TOBYHANNA Permit No. 30Standard

U.S. Postage PaidTobyhanna, PA 18466

VOL. 52, NO. 24 TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, TOBYHANNA, PA. (WWW.TOBYHANNA.ARMY.MIL) DECEMBER 16, 2008

NEWS NOTES

Final Reporter for 2008This is the fi nal issue of The Reporter

for 2008. The fi rst issue of the new year will be published Jan. 13. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 2.

Federal benefi ts open seasonBeginning Jan. 1, federal employees

may make belated open season enrollment changes to their Federal Employees Health Benefi ts, Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance, and Federal Flexible Spending Account programs through Jan. 31. Employees using the belated election opportunity will be required to contact a benefi ts counselor at the Army Benefi ts Center — Civilian (ABC-C), 1-877-276-9287, TDD 1-877-276-9833. Employees will not be able to make belated open season changes through Employee Benefi ts Information System by computer.

For more information, call Joanne Everett, X56026; Kristi-Jo Noel; X56664 or Jodi Chiodo, X56151.

Book fair this weekThere will be a book fair by the ATM

in Building 1A tomorrow and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cash, checks and credit/debit cards are accepted.

CYSS off ers fi tness classesThe Child and Youth School Services

(CYSS) is offering a Fitness in the Workplace Program for adults. Two 10-week sessions will be designed for individual needs and interests. Sessions are Monday and Wednesday, 4:45 to 5:45 p.m., beginning Jan. 5. CYSS is also offering a trial class to those interested, before they sign up.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call X56559 or X56148.

MLK prayer breakfast setThe 2009 Martin Luther King Jr.

Prayer Breakfast will be held on Jan. 15. Breakfast will be served in the Post Restaurant, Building 11, beginning at 6:30 a.m. and the program is at 7 a.m.

Page 2 Page 3

Safety programs win annual

awards

Disability doesn’t stop

employee

Santa Claus comes to

Tobyhanna

Page 5

May the closeness of friends, the comfort of home, and the unity of our nation, renew your spirits this holiday season

~Author Unknown

(Photo by Steve Grzezdzinski)

See NEWS NOTES on Page 7

Tobyhanna employees rely on the validity of thousands of documents to repair and test communications-electronics equipment used by service members around the world.

A massive effort is underway to streamline operations in the technical library, which houses more than 150,000 Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps technical documents. The estimated year-long project will result in newer methods of data retrieval and regulation

of the technical manuals, orders, bulletins, depot and national maintenance work requirements, modifi cation work orders and test procedures stored in the library.

The technical documents are typically generated outside the depot [by customers] and provide specifi c guidance so workers can maintain consistency of repairs on components and systems.

Users admit they couldn’t survive without the resources available in the tech library.

“All our testing, inspecting and overhauling efforts depend on the library maintaining the tech manuals for the

AN/TPS-75 radar,” said James Martin, chief of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Directorate’s, Air Defense Radar Components Branch. “The upgrade work being done is defi nitely worth the effort — now we know that all of our manuals are up to date.”

To produce a quality product, the latest technical documentation should refl ect the latest technology and the latest revisions to the process.

“If you’re working to the latest version

See LIBRARY on Page 8

Technical library streamlines operationsby Jacqueline Boucher

Assistant Editor

TOBYHANNA REPORTER DECEMBER 16, 20082

Commander, Col. Ron Alberto Public Aff airs Offi cer, Kevin M. ToolanEditor, Anthony J. RicchiazziAssistant Editor, Jacqueline R. BoucherStaff Writer, Jennifer M. CaprioliPhotographers, Anthony S. Medici, Steve Grzezdzinski

PRINTED ON PARTIALLY RECYCLED PAPER.

PLEASE RECYCLE AS OFFICE QUALITY PAPER.

TEAM

TOBYHANNA

E X C E L L E N C E I N

E L E C T R O N I C S

The Tobyhanna Reporter is an authorized, biweekly publication for members of the Department of Defense.

Contents of the Tobyhanna Reporter are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. gov ernment, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Army. The 6,000 copies are printed by a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. government, under exclusive written contract with Tobyhanna Army Depot.

The editor reserves the right to edit all information

submitted for publication. News may be submitted to the Tobyhanna Reporter, Tobyhanna Army Depot, 11 Hap Arnold Boulevard, Tobyhanna, Pa., 18466-5076. (Internal Mail Stop 5076.) Telephone (570) 895-7557 or DISN 795-7557.

The Tobyhanna Reporter staff can also be reached by electronic mail using the following addresses:

Anthony.Ricchiazzi@us.army.milJacqueline.Boucher@us.army.milJennifer.M.Caprioli@us.army.mil

TOBYHANNA REPORTER

CHAPLAIN’S CORNERby

Chaplain (Maj.) Tammie Crews

Memories of Christmas past fl ooded back to me while I participated in Operation Santa Claus activities.

I remember being deployed to Haiti with a group of Marines, Airmen and Soldiers during the holidays. We collected toys for the Toys for Tots program and arranged parties for orphans who lived in the local area.

Just as with Operation Santa Claus, it was wonderful to see the joy on the faces of children and adults alike. It was spectacular to hear children laughing and singing carols in Creole, and to see their expressions when they received their toys.

More than one service member told me how important it was to help the children, especially when they were not able to be with their own children. In some way, the activities there brought them emotionally closer to their own children who were physically far away.

As for me, I will never forget a little boy who climbed on my lap. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t that keen on the idea of a dirty kid climbing onto my lap. I was tired and was hoping for a quick break.

