Tobyhanna Showcases Agility with New Satellite Terminal Project

A unique and dynamic new mission is expanding Tobyhanna Army Depot’s portfolio of capabilities.

Personnel from the depot’s Production Engineering Directorate recently completed the inaugural Hardened Transportable Terminal – Modified, or HTT-M — the perfect example of how Tobyhanna Army Depot’s dynamic workforce and innovative approaches position the organization to deliver superior C5ISR readiness for the joint warfighter.

Depot personnel worked with the Missile Defense Agency and Department of Defense contractors to design and manufacture a modification of the existing Hardened Transportable Terminal. The term “hardened” refers to the terminal’s ability to endure interference produced by high-altitude electromagnetic pulse threats.

The HTT-M is the key communications support element to the deployed AN/TPY-2 radars. The HTT-M provides high-altitude electromagnetic pulse and survivable nuclear, biological, and chemical communications. The asset is a subset of the modernization of enterprise terminals — or MET — program, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar mission to upgrade nearly 90 communication terminals worldwide. The modernizations provide heightened stability and ten times more bandwidth for satellite communications used by Soldiers and DOD officials globally. While the HTT’s main purpose is to serve as a temporary bridge between METs, it can become a permanent fixture when a MET is not a viable option due to space constraints.

According to Jonathan Strzelec, chief of the Production Engineering Directorate’s SATCOM and Site Installation Division, the three-year design, development, and manufacturing project represents a major success for Team Tobyhanna.

“Tobyhanna Army Depot has taken on similar projects in the past, but this is the first of its kind for this specific variant. We built the entire thing from floor to ceiling in an effort that was like building a house — we even built the kitchen sink, for lack of a better term,” he said.

The prototype HTT-M includes several storage containers with environmental control units, a generator, and a hardened operations and maintenance van.

Engineering Lead Nicholas Paras outlined the herculean effort, noting that it included the talents of artisans from across the depot.

“This build required the fabrication of more than 1,800 piece parts as well as extensive welding, wiring, and painting by team members in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate,” he said. “[The Systems Integration and Support Directorate] also completed the integration of the shelters and worked closely with engineering personnel for installation tasks,” adding that engineers and engineering technicians conducted extensive testing once the HTT-M was fully assembled.

Mike Vivlemore said the workload allowed TYAD engineers to challenge themselves and reaffirm depot capabilities.

“This was an exercise in proving our capabilities. This project both challenged and improved our already lofty design capabilities,” said Vivlemore. Vivlemore serves as the chief of the Production Engineering Directorate’s Design, Development and Fabrication Division.

Strzelec lauded the effort and its benefits for both the customer and Team Tobyhanna.

“This project adds to the already impressive list of assets Tobyhanna has provided to our Nation’s warfighters,” he said.

The satellite communications enabled by the HTTM are a critical part of warfighter readiness, and the mission directly aligns with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, which has four focus areas: Investing 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.

The Honesdale National Bank Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund Supports Graduate

The Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund, administered by the Trust Department at The Honesdale National Bank and local Honesdale businessman Paul Meagher, continued its support of those pursuing higher education with the awarding of scholarships to 2023 graduates with a total distribution of $18,418.86.

These prominent Honesdale residents created the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Memorial Fund to support designated charitable organizations within Wayne County, as well as, to provide scholarships to deserving graduates of Wayne Highlands High School.  Ernest was the brother of the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Honesdale resident, Lyman Lemnitzer.

Chloe Rogers, the 2023 recipient of the “Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Nursing Scholarship” is scheduled to attend James Madison University to study nursing in the fall. She is a 2023 graduate of Wayne Highlands High School. The Women’s Auxiliary of the Wayne Memorial Hospital selects the nursing scholarship recipient and is based on scholastic achievement. This scholarship totals $18,418.86.

