Tobyhanna Army Depot Welcomes New Leadership Tobyhanna Army Depot welcomed new leadership recently. See photos below for details. James L. Crocker (left) receives the Tobyhanna Army Depot flag from Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II (right), signifying his assumption of command of Tobyhanna Army Depot. Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Riggs (left) receives the Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) flag from Col. James L. Crocker (right), signifying his assumption of responsibility as Tobyhanna Army Depot Sgt. Maj. In the background, outgoing Depot Commander Col. Daniel L. Horn observes the military ceremony. A Civilian Honor Guard, Color Guard, Troop Formation, invited guests and the depot workforce look on during the Change of Command ceremony
Tobyhanna Employees Lauded for Selflessness and Attention to Detail Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recognized two stellar employees this week, honoring them as the newest Employees of the Quarter (EoQs). Ariana Katchur of the Resource Management Directorate was named EoQ for the Junior category, while Janet Warnick of the Installation Services Directorate was named EoQ for the Senior category for the second quarter of 2023. Warnick serves as a Lead Chemist in the Installation Services Directorate’s Environmental Branch, where she is responsible for coordinating, tracking and approving all hazardous materials used at the depot. She also plays a key role in liaising with other organizations both on and off-post to meet regulatory reporting requirements about Tobyhanna’s environmental efforts. Paula Mesaris, Chief of the Environmental Branch, championed Warnick for the honor. In her nomination package, Mesaris noted that Warnick consistently goes above and beyond. “Jan is always willing to step up and help others. She conducts research outside her normal job tasks to provide thorough responses to our customers and is always available to answer questions.” Mesaris outlined a host of accomplishments in the nomination package; most notable was Warnick’s support of a project that enabled Tobyhanna to recycle solvent materials, reducing hazardous waste as well as labor and costs. The project enabled personnel in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate to recoup nearly 80% of solvent for future reuse. The accolade was a complete surprise, according to Warnick. “I was absolutely shocked and honored to be named as Tobyhanna EoQ,” she said. “I have always enjoyed seeing others receive this award, and it is truly special to be recognized myself.” Much of Warnick’s career has been spent in the environmental sector – a byproduct of her upbringing. “I was always outside as a kid, and that fostered a love for the environment that has stayed with me. I always wanted to do meaningful work, and I love being able to preserve our beautiful Earth for generations to come,” she said. Warnick previously worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, where she often crossed paths with depot personnel. Those experiences, and a lifelong passion for the military, led her to seek out employment with the depot. “When the opportunity to come work at the depot arose, I jumped at it. My previous experiences with Tobyhanna were extremely positive, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to help make our nation strong and free,” she said, adding that she knows she made the right choice. “My work is very fulfilling, but I couldn’t do it without the great team that I work with. Their support and contributions are vital to us achieving our mission!” Warnick also regularly volunteers her talents for community engagements, wowing crowds with her stunning renditions of “God Bless America” and the National Anthem at Warfighter of the Quarter events across the region. Community Relations Specialist Katie Nolan commended Warnick on her enduring commitment to Tobyhanna, on and off-post. “Jan’s incredible talent for singing has elevated every community event she has supported with Team Tobyhanna – her professionalism and enthusiasm are a testament to the Army’s assertion that our people are our greatest asset,” she said. Katchur is an Accountant for TYAD’S Financial Analysis Division in the Directorate of Resource Management. Working as a TYAD accountant requires a meticulous attention to detail, a commitment to best practices and a steadfast dedication to the mission of the organization. In nominating Katchur for this honor, Chief of the Financial Analysis Division Andrea Vozzi said Katchur, combines the aforementioned qualities with an inquisitive and determined work ethic to excel as an accountant. “Ariana always acts with fiduciary responsibility at the forefront. Despite being the newest member of the accounting team, she is not afraid to ask questions to expand her knowledge and understanding. Additionally, she is not afraid to bring her concerns to the surface, prompting conversations which improve TYAD processes,” said Vozzi. One instance of Katchur’s attention to detail was her investigation of unmatched Transportation Account Codes (TACs). Vozzi said Katchur successfully resolved 20 rejected freight shipping invoices totaling $200K which had been in suspense. In addition, Katchur is currently developing a local regulation regarding TACs to provide clear guidance. Vozzi said this instance is a microcosm of Katchur’s work ethic and altruistic approach to her work. “Ariana is a model of selfless service within the organization. She continually