The child was obviously sick, though I did not realize how sick he was at the time. I rather reluctantly allowed him to cuddle up on my lap. During our next visit to the orphanage I found out the child had AIDS and had died a few days after the party.

I have a picture of the boy and I never knew his name. Looking at the photo, I sometimes wonder if the child felt loved in those moments when he sat on my lap just days before he died. I am ashamed that I almost failed to give him the gift he seemed to need most — comfort.

Christmas is about the giving of ourselves to help others; being vulnerable to the needs of others. It is about putting money in the Salvation Army Christmas kettles and donating to other charities.

Most of us will not be called to rescue the whole world or even a country like Haiti. But we may be called to open our eyes to the needs that are in front of us — they may seem insignifi cant, but fulfi lling them may make all the difference in the world.

First and foremost, Christmas is about God giving to us in our moment of need. He asks the same of each of us in return. Because he gave so freely of his love through his Son, we are able to give to others.

In the joy of the celebrations with family and friends, may we be mindful of the needs of others. In our time of need, may we receive the care and love of the heavenly Father and of those he sends our way.

Christmas is about giving of ourselves to help needy

The American Red Cross will resume blood donations here with a special drive on Jan. 12. The Red Cross bloodmobile will be located in front of Building 11 from 8 a.m. until noon. Thirty-two appointments will be available for this drive.

Anyone 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. Depot employees may receive up to four hours of administrative leave, based on the time of their appointment, to recuperate from the donation process.

A second drive will take place on Feb. 27 from 8 a.m.

until noon. Beginning in March, the bloodmobile will be scheduled once a month. Dates will be announced when they are available.

Regularly scheduled blood collections here were suspended earlier this year due to lack of participation and Red Cross staffi ng issues. If the new drives are to continue, participation rates will need to increase, both depot and Red Cross offi cials state. To schedule an appointment for the Jan. 12 drive, employees must obtain supervisory approval and then call X57091, beginning on Dec. 22.

Red Cross resumes blood donations

The 2008 Safety Area of the Year Awards will be presented to three directorates and one tenant agency during the Dec. 22 ceremony in the Post Restaurant.

The Tactical Vehicle Branch, Systems Integration and Support Directorate, took top honors in the Heavy Industrial Area; the Communications Systems Directorate’s Microwave Branch, earned fi rst place in Medium/Light Industrial Area; the Materiel Accountability and Analysis Branch, Production Management Directorate, prevailed in the Administrative area; and the U.S. Army Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Support Center-Tobyhanna (TSC) walked away with the Tenant Activity Award.

Nomination packages indicated workers in each area developed best practices, communicated regularly, shared information and conducted training to keep work areas safe.

Members of the Industrial Services

Division’s Tactical Vehicle Branch are empowered to identify, correct and report potential hazards as each is identifi ed, said Bill Muchal, branch chief. Potential hazards information is shared with each team member on a regular basis, and briefs are documented and maintained so each employee has full access to the binder. Also, the branch did not report any injuries this year.

Personnel in the Materiel Accountability and Analysis Branch were rewarded with an outstanding rating during the fourth quarter safety inspection. Supervision stresses teamwork and constant safety consideration at work and home.

Also, branch personnel are in the process of ensuring all cleaning materials have material safety data sheets and that a binder containing the sheets is accessible to employees and their work stations, says Michael Bednar, branch chief. Notable efforts also included personnel attending a seminar that stressed proper lifting procedures and how to walk and move most effi ciently.

Most distinguished in the medium/

light industrial area was the Tactical Radio Division’s Microwave Branch for their “take action, don’t just talk” approach on hazard and prevention control. Personnel stay organized through weekly walk around checks, by keeping work areas in 6 condition and by using automated individual development plans to track employees’ education.

The TSC boasts a safety program that has been rated as outstanding for the past several years by U.S. Army TMDE Activity, Redstone, Ala. (the Tobyhanna center’s headquarters). A senior physicist from headquarters performs a radiation inspection audit annually because Building 12 houses a radiation source, which is used to calibrate various military equipment.

Personnel also attend mandatory annual adult CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and biannual First Aid training. William Freeman, director, describes TSC employees as proactive and reactive. “We watch for potential safety problems before they happen and respond to and correct the situation as needed,” he explained.

by Jennifer Caprioli

Staff Writer

4 organizations earn 2008 Safety Area of Year Awards

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter visited Tobyhanna on Dec.

4 to receive an update on depot operations and

plans for the new C4ISR Finishing Center. Herb

Shirey, director of Public Works, right, and Jody

Oustrich, deputy director of Systems Integration

and Support, brief the senator in Building 9

on the improvements that the new facility will

bring to depot operations. Specter praised the

depot work force for its quality, productivity

and effi ciency in remarks following the briefi ngs

and tour. Construction on the 78,000 sq. ft.

C4ISR Finishing Center will begin in the spring;

construction completion is planned for December

2010. It will be located adjacent to Building 9.

(Photo by Tony Medici)

Specter visits Tobyhanna

DECEMBER 16, 2008 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 3

For 26 years, Laura Dumback has worked around, over and under a wall of silence.

Her perseverance here has earned the profoundly deaf employee two promotions, and now the Army Materiel Command’s 2008 Outstanding Disabled Employee of the Year award.

Prior to being named, she was also named the Tobyhanna Army Depot and CECOM Life Cycle Management Command 2008 Outstanding Disabled Employee of the Year.

Col. Stephen Christian, Fort Monmouth Garrison commander, presented the CECOM–level award to Dumback on Nov. 13 at Fort Monmouth, N.J., on behalf of Maj. Gen. Dennis L. Via, CECOM commander.