The Honesdale National Bank Trust Department has managed the investments of the Memorial Fund since its inception in 1991. Through prudent investment of the trust assets, grants in excess of $2.7 Million have been paid to qualifying recipients to date. A total of $432,070.80 has been distributed through the Ernest and Margaret Lemnitzer Scholarships alone. For more information about the HNB Financial Group, please call 570-253-3355 or visit the HNB Corporate Center in Honesdale. 

NEPA Gives Raises Over $1.2 Million in 24 Hours for 227 Nonprofits

On Thursday, June 1, into Friday, June 2, 2023—in just 24 hours—227 local nonprofit organizations across eight counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania worked together to collectively raise a total of $1,211,399 for the fourth annual NEPA Gives. This year, a record-breaking number of donors contributed to the total amount raised, with 6,211 donors taking part in NEPA Gives.

Promoted as the largest philanthropy event in Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Gives was hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors to raise awareness about the critical work nonprofit organizations carry out across the region and to help charitable organizations raise much-needed funds.

Adding to the excitement, to celebrate NEPA Gives, the Scranton Area Community Foundation also hosted a free, all-ages in-person event on Friday evening, June 2, at the Hilton Scranton Conference Center to coincide with First Friday Scranton. The ‘Give Gathering’ celebration included live entertainment including music by Black Tie Stereo, giveaways, real-time and live-streamed updates on NEPA Gives with Chris Strub, known nationally as ‘The Giving Day Guy’, and opportunities for the general public to meet many of the participating nonprofits. A NEPA Gives kickoff event was also hosted by the Luzerne Foundation, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Scranton Area Community Foundation on Thursday evening, June 1, at Rodano’s in Wilkes Barre. There was also a NEPA Gives event at the Settlers Inn in Hawley, sponsored by the Settlers Cares Foundation in partnership with Wayne County Community Foundation and Pike County Community Foundation.

Additionally, to celebrate the giving day, Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti made an official proclamation declaring June 1-2, 2023 as NEPA Gives Day.

“NEPA Gives is all about supporting the charities that are doing important work right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We had a record-breaking year with over 6,200 generous donors supporting NEPA Gives this year providing support for hundreds of local charitable organizations,” she added.

Over 6,211 donors generously supported NEPA Gives. NEPA Gives was also generously supported by numerous sponsors including Coterra, Hawk Family Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, Fidelity Bank, Neighborly, Lamar Advertising, Schwartz Mack Foundation, Women in Philanthropy, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, and many others.

“People that want to move here, come here, or stay here in Northeastern Pennsylvania want to know that this is a community that cares and the entire network of social service activity speaks to that and the generosity of this community,” said Bob Durkin, President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “It really all comes together beautifully in NEPA Gives.”

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes and matching incentives were awarded to participating nonprofits for notable achievements, all sponsored by generous businesses, foundations, and donors across the region.

This was the fourth year for NEPA Gives. To date, NEPA Gives has raised over $4.1 million for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania since it began in 2020. NEPA Gives 2024 is planned for Friday, June 7, 2024.

To learn more about #NEPAGives, visit nepagives.org or contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.

Northeast PA Area Health Education Center to Host Career Exploration Event

The 2nd Annual Healthcare Career & College Exploration Event, organized by Northeast PA Area Health Education Center, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for exhibitors and sponsors. The event will take place on Thursday, October 12th, from 10-2 pm at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City.

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, which drew participation from over 200 high school students representing more than 6 counties, this year’s edition is set to exceed expectations. Based on the valuable feedback received from participants, the event organizers have implemented several modifications, including an adjusted schedule that will conclude the event at 2 pm, providing a focused and impactful experience for all attendees.

In collaboration with the Northern Tier Industry & Education Consortium (NTIEC) and the Wayne/Pike Workforce Alliance, Northeast PA Area Health Education Center is proud to host this event, uniting esteemed industry professionals, colleges, universities, and organizations committed to healthcare education and career development. Through this partnership, the event aims to provide an unparalleled platform for students to explore diverse healthcare pathways.

Urban Co-Works Progresses in Construction of Scranton Site

Urban Co-works hopes you are doing well and thriving in your work endeavors. Urban Co-works is thrilled to share some exciting updates about their new Scranton, PA location!