performs extensive research and asks detailed questions to ensure that TYAD processes are audit-worthy and improve efficiency without ever thinking about whether she will be recognized for her efforts. The driving force behind her actions is always upholding her fiduciary responsibility to TYAD and all stakeholders, from customers to warfighters to taxpayers,” said Vozzi. Katchur was humbled to be recognized in this way, saying the recognition reinforces the idea that her work is recognized by her fellow members of Team Tobyhanna. “I am truly honored and humbled to be named Employee of the Quarter. It came as a complete surprise when my name was announced. Like most, I come into work and try my absolute best every day, not thinking anything of it. Being named Employee of the Quarter is an honor and shows that people throughout the depot and at all levels see and appreciate the work I do each and every day,” said Katchur. Katchur enjoys her role because her work enables TYAD to best support our warfighters. “Through monitoring our financials every day, I can catch discrepancies and work with other directorates to get them fixed so that the decision makers have an accurate picture of how TYAD is functioning overall. This is essential, as it affects every part of keeping TYAD in business so we can accomplish our most important mission of supporting the warfighter,” she said. While recognition is nice, Katchur said the best part of working at TYAD is the ability to help her fellow team members and come together to accomplish tasks. “A major part of my job involves working with other directorates and areas to solve issues or brainstorm the best way to approach a situation. I truly enjoy when my expertise in certain areas can help make another person’s job that much easier and I’m happy to help anytime I can!” Recognition of outstanding employee performance across the enterprise through the Employee of the Quarter program directly aligns with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, and specifically the Invest in Our People line of effort. All four focus areas of the plan are: 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 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 3,100 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.
Army veteran and acclaimed poet visits Tobyhanna Acclaimed spoken word poet Edward “Obbie West” Wilson visited Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) on Wednesday, May 3, to speak about the importance of sexual assault awareness and prevention at TYAD’s “Not Just April” event. Army veteran and former warrant officer Wilson, or Obbie West as he is known on stage, served as the keynote speaker at the event. West was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. He was a witness to regular violence on the LA streets and grew up in an abusive household. Wilson enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and his military career spanned 21 years, including a deployment to Iraq. Before retiring in 2019, Wilson called four states and three countries home. Serving our Nation afforded Wilson the opportunity for, in his words, “vast growth.” He attributed this growth to the different people, beliefs, cultures, countries and more he was exposed to during his time in the military. One particular instance of growth came when West was introduced to a craft that would afford him the opportunity to share his story with the world. In 2011, Wilson was introduced to poetry in Killeen, TX, through the Killeen Poetry Slam. Wilson found “his lung” in poetry – a passion that has seen him speak all over the world. Poetry gave Wilson a newfound outlet through which he could share his message. In 2017, Wilson decided to focus his poetry on a cause for which he is a major advocate – sexual assault awareness and prevention. Members of Team Tobyhanna may have seen Wilson’s work in this U.S. Army Sexual Harassment /Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) video. Employee Services Center (ESC) Chief Ricardo Horn said following a successful training centered around West’s SHARP video, members of ESC were keen to bring West to TYAD. “Feedback from the training was so positive, this was something we were really excited to make happen.” Each April, TYAD observes Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) to reaffirm the commitment toward maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, in which all members of Team Tobyhanna can thrive. The centerpiece of this year’s SAAPM observance was “Not Just April.” The event occurring outside of April was an intentional choice meant to serve as a reminder that sexual assault awareness and prevention is a cause that is to be championed all 12 months of the year. In introducing West at the event, TYAD Chief of Staff Kristyn Smith reiterated Tobyhanna’s commitment to making this topic a yearlong discussion. “Today’s presentation drives home the point that even though April has passed, SHARP is a topic that needs to be discussed all year long – not just April,” said Smith. During the almost hour and a half presentation, West covered several topics including his own backstory and experiences with abuse, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, bystander intervention and leadership. West detailed how we cannot control our emotions, but we can control the way we react to them, adding we must first recognize our internal emotions before we can recognize our external emotions. He noted that assault can happen to both genders and that