Dumback’s supervisor, Yvette Pollack, said her determination and initiative have allowed her to perform well in a job that depends on communications skills. Dumback works in the Requisitioning Branch of the Production Management Directorate’s Materiel Management Division. She is the wife of Chris Dumback, a deaf employee who works in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate. They have four children and one grandchild, all hearing.

“Laura requisitions large amounts of equipment, which is quickly shipped to forward support locations such as Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan,” Pollack said. “Also, she has expedited test equipment for our engineering personnel and consistently exceeds credit card program standards.”

Pollack emphasized that Dumback must be effective in communicating technical information with people from different organizations, most of whom are not deaf.

“It is noteworthy that these employees have little, if any, knowledge of sign language,” she said. “Laura uses writing, faxing and e-mail to get around this. However, her language is American Sign Language, which is a visual language and is not equivalent to English grammar. She has become so adept at applying the basic concepts of English grammar that she communicates effectively with her co-workers using those methods.”

Pollack noted that she has also helped some deaf employees understand written English since American Sign Language is the primary

language of the deaf community.Dumback said her job involves research to

fi nd the best price to save the depot money, and that e-mails work the best for her.

“We write back and forth to each other and they will answer my questions in this way. If I have a problem, I will call Tamara and she will help me to straighten it out, including talking to them directly if necessary,” Dumback said.

Tamara Marinaro is the depot’s interpreter for the deaf and works in the EEO Offi ce.

As a result of her outstanding work performance throughout her entire career, Dumback has received numerous awards, including an Army commendation for service and support provided to the presidential inauguration of George W. Bush in 1989. She has also earned On The Spot and Time Off awards. Dumback earned an exceptional performance rating in 2007.

Dumback also participates in special projects that help people with disabilities, such as Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) inventory controller for the depot.

“She spent considerable effort tracking down the location of all TDDs at Tobyhanna, and who uses them,” Pollack said. “She set up a spreadsheet with this information that she provided to the EEO Offi ce so the depot would have better control of that property.”

Additionally, she was a key part in the depot’s examination of whether it would be possible to provide two-way pagers for the depot’s deaf population.

John Sutkowsky, chief of the depot’s EEO Offi ce, said that Dumback’s need to help and motivate deaf children is demonstrated in her work with her former high school, the Scranton State School for the Deaf (SSSD).

As a member of the Board of Directors at Scranton State School for the Deaf Alumni Association, she participated in fund raising events that resulted in purchasing computers, paying for basketball tournaments, and arranging for speakers to discuss with SSSD students how to prepare for college and how to prepare for job interviews, Sutkowsky said.

“Also, for the past three years, Laura has participated in the Tobyhanna SSSD Shadow Program,” Sutkowsky added. “This program allows SSSD students to spend time with her at work to observe fi rst-hand what a job with the federal government is like, and how what a student learns at school is applied at work.

Laura has been very successful at explaining her job’s duties and responsibilities so students can get a basic understanding of what skills are needed to enter the workforce.”

Dumback’s assistance to the SSSD has included volunteering her time there to help deaf students with their homework.

In addition to working with SSSD, Dumback is a 20 year, active member of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf (PSAD).

One of this organization’s projects includes educating the public about the importance of communication access for the deaf community.

Sutkowsky said that this project resulted in the installation of many TDDs in public locations such as airports, hospitals and schools.

Dumback says she likes working at Tobyhanna and plans to spend her entire career here. She noted that co-workers throughout her career have always joked, gossiped and teased her as if she were not deaf, which she appreciates.

“Laura and I have been co-workers in different areas for many years,” said Cheryl Clark, supply technician. “She taught me some

sign language so we could have a much better work relationship.

“Since my signing is limited, she is very helpful to me whenever we talk about our families, the weather and other things. When I asked if she would help my daughter learn to sign a song for a school concert, she didn’t hesitate. All went well and my daughter was happy that she signed successfully. Laura is a good worker who is always willing to help others whether it is work-related or not.”

“Laura and I have occasionally worked together since 1983,” said Jeanenne Rowland, a supply systems analyst. “I think she is a good worker and I enjoy the regular ‘chats’ we have about news and other subjects. She made it a point to teach me some sign language, so that we could understand each other a lot better. It was a major help on some of the projects we were both involved in.”

“It’s very nice that some of them have learned, or at least tried to learn, sign language to communicate with me,” Dumback said. “It’s hard for people with disabilities to fi nd work and it can be frustrating working in an environment where most people can hear. But here, that’s not so. I enjoy working here, so I’m not afraid to try new things.”

by Anthony Ricchiazzi

Editor

Between work and extracurricular activities, Laura Dumback doesn’t let her disability slow her down.

Her skills as a supply technician have earned promotions and awards. Plus, she is actively involved in

programs that help people with disabilities. (Photo by Tony Medici)

Supply technician claims AMC employee of year award

An industrial engineer here, who started as an analyst, has been inducted into the Military Packaging Hall of Fame.

Charlotte Lent works in the Packaging, Storage and Containerization Center (PSCC), which is part of the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s Logistics Support Activity. She is the 12th PSCC person to enter the hall.

Lent was inducted at a ceremony earlier this year by John Antal, acting dean of the School of Military Technology, for her accomplishments in the military packaging career fi eld over the last 30 years.

The honor is recommended by fellow packaging professionals in recognition of her outstanding duty performance.

Lent also earned the 2008 Handling Achievement Award from the National Institute of Packaging, Handling and Logistics Engineers.

