REPORTERTOBYHANNA Permit No. 30

StandardU.S. Postage PaidTobyhanna, PA 18466

VOL. 52, NO. 15 TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, TOBYHANNA, PA. (WWW.TOBYHANNA.ARMY.MIL) AUGUST 5, 2008

NEWS NOTES

Cool off at Montage water parkMorale, Welfare and Recreation

will host a day of fun, rain or shine, at Montage’s Sno Cove Water Park on Aug. 31.

Tickets are $3, or $10 for the buffet. Because ticket prices are already discounted, there will be no refunds. The fi rst to arrive receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last.

Tickets can be purchased until Aug. 15 at the One Stop Shop and authorized MWR outlets.

The park has attractions such as a wave pool, a children’s pool, batting cages, miniature golf, skate ramp, bumper boats and volleyball.

Golf tournament set for Sept. 2The 11th annual Commander’s Cup

Golf Tournament will be held Sept. 2 at the Scranton Municipal Golf Course.

Play will begin at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start. Format is Captain and Crew, four-person team, no alternate shots are permitted.

Cost is $240 per team; only the full amount for each team will be accepted. Team members must be current or retired depot employees, and active or retired military to win the cup.

Cost includes cart and green fees, and a hotdog or hamburger and soda at the turn. A buffet dinner will be available at the course after the tournament.

Flight prizes will be established on the number of teams entered and established by the team score in the tourney. USGA rules apply for scoring. Prizes include longest drive for men and women, and closest to the pin for holes 2, 5, 12 and 17.

Reservation must be made by noon on Aug. 28. For further information, call Mike Carrera, X56364; Jason Menago, X59968; Pat Mirabelle, X56598; or Jim Joseph, X57501.

Fish for prizes at derbyThe 12th annual Children’s Fishing

Derby will be held Sept. 20 at Barney’s Lake.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the derby runs from 8 to 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded in several categories and age groups.

For more information, call Jackie Vass, X57584.

Page 3 Page 4

Worksite boasts no injuries

since 2005

Depot names quarterly award

winner

Around the Depot

Page 5

Shingo Prize offi cials will evaluate the depot’s AN/ASM-189 Maintenance Electronics Shop Van mission next week. This marks the fourth visit by the national-level organization.

The four-person team, members of public and private organizations, will conduct the site visit on Monday and Tuesday. Tobyhanna is participating in the Shingo Prize for Public Sector Excellence in Manufacturing category.

The prize recognizes U.S. organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in Lean manufacturing (including maintenance, repair and overhaul) and the supporting business processes leading to outstanding quality, cost, delivery, and business and fi nancial results, said Don Engel, chief of the Process Engineering Division, Productivity Improvement and Innovation (PII) Directorate.

Tobyhanna earned a Shingo Bronze award for the AN/TPS-75 Air Defense Radar System in 2006 and a Gold Medallion for the AN/TPQ-36 Firefi nder Radar Antenna Transceiver Group in 2007.

Technicians repair and upgrade the AN/ASM-189 system in the Tactical End Item Repair Facility. The primary shop is the Electrical Recap Support Branch, Systems Integration and Support (SIS) Directorate. Other organizations involved include the Tactical Vehicle Branch, the Power Sources Branch, the Refi nishing Services Division, and Power Generator and Environmental Control Branch, also part of SIS.

The mobile fi eld maintenance vans provide direct support for electronics maintenance. They are one of the primary maintenance facilities for the entire Army electronics maintenance mission in combat service support units.

“The vans provide facilities for testing, repair and calibration for avionics, communications, electronic, navigation, photographic and infrared systems,” said Cal Morgan, chief, Electronic Services Division.

They are supported by AN/ASM-190 Maintenance Electronic Supply Vans, which contain spare parts, raw materials and storage to provide accessible, forward-based storage of spares requirements for the systems repaired in the AN/ASM-189 vans. Fielded since the 1970s, the electronic repair facilities are being restored to like-

new condition through a joint effort of the Army’s Electronic Shelters and Vans (ESV) Recapitalization Program here.

As with the AN/TYQ-23 Tactical Air Operation Module visit July 16-17, Shingo examiners will tour and review the entire AN/ASM-189 Value Stream, from receipt of assets through the hand off of a completed system. Review and tour will include the prime shop in the Tactical End Item Repair Facility, as well as industrial support processes in Building 10B and other areas, to fi nal acceptance testing and preparation for shipment.

“They want to see the whole overhaul process; but like the AN/TYQ-23, there will be more emphasis on the support shops and supply chain than in previous years,” Engel said. “The evaluators will walk the entire value stream map.”