the reaction should be the same. West emphasized empathetic styles of leadership that seek to understand and empower survivors of sexual harassment or assault, saying “the absence of understanding breeds callousness.” He also spoke at length about bystander intervention. According to West, intervention is a process that cannot simply be boiled down to an order, but instead requires education and empowerment to prevent the “armed robbery of someone’s rights.” For the many people in attendance, different aspects of the dynamic presentation resonated with them. Representatives from the United States Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) SHARP Fusion Directorate visited TYAD for the presentation and were thrilled with it. “The presentation was awesome. It was great to hear how he incorporated personal experiences into bystander intervention and continuum of harm. It tied back into the 2023 SAAPM theme of ‘Intervene, we are a team: There is an US in trust. Can they trust in you?’,” said members of the directorate. The presentation was received very well by several members of the audience, including Mike Sherin, Chief, Air Defense and Counter Fire Engineering Branch, Production Engineering Directorate and Paul Borosky, Director, Systems Integration and Support. Sherin said, “I loved the presentation; it was very informative and will stick with me.” Borosky said, “It was extremely moving to hear Obbie share his personal experiences. His poetic performance helped deliver the message in a more impactful way.” Ricardo Horn, who was instrumental in getting West to TYAD, lauded West’s presentation and said it was the perfect way to put a bow on TYAD’s 2023 SAAPM events. “Mr. West’s art compels us to reflect on our commitment to preventing sexual harassment and assault. His message is inspiring and challenges the audience to acknowledge personal biases that may interfere with bystander intervention. It is a privilege to have him wrap up Tobyhanna’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month with such a poignant experience, knowing his words will have a lasting influence in our community’s prevention efforts.” After the presentation, Depot Commander Colonel Daniel L. Horn and Deputy Commander Rob Lantka presented West with a plaque as a token of gratitude for his presentation. In presenting the award, Lantka read a portion of the inscription on the plaque, thanking West “for his unfiltered, thought-provoking presentation and commitment to the SHARP program.” Col. Horn echoed the positive sentiments of many members of Team Tobyhanna and called on everyone to combat sexual violence. “The presentation was astounding. We all must do more to combat sexual harassment and assault in the workplace and in the world.” The Obbie West 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 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 3,100 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.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrates Arrival of Navy Transporter Personnel at Tobyhanna Army Depot marked the expansion of the AN/APX-123 common transponder workload with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 2. An airborne identification friend or foe (IFF) system, the APX-123 is used in several branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. IFF systems are commonly used for command and control operations, utilizing a transponder to positively identify friendly aircraft. Thousands of aircraft fly with the APX-123. While Tobyhanna has had a robust APX-123 program for the U.S. Army, the ribbon-cutting denotes the beginning of depot support for the U.S. Navy’s version of the asset. Depot Commander Col. Daniel L. Horn presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by depot senior leadership, personnel from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Supply Systems Weapons Systems Support – Philadelphia, representatives from BAE Systems, and members of the depot workforce who support the project. In his remarks at the event, Horn praised Tobyhanna’s cooperative efforts across the joint services. “Today is a great opportunity to celebrate another collaboration with the U.S. Navy. Team Tobyhanna is proud of its enduring support to America’s warfighters,” he said. Electronics Mechanic Supervisor Frederick Granoski leads the C4ISR Directorate’s Transponders Branch; his team will execute both a repair and test/inspect programs for the APX-123. Granoski said he is excited about the possibilities ahead. “The APX-123 represents a significant growth for our mission, allowing us to support more of this critical asset.” Jason Kilmer agreed. “Not only is our workload increasing, we are also increasing our capabilities by conducting more comprehensive testing on this important equipment,” he noted. Kilmer is an electronics mechanic leader in the Transponders Branch. Representatives from the Navy are also very excited about the new collaboration, said Capt. David Neall. “My team and I are thrilled; we’ve been working on this project for several years and it is great to reach the finish line.” Neall serves as the Deputy Program Manager for Combat Identification Systems. Tobyhanna is slated to repair several hundred assets for the U.S. Navy APX-123 program through at least 2030. The acquisition of new workload such as the APX-123 is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The plan, which focuses on posturing the depot to be competitive in the future, has lines of effort dedicated to expanding Tobyhanna’s portfolio through securing new workload and connecting with the community. The APX-123 represents growth for the depot’s expansive support of Naval weapons systems. 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 3,100 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.