Lent began working at PSCC in 1978 as an operations research analyst. She switched to the industrial engineer fi eld in 1988. Noteworthy accomplishments include:• Developing new hazardous materials testing protocols to comply with United Nations regulations;• Key player in the design and testing of a Frozen Specimen Shipping Unit for infectious and other substances for the National Institutes of Health; • Preparing the PSCC Lab to become the Department of Transportation’s compliance testing source for containers such as 55-gallon drums to make sure they meet specifi cations for shipping hazardous and other substances.

Richard Owen presents Charlotte Lent with

the 2008 Handling Achievement Award from

the National Institute of Packaging, Handling

and Logistics Engineers (NIPHLE). Owen is the

executive director of NIPHLE. The award coincides

with Lent being inducted into the Military

Packaging Hall of Fame. (Photo by Rosy Poole)

by Anthony Ricchiazzi

Editor

Hard work pays off for LOGSA employee

Industrial engineer inducted into hall of fame

TOBYHANNA REPORTER DECEMBER 16, 20084

Workers from Silvercool Roof install the second of four green roofs on

Building 11’s Wing C. Each green roof will cover about 14,000 square feet

with about 1,500 pre-planted modules of plants. The green roofs will

improve energy effi ciency, extend roof life, reduce storm water runoff

and improve storm water quality. They are composed of a root barrier, a

water–handling system, soil and plants picked for their ability to thrive

in the region’s climate, and the green roof system. The modules contain

plants of the Sedum family and include Angelina, Love Triangle and John

Creech. The green roof technology off ers a fl exible and modular design

that can be adjusted and rearranged after installation. The fi rst green roof

was installed on Wing A in 2006. All four wings will be completed by the

end of December. (Photo by Steve Grzezdzinski)

Rooftop landscaping project nears completion

When an unexpected hurdle appears in the normal path of our lives we need someone to talk with, and someone who will listen and provide comforting advice. A benefi t for depot employees are two professionals who provide short-term counseling, crisis intervention or just a shoulder to lean on.

Located in Building 11 is an offi ce with two specialists with a combined 32 years of experience counseling others.

Chaplain (Maj.) Tammie Crews is a licensed marriage and family therapist and Jeffrey Whitesell is a certifi ed employee assistance manager and senior prevention professional. Together they provide services to the work force to support a healthy workplace by assisting employees with issues related to life and work.

Crews’ scope of practice consists of short-term marriage and family, and pastoral, counseling, referrals and education. The education she provides includes information on suicide awareness, depression and stress, marriage enrichment, deployment and reintegration, and peer counseling.

“If we don’t have the literature someone is looking for we will get it for them,” she explains. She also acts as a liaison between the depot’s commander and the local community by speaking at local schools and community events.

Whitesell’s role as Employee Assistance Program (EAP) manager includes short-term counseling for employee/employer issues, supervisor consultations and personal issues.

“The EAP manager works in a consultative role with managers and supervisors to help address employee and organizational challenges and needs.” He provides counseling, screening and referral to community-based centers and other professionals.

“We refer employees to a psychiatrist, psychologist or family counselor if necessary, and there are many treatment agencies in the area, including substance abuse treatment and fi nancial assistance centers,” Whitesell says. “We will fi nd someone to provide the necessary services when we are not able to.”

Whitesell and Crews also provide short-term intervention for grief, suicide, homicide and other crises.

“This is a place where people can come to if they have stress, family, personal or work issues,” notes Crews. “It’s a safe haven to come to and a confi dential environment.”

Crews plans to conduct personal and relationship classes for Soldiers at the High Tech Regional Training Site-Maintenance, during lunchtime. Some depot personnel have also inquired about stress management classes, says Whitesell. He and Crews are accepting suggestions of various classes that employees would like to participate in here.

Whitesell and Crews encourage personnel to visit them. “Having a bad day is part of life,” Whitesell believes.

Employees may call Jeffrey Whitesell, X57943, or Chaplain (Maj.) Tammie Crews, X59689, for assistance.

by Jennifer Caprioli

Staff Writer

Crews

Whitesell

Help available to cope with life’s ups, downs VLTPThe voluntary leave transfer program

(VLTP) allows federal employees to donate annual leave to fellow employees who have exhausted their annual and sick leave because of either a personal or family medical emergency.

In addition, people in “use or lose” status can donate excess leave days to employees participating in the VLTP. Employees planning to donate “use or lose” annual leave are encouraged to do so as soon as possible, since there are limitations on the number of hours you can donate at the end of the leave year.

For more information about the VLTP, call Theresa Planchock, X57963, or Joseph Heitman, X57324, Management Employee Relations Division.

Currently, there are 26 active VLTP cases with eligible employees in need of leave donations.

Edward J. Baker, Materiel Management Division, Production Management (PM) Directorate.

Clyde E. Beavers, Voice Communications Division, Communications Systems (CS) Directorate.

Ronald L. Breymeier, Range Threat Systems Division, Command, Control and Computers (C-3) Avionics Directorate.

Ronald C. Cavallotti, Manufacturing Support Division, PM Directorate.

Alan Dippel, Engineering Design, Development and Manufacturing Division, Production Engineering (PE) Directorate.

Lisa Dougher, C4ISR Division, PE Directorate.

Ronald L. Foreman, SATCOM Division, CS Directorate.

Sally Franks, Materiel Management Division, PM Directorate.

Christopher Frie, Tactical Communications Division, CS Directorate.

Andrew Heffl er, Electronic Services Division, Systems Integration and Support (SIS) Directorate.

Mary Kay Hunter, Materiel Management Division, PM Directorate.