Walls are being built! Their 19,000 + square foot space has been completely cleared out. The floors, the walls and drop ceilings are all gone!  Check out their new, huge space. In a few weeks, Urban Co-works location will look like this.

Urban Co-Works is the premier office environment for entrepreneurs, startups, non-profits, consultants and business professionals. Located in the heart of downtown Schenectady, NY, we are steps away from some of the best cafe’s, restaurants and entertainment in the Capital Region. We are excited to announce our newest location in Scranton PA, opening later this year.

At Urban Co-Works, members make valuable connections and stretch their dollars in an all-inclusive office setting. Our flexible options include free WiFi, utilities, conference rooms, printing and a host of other amenities. Spacious workspaces and private offices are available.

Johnson College Now Enrolling Students in Driver Training Course

Johnson College in partnership with Ancora Education is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on August 21, 2023, at the College’s new satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township.

To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/hazleton-cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu

Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022.

Keystone Mission Introduces New CEO

Keystone Mission introduces Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre as their new CEO & Executive Director. Her vision is to continue the journey together with the NEPA community for Keystone Mission to be a beacon of hope for the homeless and marginalized in Northeast PA.

Keith-Alexandre has a background of 20+ years working with individuals experiencing HIV+/AIDS, substance abuse, homelessness, and other marginalized communities through non-profit programming and contract management.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Human and Social Services from Walden University. 

Tobyhanna to Host Industry Day

Tobyhanna Army Depot will host an in-person Industry Day event on Thursday, August 24 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will include briefings on depot partnership and contracting opportunities as well as tours of Tobyhanna’s industrial operations.

Industry representatives, prospective vendors, and businesses with a focus on service and supply related industries are invited to attend and may register here

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 3,200 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, 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 Counselor Center Receives Donations

Scranton Counseling Center recently received a $10,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to support the Center’s ongoing employee training and professional development. From left: Pete Danchak, Regional President, PNC Bank; Angela Ferri, Assistant Vice President, PNC Bank; Dr. Sarah Wodder, President and CEO, Scranton Counseling Center; Douglas Hein, Director of Development, Scranton Counseling Center; and Kevin Rogers, Senior Vice President, PNC Bank.

Furthermore, The Moses Taylor Foundation has awarded Scranton Counseling Center a grant in the amount of $132,300 to help purchase seven Subaru Legacy sedans to be used by staff in the Center’s Blended Case Management Program. From left: Lisa Savero-Mooney, Moses Taylor Foundation Program Officer; Danielle Breslin, Moses Taylor Foundation President and CEO; Dr. Sarah Wodder, Scranton Counseling Center President and CEO; Douglas Hein, Scranton Counseling Center Director of Development; and Nick Deneen, Scranton Counseling Center Director of Case Management.

Tobyhanna Retains Industry-Standard Certification After Audit

Members of Team Tobyhanna pride themselves on providing only the highest quality equipment to our nation’s warfighters.

Confident in the products it provides, and in order to ensure that those lofty standards are being upheld, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recently underwent a lengthy external audit of its quality management system (QMS).

Representatives from National Quality Assurance (NQA) U.S.A., Inc., an accredited international organization for standardization certification body, conducted the audit, which verified Tobyhanna’s conformance to the Aerospace 9100/9110 Standard (AS). AS 9100 requires a more rigorous QMS to support TYAD’s aerospace and defense workloads. Only 21,000 companies have been certified to the AS 9100 standard and a mere 880 hold the more complex AS 9110 credentials.

The assessment consisted of more than 100 on-site auditor hours, and more than 40 hours in preparation with auditors remotely. The audit team was comprised of individuals from across the nation – some who had visited TYAD several times before while others received their first look at Tobyhanna’s facilities, equipment and capabilities.

These varied levels of familiarity with the depot meant TYAD officials could trust in the process and show growth but also get a novel perspective from fresh eyes.

Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist Bill Stevens said TYAD’s long relationship with the team inspires confidence.

“The depot is looking for an honest assessment, and the long relationship with the audit team creates trust and brings confidence in decision-making. We know they will be fair; however, because they have experience with our QMS, we know they will be tough critics,” said Stevens.

Stevens added that bringing back familiar faces also allows TYAD to showcase the areas in which they’ve made meaningful strides, saying “Familiarity provides an opportunity to see growth. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.”

Prior to conducting the audit, members of the audit team said one area of interest was TYAD’s transition from AS9100 Rev C to AS9100 Rev D, which focused quality functions on the process level, according to audit team member Keith Beaulieu. Other areas of interest were calibration, growth and TYAD’s overall progress from its initial certification.

Audit team member Don Ashford stressed that the team comes into each audit with an open mind, saying the team is “not looking for non-conformances, but instead for conformances.”

Members of TYAD’s QA Division guided auditors through several work areas across the depot, including painting and refinishing, fabrication and assembly, machining, cable manufacturing, electronics and more.

The audit team lauded the QA personnel for ensuring an efficient, yet thorough audit.

John Kasaczun is currently on a developmental assignment in the QA Division, so being a part of the external audit process helped him to become a more well-rounded employee.

“I’ve been on several internal audits and have been on the opposite side of external audits as well; it was nice to see an external audit from this vantage and how they tie together. It is nice to see that TYAD is continuing to produce products of excellent quality,” said Kasaczun.

At the conclusion of the audit, the team presented overwhelmingly positive results. They praised organizational growth, the incorporation of innovative technology to improve quality, the commitment to organizational philosophy and the hard work of Team Tobyhanna.

Audit team member Keith Beaulieu said TYAD has taken its lofty standards to new heights since his last visit.

“The cleanliness of the depot is immensely improved. I enjoyed the metrics Tobyhanna uses for each cost center and how they work to them. Division chiefs had action plans on how to meet metrics and how to correct in the event metrics weren’t met. The people really understand the importance of what they do – supporting the warfighter,” said Beaulieu.

O’Hara said each shop’s commitment to organizational standards and training ensures quality will continue to improve into the future.

“Each shop uses the same process – they’re well-organized, well-kept and are taking care of the customer’s product. Everything is improved (since my last visit); it’s a testament to process and training,” said O’Hara.

TYAD QA personnel were equally impressed with the honest, constructive and meticulous work of the auditors.

Wayne Daniels said it was particularly gratifying to have the auditors witness growth firsthand.

“The audit team was very professional and precise. Being that they did initially certify us, it was awesome to have them come back to see growth from inception to now,” said Daniels.

The audit team cited minor nonconformances to AS, none of which were repeat nonconformances – a huge success, according to Stevens. Most of the nonconformances focused on recordkeeping and process discipline, two cultural items that are easy to address, he said.

Members of the audit team will return to TYAD in late April to validate the effectiveness of the corrective actions related to the nonconformances and offer further collaboration to foster growth for Team Tobyhanna.

O’Hara thanked TYAD on behalf of NQA and said the organization strives to be value added to TYAD.

Stevens said most importantly, the results of this audit will better position TYAD to support its mission.

“I appreciate the attentiveness and honesty of the audit team. (TYAD) will use this audit experience and its results to improve quality and ensure only the best products are being provided to our nation’s warfighters.”

QA Division Chief Vincent Nguyen praised the depot workforce for their efforts in making the audit a success.

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution. Achieving the AS9100/9110 recertification required total commitment from the entire TYAD team. For that reason, I would like to thank the entire TYAD workforce for their continued dedication to our QMS and willingness to deliver quality products to the warfighter,” he said.

Stevens, Daniels and other QA personnel maintain a year-round program to surveil TYAD’s QMS and ensure TYAD is always working within the AS standard.

Maintaining the AS certification and a healthy QMS across the enterprise is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The plan has four strategic focus areas: Invest in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications and aims to posture the organization for future success.

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, postproduction software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.

About 3,200 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.