Tobyhanna Honors Leader with Supervisor of the Quarter Award Tobyhanna Army Depot’s newest Supervisor of the Quarter was named last week at the organization’s quarterly leadership meeting. Edward Bentler received the accolade for his leadership of the Installation Services Directorate’s Roads & Grounds Branch during the first quarter of 2023. The branch has a vast mission, shouldering responsibility for snow removal, wastewater treatment, potable water, masonry, roofing, locksmithery, grass cutting, maintenance of cargo door equipment, and emergency repairs to critical underground utilities such as water mains and sewer lines. Supervisors of the Quarter are selected by a panel of judges based upon four criteria: accomplishment of their duties; how effectively they set an example to others; efforts to improve the depot productivity; and how they display selfless service in accordance with Army values. Bentler was nominated for the award by William Ramey, Director of Installation Services. “Ed leads from the front, takes on the most challenging tasks, and does so with the utmost level of professionalism,” Ramey said. “Without Ed’s leadership, the most basic utilities on our installation would not work as efficiently as they do. He is a servant leader that puts the needs of his team and the installation before his own.” The formal recognition and associated praise came as a total shock, according to Bentler. “Being named as Supervisor of the Quarter was totally unexpected – I didn’t even know I was in the running! I am grateful and humbled to even be considered for this honor,” adding that he wishes the award could be shared. “Any success I have had is because of my team,” he said. “We are a small team and everything we achieve, we achieve together.” A native of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Bentler is no stranger to servant leadership. He served in the U.S. Air Force for six years on active duty. Bentler then remained in the Air Force Reserve for another fourteen years, deploying to Southwest Asia for the third time in 2009 – an assignment that saw Bentler missing the birth of his second child. Since joining Team Tobyhanna, Bentler has worked as a maintenance worker, locksmith, and mason in the Roads & Grounds Branch as well as an engineering technician elsewhere in Installation Services. He sought out the leadership role in his former branch to make a difference for his teammates. “When I decided to pursue this position, I did it because I wanted to grow the team and heighten visibility of their impact on Tobyhanna’s mission. Having worked there myself, I knew how important it was to help them understand that they are worth more than they think,” he noted. Describing himself as a “people-first leader,” Bentler emphasized the need for supervisors to act as part of the team. “Work alongside your team – not ‘over’ them. Train them to be empowered, share as much information with them as you can, and, most important, be accountable. Acknowledge your mistakes so they feel comfortable doing the same.” While he has appreciated the opportunity for recognition, Bentler said it pales in comparison to seeing his team succeed. “There’s nothing better than seeing the team celebrate when they complete a task they didn’t think they could do. I am proud to be their leader.” 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 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 3,100 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.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Orientation Event Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) hosted local and Pennsylvania state elected officials for an Elected Officials Day orientation event. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the 1,336 acres of mission area that make up TYAD’s world class facilities – employing about 3,100 of their constituents. The purpose of the visit was to allow local leaders the opportunity to see everything TYAD does in support of our Nation’s warfighters so that they may advocate in favor of the depot – and national defense funding – in the future. While brief, the event provided elected officials with a comprehensive overview of the depot as well as a tour of the organization’s modernized facilities. Tour highlights included the depot’s Engineering Analysis and Solutions lab – home to the burgeoning microelectronics mission – and the 25,000 square foot Wideband Integration Center – a critical satellite support mission that brought nearly 50 new technology jobs to the region. Officials also learned about the depot’s growing cybersecurity mission and the opportunities it provides for job seekers. Depot Commander Colonel Daniel L. Horn noted that events like Elected Officials Day are essential to both building and maintaining strong relationships with the community surrounding TYAD. “I want to thank every individual who was able to attend and make today’s event such a success,” said Horn. “Ensuring strong relations with our local and state elected officials allows TYAD to remain top-of-mind when it comes to gaining work in areas where we can be of support.” Depot Chief of Staff Kristyn Smith echoed Colonel. Horn’s sentiment, say she believes hosting events