Nathaniel J. T. Isaac, Industrial Services Division, SIS Directorate.

Anne Kruizenga, Satellite Division, CS Directorate.

Zandra A. Kuligowski, Tactical Communications Division, CS Directorate.

Francis Lo Dolce, Tactical Communications Division, CS Directorate.

Paul T. Mahoney, Refi nishing Division, SIS Directorate.

George Murphy, Surveillance Systems Division, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Directorate.

John Paszko, Electronic Services Division, SIS Directorate.

Christopher Robinson, Voice Communications Division, CS Directorate.

Larry Shaffer, Tactical Communications Division, CS Directorate.

Diane E. Sosi, Electronic Services Division, SIS Directorate.

Dennis L. Thorne, SATCOM Division, CS Directorate.

Susan L. Tudor, Air Traffi c Control Scheduling Division, PM Directorate.

Dale A. Wesner, C3-Avionics Management Division, PM Directorate.

Ronald P. Williams, Air Traffi c Control Division, ISR Directorate

Anthony (Mark) Zielinski, Avionics/IEW Scheduling Division, PM Directorate.

DECEMBER 16, 2008 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 5

More than 700 children and adults attended the Operation Santa Claus (OSC) parties on Dec. 2-4. During the annual event 300 volunteers, including students from Dunmore and Pocono Mountain high schools, dressed in costumes, assisted Santa and helped with the guests.

Thirty groups participated in the parties, including Pittston Area, Mid Valley and Pleasant Valley school districts, Friendship House, and the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton veteran centers. Also in attendance were personalities from 98.5 KRZ, and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Pioneers sports teams.

Each guest received an OSC bag, coloring book and crayons, candy and a toy. Guests also received a Tobyhanna Army Depot knit cap, donated by the Tobyhanna Credit Union.

Dozens of people also attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2 at The Landing. The ceremony included caroling, pictures with Santa and gifts for the children.

This year’s OSC efforts raised over $30,000; and decorations, clothes and toys were donated to local churches, military reserve units, centers and families.

“Operation Santa Claus was once again a huge success. Children and teachers were grateful for all that we did, and they had a blast,” said Walter Dorosky, project coordinator. “We appreciate the generosity of employees who volunteered their time.”

Here comes

Santa Claus

Volunteers entertain guests from local schools, veteran centers

Photos by Tony Medici and Steve Grzezdzinski

Dirk Saar is chief of the Electronic Warfare/Electro-Optics Night Vision Branch, Production Management Directorate.

He supervises nine people who provide program management and oversight for the repair or overhaul of deployable electronic warfare, electronic optical and night vision equipment, including personal, crew served, vehicle and aircraft mounted sights and equipment and their associated components.

Prior to his current position, Saar was a logistics facility manager for a company in the private sector.

Saar retired from the Army in April 2007 after 22 years of service. He enlisted in January 1985, and rose through the enlisted ranks attaining the rank of staff sergeant in 1989. On October 1, 1992, he was appointed a warrant offi cer and retired 15 years later as a chief warrant offi cer 4. During his career, Saar served in countries around the world to include Southwest Asia and the Balkans. While on active duty he was the recipient of numerous personal commendations and campaign ribbons, including two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, a Southwest Asia Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the NATO medal.

He is a 1980 graduate of Theodor-Litt Schule, Giessen, Germany. In 1994, Saar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and later in 1997, a Master of Science degree in business administration.

Saar and his wife Sheila reside in Drums. They are the parents of Nadia, 20; Dirk, 19; Yelena, 17 and Mathias, 7.

His hobbies include skiing, hiking, biking and reading.

Saar is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Offi cer Association of America and National Rifl e Association.

Barry Orbinati is chief of the Surveillance, Threat Emitter Branch, Production Management Directorate.

He supervises eight people—production controllers and a logistics management specialist—who schedule and manage the depot-level repair and overhaul of Air Force and Air National Guard threat emitter assets.

Prior to his current position, Orbinati was a maintenance squadron commander in the Air National Guard.

Orbinati left the active Air Force in January 1993 and joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. He was commissioned in 1984 and attended undergraduate navigator training and the aircraft maintenance offi cer course. While on active duty, he was assigned to the Air Combat Command (ACC) and Pacifi c Air Forces (PACAF) to manage maintenance on F-15, F-16 and A-10 aircraft.

Orbinati worked as a staff offi cer for ACC and as an inspector for the command’s inspector general offi ce.

During his career, Orbinati deployed four times to Southwest Asia in support of operations Desert Storm, Deny Flight and Iraqi Freedom. He was the recipient of numerous commendations and campaign ribbons, including three Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Command Commendation Medal, three Air Force Commendation Medals, Air Force Achievement Medal, three Expeditionary Medals, National Service Medal, three Outstanding Unit Awards and a Unit Citation with Valor.

He is a 1980 graduate of Northwest Area High School in Shickshinny. In 1984, Orbinati earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Wilkes College and a Master of Science in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Orbinati lives in Upper Black Eddy. His hobbies include hunting and outdoor activities.

TOBYHANNA REPORTER DECEMBER 16, 20086

NEW SUPERVISORSS

Saar

Orbinati

COMMUNITY BULLETIN

TRADING POST

Editor’s Note: The Community Bulletin provides an avenue for depot and tenant employees to advertise van or car pools, and for-sale items. Money making items such as rentals and personal business will not be accepted. Information must be submitted via e-mail to Jacqueline.Boucher@us.army.mil, or written items can be mailed to the Public Affairs Offi ce, mail stop 5076.