Examiners will meet with shop personnel to review depot processes and their knowledge of Lean tools. Primary emphasis will be placed on the documented value stream map, how waste from the process is identifi ed and eliminated, and standardization employed in the processes to eliminate variation. Other Lean tools that examiners will ask about are

From left, Carmen Canaii, sheet metal worker; Pat Cowley, electrician; and

Daniel Gebhardt, electrician; perform last adjustments and checks before

fi nal inspection on an AN/ASM–189 Maintenance Electronics Shop Van in

the Tactical End Item Repair Facility. The application of Lean techniques has

earned Shingo evaluation of the repair and upgrade mission for the vans,

hundreds of which have been overhauled by Tobyhanna technicians for

the Recapitalization program. The evaluation will take place Monday and

Tuesday. (Photo by Anthony Ricchiazzi)

AN/ASM-189 system focus of Shingo visitby Anthony Ricchiazzi

Editor

See SHINGO on Page 8

TOBYHANNA REPORTER AUGUST 5, 20082

TOBYHANNA REPORTER

Commander, Col. Ron Alberto Public Aff airs Offi cer, Kevin M. ToolanEditor, Anthony J. RicchiazziAssistant Editor, Jacqueline R. BoucherPhotographers, 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. government, 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.mil

OBITUARY

Phelan

THANKS

To my friends and co-workers:

I would like to thank all of you for your thoughtfulness, prayers, and words of comfort on the death of my mother-in-law. Your kindness was very much appreciated and helped my family deal with this sorrow. With sincere appreciation,

Felicia Serrao

Production Management Directorate

James F. Phelan Sr. died July 16. He was 59.Phelan was a materials examiner and identifi er in the

Communications Systems Directorate. He began his depot career in April 2006.

A native of Philadelphia, Phelan was the son of James and Jean (Mansfi eld) Phelan of North Wales.

Phelan retired from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard following a 28-year career. He was a member of the East Stroudsburg American Legion George N. Kemp Post No. 346.

He is survived by his wife, the former Shirley Mann; a son, James Phelan Jr., and his wife, Angela Quintana, of Mays Landing, N.J.; a daughter Jenniferann Crosby and her husband, Thomas, of Tobyhanna; granddaughter Piper Crosby, a brother and three sisters.

The United States is founded upon the belief that every person has unalienable rights and matchless value. Throughout our Nation’s history, brave patriots have made great sacrifi ces to protect this ideal and to advance the cause of freedom around the world. On the 60th anniversary of the integration of the United States Armed Forces, we pay tribute to all our service members and veterans, and we underscore our Nation’s commitment to equality.

On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, declaring “that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.” Today, members of our Armed Forces come from many different backgrounds and cultures and are answering the call to service with bravery, decency, and resolve.

Our Nation has long drawn strength from the diversity of its citizens. Groups such as the Buffalo Soldiers, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the “Borinqueneers” risked their lives while proudly wearing the uniform of the United States. By performing their missions with integrity and honor, they highlighted the power of liberty, helped open the door of opportunity, and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation.

On this anniversary, we celebrate the legacy of those who refused to allow adversity to diminish their spirit or extinguish their drive to help America live up to its promise of equality for all people. We also commemorate our veterans and service members whose noble and selfl ess actions have inspired generations of men and women to follow in their footsteps and made our country a more hopeful place.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2008, as the 60th Anniversary of the Integration of the United States Armed Forces and urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

George W. Bush

Presidential proclamation

commemoratesarmed forces

integration

WASHINGTON—President Harry S. Truman’s 1948 executive order that desegregated the U.S. military was a defi nitive statement of equality that declared all servicemembers must be judged by individual merit instead of their racial background, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.

“No aspect of black Americans’ quest for justice and equality under the law has been nobler than what has been called, “the fi ght for the right to fi ght,” Gates said at the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the integration of the armed forces held in the Capitol Rotunda.

“Our commemoration of the racial integration of the armed forces makes us refl ect on how far we have come toward living up to our founding ideals and yet how much remains to be done,” Gates said.

The Defense Department began breaking down the barriers of race at the conclusion of World War II in 1945, Gates said. As in past wars, African-American troops had served in World War II with honor and distinction, he noted.

However, African-American troops had to fi ght and live separately from all-white units.

America’s sons and daughters fought in World War II to preserve freedom and human dignity for the world’s people, Gates said. Yet, African-Americans who’d served with distinction in that war, he noted, “returned to face segregation and harassment at home,” as so-called Jim Crow segregation laws in place across the South relegated African-Americans to second-class-citizen status.

Truman’s Executive Order 9981, signed July 26, 1948, was an important statement and an important step, Gates said. However, he said, Truman’s directive “had to overcome stiff institutional resistance, as deeply entrenched attitudes were hard to change.”