such as Elected Officials Day directly aligns with the Connecting with the Community sub-effort of Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. “We believe it is important for Pennsylvania local and state elected officials to come to TYAD so that they have the opportunity to see not only the multi-billion dollar annual economic impact the depot has on the region, but also how we are striving to provide meaningful employment to members of their community,” said Smith. “We are grateful for their continued support of Tobyhanna Army Depot.” Among the attendees were representatives from the Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Alliance, who have a longstanding relationship with TYAD. Their President and CEO Jeffrey Box emphasized the organization’s commitment to working with TYAD for years to come. “We want to make sure this fine installation remains effective with the economic impact and number of jobs it brings to northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Box. “We are proud to continue having an enduring relationship with TYAD.” Monroe County Commissioner Sharon Laverdure said she was impressed by TYAD’s worldclass facilities and was grateful for the opportunity to see the work the depot does to support the warfighter on a daily basis. “The tour around the depot was amazing,” said Laverdure. “To see the work [Tobyhanna Army Depot] does for security and safety across the United States was incredible and it is right here in Monroe County. It is important that people understand the value of what is done here.” Elected Officials Day and other community visits align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Strategic Communications line of effort which features a Connecting with the Community sub-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. 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 3,100 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.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Collaborating with U.S. Army Information Systems Employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot are leading the charge to connect warfighters in the field with their leadership back at home. The depot is now collaborating with the U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command to lead the Mission Command Facility (MCF) workload across the Department of Defense. The MCF effort is an offshoot of the Home Station Mission Command Center effort, which established and modernized joint operations mission centers around the world. Similar to a situation room, the facilities are outfitted with high-end teleconferencing equipment such as projectors, video monitors, microphones, and speakers for real-time communication, visibility and decision-making. Taking over the mission represents a classic opportunity to meet a customer need and own a niche market, according to Robert Hagenbaugh. “Although the formal HSMCC program concluded, units across the world were eager to get their own command centers to increase communication,” he said. “Tobyhanna quickly stood up our own program to fill a gap in the market, and we have a heavy demand for these state-of-the-art installations.” Hagenbaugh is an engineering technician in the Production Engineering Directorate. Tobyhanna’s initial support for HSMCCs provided electricians and equipment installers. The quality product provided by those teams led to an expanded scope of work, which included custom cabinetry, wood fabrication, networking support, wireless installation, and full-spectrum engineering support – all of which has endured through the new MCF program. Hagenbaugh noted positive word of mouth was a big driver in the workload’s expansion. “Our customers love us. I’m proud to say we have never left a job with an unhappy customer. That level of work speaks for itself – and every happy customer leads to another opportunity for this workload.” A MCF mission begins with a site survey, where engineering personnel develop exact customer needs. Personnel then develop the installation proposal, acquire equipment once the proposal is approved and assemble the installation team. To accomplish this broad scope of work, the MCF program requires support from a cross-functional group of employees across the depot. Mission teams include employees from a variety of Tobyhanna organizations, to include C4ISR, Production Engineering and Systems Integration and Support. The teams also have support back on-post at Tobyhanna from Production Management and other mission support organizations. MCF installations are part of a bigger push across the services to modernize facilities and increase communication stability. “The Army now operates in a multi-domain battlefield. The MCF updates/ installations gives joint Commanders the latest technologies to monitor and execute missions real-time, every single day,” said Hagenbaugh. Because of the high demand for the MCFs and the complex nature of the mission, volunteers are always needed, said Engineering Technician Patrick Mullen. “We are always looking for members of Team Tobyhanna willing to travel the world in support of this dynamic workload – specifically those with audio-visual, telecommunications, or information technology backgrounds. Desirable certifications and/or trainings include those from Avixa, BICSI, and Crestron. We welcome all qualified members of Team Tobyhanna who want to be a part of the MCF mission team!” Ronald Kolment, Chief of the SATCOM Integration and Testing Engineering Branch, lauded the entire team that supported the MCF workload. “This is a great team, and I’m very proud of the work that they do.” Upcoming MCF missions will take place in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Japan, Korea, and Texas. Current depot employees interested in volunteering for an MCF mission should contact the MCF Coordinator at (570) 615-8087. MCFs 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. 