Submissions must include a name and telephone extension. Only home phone numbers will be published in the Trading Post section. Ads will be published in four consecutive newspapers. It is the customer’s responsibility to update or renew items listed in the Community Bulletin. For information, call Jacqueline Boucher, X58073.

VAN POOLS

• White Haven: 1 opening, van, 7 passengers, nonsmoking, 5/4/9, call Dave Swankosky, X59467.• Dunmore: 2 openings, van, 5/4/9, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., both Fridays, meets at the Big Lots parking lot, call Tim Knabel, X59985.• Back Mountain, Dallas, Trucksville, Shavertown, Harveys Lake: 1 opening, van, 7 passengers, 5/4/9, both Fridays, nonsmoking, “A” placard, meets at Shavertown Thomas’s Market pickup, call Mike, X59019.• Freeland, surrounding area: 1 opening, van, pickup points are in Freeland and White Haven, third shift, contractors welcome, call Bob Burke, X57833, or contact Bob Tichy, X59069, robert.j.tichy@us.army.mil.• Wilkes Barre: 1 opening, available Jan. 1, van, 5/4/9, both

Fridays, call James Eiden, X58693.• Dunmore: 1 opening, available Feb. 1, van, nonsmoking, 5/4/9, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., house-to-house pickup, both Fridays, call Thomas Stasko, X57930.• Windgap: 2 openings, van, 5/4/9, both RDOs, starts at the Country Junction, contact Jim Rose, X56602 or jim.rose2@us.army.mil.• Childs: 2 openings, van, 5/4/9, both Fridays, call Laura, X57240.• Dickson City: openings, van, 7 passengers, nonsmoking, 5/4/9, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., shared driving, house-to-house pickup, call Dave Stevens, X59065.• New Jersey, Route 80, Water Gap area: join or start a carpool with people who live in New Jersey and travel Route 80 Westbound in the morning, call Robin, X57345.• Windgap: 1 opening, van, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., pickup point is the Country Junction, contact Cristal Fretz, X59177or crista.fretz@us.army.mil.• Springbrook Twp: 2 openings, van, nonsmoking, 5/4/9, both Fridays, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Routes 502 to 307 to 435 through Daleville/Gouldsboro, house-to-house pickup, call Marilyn Slezak, X59186 and Paulette, X56615.• Nanticoke, Sugar Notch: 1 opening, van, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., “A” placard, pickup points are the Nanticoke National Guard Armory and the Sugar Notch park and ride, available in January or February, call Ed Tomko, X59682.

• Tickets: 2 for Wizard of Oz, Scranton Cultural Center, Saturday, 8 p.m., Jan. 24; seats are located in mezzanine row

B, seats 105 and 107, asking $120 for both; 2 for Sweeney Todd, Scranton Cultural Center, 8 p.m., Feb. 14, seats are located in mezzanine row G, seats 102 and 104, asking $117 bor both, call Renee, 587-5672.• Misc items: men’s Vagabond leather jacket, rusty brown, size 40 long, like new, $40; original Spanish Hacienda canvas painting, 49x37 1/2 inches, signed by artist Roberto, Kingston, Pa., $75; 2 brass lamps with white shades, 27 1/2 inches tall, like new, $15 each, call Paul, 430-0684.• Gowns: formal, mother of the bride, size 8, original cost $300-$400 each, selling for $40, call 655-5619.• Dog: mini Dachshund, female, black/tan, longhair, born June 7, weight full grown should be around 7-9 pounds, being kennel trained, must fi nd loving home due to allergies, AKC registered, $350, call Becky, 344-9910.• Car: 1999 Acura CL 3.0 v-tech, red w/tan leather interior, 40k miles, sunroof, cd/tape, spoiler, heated seats, garage kept, asking $9,000, call 216-1876.• Trailer: cargo, 6x12 feet, asking $3,500, and trailer Flast, 6x8 feet, asking $500, call Steve, 570-711-822-1820 (you must dial 711 fi rst, then the home number).• Tires: 4 tires, size ST205/75D 14, asking $65, call Bob, 848-1796.• Sporting equipment: Golden Eagle split limb compound single cam, 65-75 lb 29’-31’ draw, quiver, arrows, sights, rest, broad heads, release, limb savers, and hard case, $250; muzzleloader, CVA, .45–caliber inline 209 magnum, 3-9x Bushnell scope, powder pellets, bullets, primers, loading/cleaning utensils, $225; assorted archery tools such as scale, square, fl etcher with extra arms, arrow components, rests, sights, tackle box, $50, call Walter, 586-1640, also willing to trade.

Bryant Anderson is chief of the CECOM Life Cycle Management Command Field Offi ce here and CECOM’s liaison to the depot and Defense Distribution Depot, Tobyhanna (DDTP).

As CECOM’s representative he facilitates close, continuous communication and cooperation

between CECOM and the depot and DDTP. He works with personnel from each of these entities to resolve logistics issues and problems of mutual interest.

He is assigned to the Maintenance Division, Logistics Engineering Operation Directorate, Fort Monmouth, N.J. Prior to his current position, Anderson was a lead supply system analyst for the same directorate.

He is a 1994 graduate of Middletown South High School, Lincroft, N.J. In 1998, Anderson

earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Monmouth University, West Long Branch, N.J. He is fl uent in Spanish after serving a two-year mission in Madrid, Spain.

Anderson and his wife Jamie reside in Keyport, N.J. They are the parents of Lincoln, 4, and Abigail, 1.