For example, “segregated units remained the norm and integrated units the exception,” Gates noted, for several years after the integration order was issued.

The start of the Korean War in June 1950 prompted the need to put hundreds of thousands of Americans into uniform after the U.S. military had demobilized following the end of World War II.

“With the sudden outbreak of war in Korea, the urgent

demands of the battlefi eld trumped the old habit of Jim Crow,” Gates said.

Before the start of the Korean War, he said, 50 percent of African-Americans in the Marine Corps—about 750 men —served as stewards. At the end of the Korean War in 1953, Gates said, there were 17,000 African-American Marines, and only 3 percent served as stewards.

“By 1954, the Korean War was over, the last of the segregated units were dissolved, and the momentum for equality and civil rights was carrying over into American society as a whole,” Gates said.

In the ensuing decades after Truman’s directive took effect, “black and white Americans trained, served, and fought together with honor and distinction,” Gates said.

Today’s integrated U.S. military continues to “put merit and integrity above all,” Gates said.

“My hope and expectation is that, in the years ahead, more African-Americans will staff the armed forces at the highest levels,” Gates said. “We must make sure the American military continues to be a great engine of progress and equality—all the better to defend our people and our values against adversaries around the globe.”

by Gerry Gilmore

American Forces Press Service

Truman’s military desegregation order refl ects American values, Gates says

AUGUST 5, 2008 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 3

It’s been more than 1,130 days since anyone working in one of Tobyhanna’s heavy industrial areas has suffered a recordable injury.

The Finishing and Etching Branch’s safety program keeps employees out of harm’s way with a proactive plan that outlines operating procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Plating and Photo Fabrication shops employ 38 people who work with chemicals and machinery, move heavy objects and risk slippery fl oors, splashing fl uids, and loud noises on a daily basis. Employees prep up to 20,000 aluminum and steel items for painting a month, and create stickers, emblems and name plates for equipment repaired in depot shops.

Safety offi cials noted that this achievement reinforces the principle that it’s the individual who makes the worksite safer

by implementing safe work practices.“While we have an outstanding safety

record at the depot, it is quite impressive for a heavy industrial area to go so long without a recordable injury,” said Russel Dunkelberger, Safety Division chief. “Each employee in the branch should be extremely proud of their accomplishment.”

Generally, an injury or illness is considered recordable if it occurs in the workplace and results in: death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond fi rst aid, or loss of consciousness.

The branch complies with safety regulations and program requirements, has their own spill response team, and maintains a best-practice for locating material safety data sheets. Workers develop best practices, communicate regularly, share information and conduct training to keep work areas safe.

“Safety can’t be stressed too much in an environment such as this; the shops

support everyone on the depot,” said Lou Bocci, branch chief. “At some point we touch all the work that goes through the depot.” The Systems Integration and Support Directorate shops are located in the Industrial Operations Facility with the sandblasting and painting operations.

Employees work around buffi ng and grinding wheels, overhead cranes, copper wiring, and chemicals such as nickel, cadmium irridite, black oxide and tin. Bocci remarked that some employees also spend a considerable amount of time on their feet, often on one spot.

William Legg is an electroplater who works around acids and cleaners while plating metals to prevent corrosion. The plating process creates a fi lament over the steel and aluminum that protects items from rust and helps paint adhere to the metal. For him, education and awareness are keys to keeping everyone safe.

“I think our program is successful because we have a rotating safety star point to ensure everyone understands the importance of wearing PPE,” Legg said, adding that safety is a topic of discussion during morning “huddle” meetings and at weekly home team meetings.

Shop bulletin boards and common areas are littered with documents, pamphlets and other items that reinforce safety standards such as the wear of PPE [goggles, rubber gloves, steel-toed shoes, and aprons] and procedures for working around machinery and immersion tanks. In addition, the branch chief performs a weekly and monthly walk around to ensure compliance with current guidance.

“I select an employee to join me when I do my walk-around,” Bocci said. “That way they can see what I see and hopefully learn from it.” Bocci added that new employees participate in a worksite safety orientation their fi rst day of work.

All employees are required to complete PPE, hazardous material, and cadmium and lead training annually. There are a select few, based on their job description, that also have to attend respirator and confi ned-space training.

“We’re constantly dipping work into the chemical baths, so we have to wear goggles

in case of an accidental splash,” said John Armitage, electroplater, adding that steel-toed shoes are a must and ear protection is benefi cial in the noisy work environment.

“Employees are empowered to identify, correct and report hazards as they are identifi ed,” Bocci said. “Everyone is encouraged to bring issues to the table and recommend possible solutions.”