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 3,100 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.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Takes on Mission When it comes to making a world class business operate efficiently, good teamwork is essential. Never has this been truer than when talking about one of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s newest workloads — installation kits for the Stryker Brigade Combat Team, or SBCT. The SBCT is a mechanized infantry force structured around the Stryker, a family of eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicles equipped with both four and all-wheel drive. SBCTs serve as a stopgap measure between the U.S. Army’s light mobile infantry units and heavier armored units. Tobyhanna’s support of the SBCT installation kits is the epitome of a cross-functional effort. The work spans multiple different teams across the depot to ensure its completion. Hands-on work is expertly handled by artisans in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate, who fabricate cables and bracketry. Logistics support for the kitting effort and project management skills are provided by the Production Management Directorate, while engineering support comes from the Production Engineering Directorate. A short turnaround window makes the diverse mission even more complex. While the dynamic mission was certainly a challenge, Team Tobyhanna was ready, willing, and able to take it on. Before even beginning to work on certain components to Stryker, depot artisans were required to obtain numerous unique certifications. There were also challenges working with new metals and crafting cables compatible with the Stryker system. Depending on the vehicle type and the role it is serving, there are up to 18 different Stryker installation kits that can be configured. Despite these many hurdles, the team behind the project has managed to reduce turnaround time by approximately 50%. Electronics Technician Blake Small is one piece of this large puzzle. He said that even though the team knew it was a challenge, he was confident in their ability to complete whatever was thrown at them. “The workload presented to us at Tobyhanna to support the Second Cavalry Regiment Stryker integration effort was no easy task. Thankfully, we have a diverse and knowledgeable workforce willing to accept the challenge and execute beyond our customer’s expectations,” said Small. “The SBCT was tremendously impressed with the quality and workmanship of the products Tobyhanna delivered. They even commented on the preservation of product and how components were packaged to mitigate damage through shipping.” Small works in the Production Engineering Directorate’s Communications Engineering Branch. Small added that the quality of Team Tobyhanna’s effort plays a big part in the successful completion of the work. “This was truly a great team effort. Starting with leadership addressing concerns and adjusting focus where needed which, in turn, conveyed down to the skilled laborers taking each task head on,” said Small. “It goes to show, Team Tobyhanna can achieve great tasks when challenged.” Jesse Tutino, chief of the Systems Integration and Support Directorate’s Preproduction & Development Branch agreed. “We all collaborated and cooperated to overcome a monumental challenge to deliver quality cables for the SBCT kits on time. We pooled our resources to work through some difficult situations, showing our resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity. I am proud to be a part of this team.” Support for the SBCT installation kits is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 — specifically the C5ISR Readiness line of effort. Additional focus areas for the plan include investing in our people, shaping 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 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 3,100 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.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Shines Spotlight on Employee Hobbies For anyone who steps foot inside Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD’s) gates, or is familiar with the work done here, it is easy to see that Team Tobyhanna’s passion for supporting our Nation’s warfighters is the driving force of the depot. What may not be as apparent is the vast array of hobbies our workforce is passionate about in their free time. These various interests further bolster the ideal of a workforce diverse in talents, skills, and passions. In observance of National Hobby Month, get to know members of Team Tobyhanna who have interesting hobbies. Supply Technician Johnathan Ives and his fellow team members meticulously ensure the proper functioning and application of tactical radio to keep our Nation’s warfighters safe. In his free time, Ives enjoys a hobby which also requires meticulous attention to detail – miniature painting. He describes miniature painting, along with blacksmithing, as a pandemic passion. “The miniature painting I’ve always been really curious about. I didn’t really start getting into it until about