His hobbies include running, hiking, drawing, traveling and spending time with family. He has trained for and fi nished three 26.2-mile marathons. Anderson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Anderson

CECOM LIAISON

DECEMBER 16, 2008 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 7

THANKS

OrganizationTitle

Edward Cebula Electronics mechanic helper D/IRMBrian Decker Mechanical engineer D/C3/AvionicsWalter Jaskulka Supply technician D/PMJason Kilmer Electronics mechanic helper D/C3/AvionicsKarl Schuler Supply technician D/PMPaul Vance Electronics digital computer mechanic D/C3/AvionicsDonald Robbins Wastewater treatment plant operator D/PW

Name

WELCOME TO THE DEPOT

RETIREESS

OrganizationRetirement date

Michael Balint Dec. 31 D/Comm SysEdward Haduck Dec. 31 D/Comm SysJohn Podany Dec. 31 D/Comm SysJohn Ruff Dec. 31 D/Comm SysRichard Zdunski Dec. 31 D/PMRonald Pugliese Dec. 31 D/SISEdward Starr Dec. 31 D/SISRobert Stella Dec. 31 D/SIS

Name

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank everyone for their kindness, generosity, and support during the recent illness and death of my father, Charles Farrell.

Ed Farrell

Production Engineering Directorate

Tickets cost $5 and are available in the Equal Employment Opportunity Offi ce, X56172

Traveling Santa shop opensThe Operation Santa Claus Santa’s Shop will be

open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays in Building 1A by the ATM, Wednesdays outside Café 4 and Thursdays by the Post Restaurant in Building 11.

The shop features various items, including cinnamon roasted nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, mixed) and fresh-baked soft pretzels (unsalted, salted, cinnamon sugar, almond, chocolate chip), for $2 each.

For more information, call X57150.

Monetary donations accepted for OSCMonetary donations to benefi t Operation Santa

Claus (OSC) efforts are accepted at the Tobyhanna Army Depot Federal Credit Union, One Stop Shop and at the traveling Santa’s Shop. Credit Union members are welcome to set up a direct deposit program to donate to OSC.

For more information, call X57150.

Stars on Ice coming to NEPAThe Stars on Ice Live show, featuring Sasha

Cohen, is coming to the Wachovia Arena on March 26 at 7 p.m.

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets should contact the One Stop Shop, X58851.

Commissary holiday schedule setThe commissary will be open on Dec. 22, 9

a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It will be closed Dec. 25 and 26. The commissary will open

its doors again Dec. 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and will be closed on Jan. 1.

The commissary will be open for normal business hours on the days not listed. For more information, call Jerry Durham, X57628.

OSC hosts teddy bear tossOperation Santa Claus will host two teddy

bear toss collections at the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins hockey games on Friday and Saturday. Gold Zone seating price for tickets at the gate is $22.25 and tickets purchased at the One Stop Shop are $10. Free tickets are available to Soldiers and their family members for the military appreciation game on Friday. Toys for Tots collection bins will also be set up at both games.

Childcare announces openings The Child Development Center has openings

for fulltime, part-time or drop-in care for children ages 1 year and older. Registration is free. For more information or to register, call Jennifer Williams, X58113, jenn.williams@us.army.mil or www.tobyhanna.army.mil/community/cys.html to fi ll out a quick needs survey.

Women’s Club accepting applicationsThe Tobyhanna Women’s Club is accepting

membership applications for 2009. The membership period will be Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Annual dues are $5.

To access an application go to the intranet, Programs Services/Tobyhanna Women’s Club. For more information, call Eileen Rizzo, X57336 or Lynn Hill, X57218.

NEWS NOTES from Page 1

1-877-275-8629570-895-8629

DISN 795-8629OR SEND AN E-MAIL TO

ask-toby@conus.army.mil

ASK-TOBY

CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK

TOBYHANNA CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Click on the customer service link to rate depot support, services

HOW ARE WE DOING?

www.tobyhanna.army.mil

Everyone knows that necessity is the mother of invention.

The necessity of readying radios for the warfi ghter sparked a suggestion that increases production and will save the taxpayer more than $235,000 per year.

Nick Lipcavage and John Nicosia realized they can repair a component of the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) that was coded non-repairable. Both are electronics mechanics in the Tactical Communications Division, Communications Systems Directorate. They earned a $4,378.62 Army Ideas for Excellence Program suggestion award.

“In 2006, we received a large work order for the AN/ARC-201 airborne SINCGARS and we just started to repair the Band Pass Filter component of the radio out of the need to get product out the door rather than wait for new fi lters,” Lipcavage said.

The ARC-201 SINCGARS is used primarily in helicopters. The components fi lter out unwanted frequencies and at the time cost more than $2,000 each, although Nicosia said the price has come down slightly.

They said there was a learning curve, including research to fi nd out if parts of the component could be procured, but now they are repairing the fi lter regularly.

“We repair them in batches so they are

ready for new workload,” Lipcavage said. “Once radios come in, we swap out the fi lters, which saves further time.”

Nicosia noted that before the repair program was initiated, they could wait two weeks or more for new fi lters.

“Once the fi lter is repaired, we test it against a new fi lter using a spectrum analyzer and signal generator,” he said. “If the fi lter

passes, we test it again in a mock up ARC-201 SINCGARS.”

Once radios are repaired and tested, they are stored until needed.

Lipcavage and Nicosia were the only technicians working on the ARC-201 when they made the suggestion in 2007, but now they work with two technicians and a student in the Student Career Experience Program.

