple sheet of metal and transform it into something useful. I appreciate that I get to create something new every day,” he said. A carpenter by trade, Valenza always had an interest in other types of hands-on work, but it wasn’t until he joined Team Tobyhanna that he began working with metal. According to Valenza, legacy employees get the credit for helping him transform his career. “When I started here, I was lucky to have great mentors that provided me with on-the-job training and helped me apply my existing carpentry skills to this similar type of work. All these years later, I’m still using their teachings.” Keith Knecht, currently dual-hatting and acting as chief of the Sheet Metal Fabrication Branch, noted the important role Valenza plays in the cost center. “Chris is our go-to guy in the forming area. He is a creative problem-solver, ensuring we can always address our challenges and meet our customer requirements. He is also excellent at communicating potential issues – an extremely important quality in such a dynamic environment.” Welder Matthew Nelson is one of the Branch’s top employees, according to Welding Branch chief Robert Knecht. “Matthew has a commendable work ethic and is dedicated to our mission. His knowledge and experience make him a true subject matter expert.” Nelson began welding in high school and parlayed his hobby into a profession after earning a degree at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. After several years of working in the private sector, he pursued a career at Tobyhanna. “I was looking for a stable place to continue practicing my trade and Tobyhanna fit the bill. I was also excited about the opportunity to travel the world in support of missions,” Nelson said. He also noted that his depot experience so far had been positive – especially because his co-workers have been so willing to share best practices and knowledge. Looking ahead in his career, he says he’d like to become a certified welding inspector to continue to support his unique trade. “The science of welding continues to impress and interest me.” Robert Knecht says the Welding Branch has more than one superstar. “Gerard Reichle goes above and beyond to produce the best quality product and, without hesitation, is always willing to step up to help – no matter how challenging the task. He is a great asset to our Branch, and the depot overall.” Reichle joined Team Tobyhanna in 2018 after his private sector company was bought out. He says the challenging experience led him to great things. “I can sum it up in four words: I love it here. Although it was disappointing to leave my last job, I love the culture at Tobyhanna.” Like Valenza, Reichle has a background in carpentry, but was drawn to welding after high school. “I appreciate that welding allows me to do something different every day – my work is rarely repetitious.” When the work day ends, Reichle continues to work with his hands, whether it’s a major woodworking project or another item on his “honey do” list. “I like to keep busy.” Those interested in future career opportunities with Team Tobyhanna can apply through USAJobs at www.usajobs.gov.
Tech Support Now More Accessible at Tobyhanna Army Depot The solution to common information technology (IT) solutions is now just a stroll away for employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot. The Customer Service Branch (CSB) recently opened its Walk-In IT Service Desk in Building 11. In the new facility, IT technicians will be available to address simple customer issues on the spot, loan IT equipment, and assist users in entering help tickets for situations that require more complex solutions. Matthew Raup, Chief of the CSB, says the addition of the walk-in area will benefit both the customer and CSB staff. “The launch of our new walk-in area is a direct response to feedback from our customers. We strive to be more accessible and responsive to their needs as well as good stewards of the resources required to support the depot’s overall mission,” adding that the new walk-in area expands user options for reporting IT issues. “There are multiple ways for users to reach out to us – allowing each customer to choose the method that is best for them. We encourage our customers to reach out by walking in to our physical location, calling the Service Desk, e-mailing our group mailbox or submitting a Service Ticket themselves using the online ticketing system.” IT staff are looking forward to the new process, according to Jessica Barto. “Our team is excited about the new walk-in area and the opportunity to be more available to help our customers with their technology needs.” Barto is an IT specialist in CSB. The effort is directly aligned with the depot’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028, which has four focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications. TOBY2028 aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years. The CSB Walk-In Service Desk can be found on the first floor of Building 11. It is open daily from 0700-1630, with the exception of a lunch period from 1200-1230 daily and from 1400-1500 on Wednesdays for the CSB weekly staff meeting. Users should note the location is closed on RDO Fridays. For more information, please call X56677. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,700 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