roughly around the pandemic… when you (had) more time at home,” said Ives. The figures and game board pictured can be used to play battle games like Marvel Crisis Protocol, but Ives said he is more into the painting/assembling side of the hobby rather than the gameplay. The figures all come attached to a plastic sprue. Ives then assembles the figures and paints them to parade standard, meaning he doesn’t stop at just putting a few colors on the figures, but instead also adds highlighting, weathering, and layering to the pieces he paints. “The weathering – special effects, if you will – are the most fun on the model because I feel like it brings the model to life and tells a story,” said Ives. “I like to try to tell a story of what the characters do or where they’re at.” In addition to all the figures he’s painted, Ives is particularly proud of his game board. Several players just roll out a mat to play, but Ives created his game board, which allowed him to put his own creative spin on it by adding things like Stephen King references. Ives said the work/life balance at TYAD allows him to pursue his passion and makes him better served to support TYAD’s mission. “I feel like a lot of your creativity, what you do outside of work, can really reflect on what you do here at work. I feel like I come into work every day, and I have a purpose to help the warfighter – someone who is helping us at the same time.” Management Assistant Casey Stevens’ hobby is a family affair. The entire Stevens clan – including Stevens, her twin sons, husband, siblings, parents (including father, Bill, a depot retiree), cousins, and nieces – enjoys traveling together to Walt Disney World (WDW) in Florida. The family’s first trip took place when Stevens and her two siblings were children, after many years of enjoying all things Disney right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “We took many trips to Montage Video to rent films like The Parent Trap and Pollyanna, so getting to finally visit this magical place felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Stevens explained, adding that the vacation was “classic Griswold, complete with an excruciatingly long road trip.” The family made a return trip to WDW when Stevens’ niece and nephew were born, taking in all that a Disney holiday event had to offer. After that, the entire family was hooked – especially Casey. “I was taken by the feeling you have when you walk onto the property. It’s just a sense of happiness, especially in the Magic Kingdom. I’ve been to Disney five times in the past ten years, and I even honeymooned there!” According to Stevens, the Disney brand has permeated other parts of her life as well. “We have an all-Disney Christmas tree that goes up in our basement, the kids’ birthdays are Disney-themed, we love going to Disney on Ice, and each year, my twins dress up as Disney characters for Halloween,” noting that she often makes their costumes herself – such as last year’s homemade Rocket and Groot costumes depicting characters from Guardians of the Galaxy. The family also has a weekly movie night where they enjoy Disney films together. Stevens says the collective hobby is all about family bonding across generations. “Our trips are a great opportunity for us all to spend time together. I am so thankful my children can make these memories with my parents and their cousins – and I get to as well!” Christopher D’Amico from the Production Engineering Directorate has a unique hobby inspired by his occupation: the cybersecurity specialist collects Tobyhanna Army Depot memorabilia. He says the hobby was inspired by a lifelong interest in local history. “I grew up in Gouldsboro and drove by the depot along Tobyhanna Road frequently. I always wondered what went on behind the gates, and, when I joined Team Tobyhanna in 2010, I became even more interested how our organization and mission has evolved over 100-plus years.” Since then, D’Amico has amassed an impressive collection of depot relics, dating back to the earliest days of the Army’s presence in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The assortment includes hundreds of photos depicting construction of the buildings now part of Tobyhanna Army Depot; handwritten estimates for excavation of depot property; dozens of challenge coins; pins; postcards; patches; and a swath of newspaper clippings spanning decades. The collection has become popular across the depot and continues to grow, according to D’Amico. “I source a lot of items from eBay. You would be surprised how many Tobyhanna related items are out there,” he said. “Generous co-workers have also donated items since they know I enjoy them,” adding that he’s still searching for a special something to round out the collection. “Because I also collect Zippo lighters, my holy grail item would be a Tobyhanna-branded Zippo – merging the two things I enjoy collecting.” Perhaps the most treasured item among D’Amico’s collection is a newspaper clipping outlining how a crane operator crushed a car during the early days of depot construction, only to find out later it was the crane operator’s own car. “I just appreciate the humor in it,” he said. TYAD’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035, strives to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider. The plan has four focus areas: C5ISR Readiness, Invest In Our People, Shape the Future, and Strategic Communications. 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 3,100 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.