Nick Lipcavage, right, and John Nicosia learned how to repair a radio component coded non-reparable,

saving more than $200,000 per year. (Photo by Steve Grzezdzinski)

by Anthony Ricchiazzi

Editor

Suggestion saves money, increases production

of a tech document and I’m working to one that is one generation old, then the product I produce should be rejected for failing to meet requirements,” said Brad Jones, director, Productivity Improvement and Innovation Directorate.

Workers here comply with a set of internationally accepted standards to make sure customers get what they want – quality workmanship and service. An International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifi cation indicates that depot processes are documented and controlled, thus providing the framework for consistently producing a quality product. The ISO 9001 registration means that the depot’s quality management system is internationally accepted and approved and that there will be continuous improvement in its practices.

Two months ago, library operations were realigned under the Automated Mission Support Division’s Mission Software Branch. In the future, the organization will

rely heavily on software and electronics, so it was a good fi t, according to Allan Borgacci, division chief. He explained that the library will be updating information, redesigning databases and digitizing items in hopes of joining the paperless society.

“Right now, team members are going shop by shop to scrub their books,” Borgacci said. “Some cost centers have up to 250 books; many are duplicates, some aren’t on the library inventory and a many need updating. It’s vital we know who has what and where it’s located.”

There are four full-time staff members and seven people on special assignment verifying and updating documents distributed throughout depot work areas. The ISR Directorate is one of the library’s largest users, so staff members started there. They will track and account for all items located on the shop fl oor before moving to another directorate.

Individual shops and cost centers need the manuals listed in technical reference orders (TRO) to meet mission requirements.

Procedural changes limiting who has access to the library and the authority to remove items from the facility will ensure continued accuracy and encourage users to embrace new methods, remarked Jennifer Pilant, technical information specialist. For example, supervisors are charged with managing their own documentation; however, everyone is responsible for meeting ISO standards, she added.

“We have already started downloading everything we can so the information is more accessible to people who need it,” Pilant said. “To process their work, employees need the fi gures in the manuals, the parts list or directions to fi x equipment.”

Computer experts here are working with the library staff to create a digital database that will make the information accessible to everyone. Although the digitization initiative is still in the early stages of development, it looks as though long walks to the library to research hardcopy documents will become a thing of the past.

“By clicking a hyperlink to a portable document format (PDF) technical document available on the Web version of the TRO, the end user can have instant access to the supporting information necessary for work and inspection without leaving the shop fl oor,” said Frank Chabala, information technology specialist, Architecture, Systems and Application Design Division. “As an added benefi t, the user never need worry about looking at an outdated document,” he said, explaining that information will be retrieved real time from a server and can be viewed from a laptop or other portable computing device where wireless connections are available.

“DOIM has been very helpful testing ideas and implementing changes,” Pilant said. “I’m excited at the prospect for the library’s future.”

Timi Robertson, another technology specialist, is developing new reports, search

options and e-mailing capabilities that will assist in notifying cost centers to return manuals when an update is required. She is also working on tools to track documents.

“This [streamlining] effort is long overdue,” said Dennis O’Hara, chief of the Range Threat Systems Division. “My compliments to Charlie Cardimona and Tom Salek for all of their hard work.” They explained the process and how they hoped to accomplish the task, he added. “So far, they have processed reference orders and over 220 manuals in the division.” Cardimona is on special assignment to coordinate the tech data refresh on the shop fl oor and Salek is the TRO coordinator.

Firefi nder offi cials said Cardimona and his team took on a “huge undertaking with a positive approach in a short period of time.” Daniel Shea, Firefi nder Division chief explained that the effort helped the three branches update and organize their books according to ISO 9001 standards.

“It should take about six months to fi nish the scrub of depot shops,” Cardimona said, noting that the process also includes fi xing damaged books. “When we’re done, we hope to have the documents the workers need along with an accurate inventory.”

Other changes will include rewriting the Tobyhanna regulation that governs library operations, scanning older, hard-to-get items, quarterly checks of the inventory and advancements in technology.

Paul Frantz said the software branch is testing the possibilities of using a 77-inch touch screen to view digitized schematics. “We haven’t decided on the best venue yet, but the team is looking at how well dual monitors, laptops and handheld devices perform in different scenarios.”

The depot is moving toward data management versus book management, Frantz said. “Our library will never cease to exist, but there will be defi nite changes to the status quo.”

TOBYHANNA REPORTER DECEMBER 16, 20088

LIBRARY from Page 1

Jennifer Pilant, technical information specialist, leads a team of people to streamline operations in

the technical library. The year-long project will result in news methods of data retrieval and regulation

of technical documents. (Photo by Steve Grzezdzinski)

Joseph Zalewski (left), tools and parts attendant, places

a marking component inside of an etching machine

while Eric Richards, tools and parts attendant, sets the

focus for etching. The use of the etching machine will

save time and money, and help with accountability of

tools. Employees in the Tool Crib Operations Branch

are using a Metal Marking Laser System to mark tools

that are destined to be part of recently implemented

process toolboxes in certain areas. The branch is part

of the Production Management Directorate’s Materiel

Management Division. To account for tools, employees

will now be able to identify a tool’s location by etched

lettering on each tool. Technicians in the branch will use

the laser-equipped machine to etch a corresponding cost

center or special project identifi er into each tool. The

machine engraves materials, such as steel, aluminum,

brass, plastics and ceramic, by using a fi ber laser that

reaches about 40,000 degrees. The laser produces a

permanent mark and does not aff ect the integrity of the

material. John Jastremsky, branch chief, believes that

the etching on the tools creates a more professional

look and by employing the machine, the branch will

save money by increasing the accountability of tools.

(Photo by Steve Grzezdzinski)

Laser marks tools for identifi cation