To keep people from risking back injury lifting heavy items, Bocci had three fl oor lifts installed. The branch chief is currently working with ergonomics specialists to see if fl oor mats would be helpful to employees who stand at a workstation most of the day.

May 2005 was the last time anyone in the Finishing and Etching Branch had a recordable injury. Laura Wellman attributes the accomplishment to sustainment of existing safety practices. Wellman is an electroplater.

“We’re a team working toward the same goal,” she said, emphasizing that a safe work environment is the result of everyone doing the right thing.

by Jacqueline Boucher

Assistant Editor

Jim Johnson, electroplater worker, takes a basket of steel parts out of the dryer after being treated for

paint. (Photos by Tony Medici)

Mike Benjamin, electroplater worker, loads a

basket with sandblasted aluminum parts.

Heavy industrial worksite boasts no injuries since ‘05

After a successful pilot project last year, Tobyhanna continues to expand the telework program for employees.

Not to be confused with the “ad hoc” type telework, which has existed for decades to permit employees to work from home for medical reasons or on special projects, the latest

telework program encompasses regular and recurring work.

Under this version of the telework program, employees who satisfy program requirements may work at least one day per pay period at an alternative duty location, such as at home.

Information on the telework program can be found in a variety of documents posted to the depot intranet under the Civilian Personnel/

Labor Management/Telework link. The documents provide employees and supervisors with guidance to determine if telework is viable and describe the program requirements.

The Telework Eligibility Survey/Request, TYAD Form AMSEL –TY 6207, which is available on the intranet under Electronic Forms, can be used by employees to apply for telework.

Supervisors must coordinate

all requests for telework with me prior to starting the program.

If a supervisor determines that the position and the employee satisfy the telework requirements, the supervisor and employee must complete and maintain copies of the depot Telework Agreement and a Home Safety Inspection Checklist, TYAD Form AMSEL-TY 6199.

For more information, call X57770.

by Regina Hunt

Human Resources Specialist

Tobyhanna expands telework program Red Cross

Blood DriveThe depot’s Red Cross blood drive dates are the fi rst and third Wednesday of each month. To schedule an appointment, employees must obtain supervisory approval and then call X57091.

TOBYHANNA REPORTER AUGUST 5, 20084

Safety(Measures Total Case Incidents)

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

2.0

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Goals$300: 1.8$400: 1.6$500: 1.4Yield

$400

$300

$400

$500

Lean 6S(Measures Ability to Sustain Lean Initiatives)

86%

88%

90%

92%

94%

96%

98%

Jun Jul Aug Sep

$300

Goals$300: 90%$400: 94%$500: 98%

$500

$400

$300

Customer Satisfaction(Measures Monthly Survey Results of Randomly Selected Respondents)

94%

95%

96%

97%

98%

99%

100%

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

$500

Goals$300: 95.0%$400: 95.5%$500: 96.0%

$500

$400

$300

Net Operating Result (NOR)(Measures Ability to Meet or Exceed Established NOR Mark)

$0.0

$2.0

$4.0

$6.0

$8.0

$10.0

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Goals $ M$300: $7.42$400: $7.84$500: $8.25

$M

$500

$300$400

$500

$46.9 $45.7 $51.2 $56.3 $45.7 $47.4 $36.0 $24.5 $33.0

The employee payout award is based on performance in four areas rather than just the depot’s fi nancial performance as defi ned by the annual Net Operating Result (NOR). The amounts depicted in the charts represent a “projected payout” based on the depot standing against the stretch goals. Each of the four metrics has a payout potential of $500 for a potential maximum payout of $2,000. The fi nal award amount will be determined by the cumulative status in each of the four areas at the end of this fi scal year. Monthly updates will be published in the Tobyhanna Reporter.

DEPOT PERFORMANCE IN KEY AREAS

A Command, Control and Computer/Avionics Directorate employee earned a depot-level award for helping meet or exceed repair cycle time (RCT) dates for work performed on the AN/TPS-75 radar.

Rick Purdy, an electronics technician, claimed the Tobyhanna Employee of the Quarter Award for the second quarter of the 2008 fi scal year.

Recognized by his peers as a team player and a go-to guy, Purdy helps other shops solve problems.

“We have several extremely technical issues and Rick is available whenever we need him,” said Frank Frey, Surveillance Systems Division chief. “His dedication to duty, thoroughness and genuine concern has been outstanding.”

Purdy works in the Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Repair Shop doing component-level repairs on thousands of circuit cards annually for the AN/TYQ-23 Tactical Air Operations Module, AN/TPS-75 Air Defense Radar System, and AN/UYQ-27.

He joined the ATE staff eight years ago and has worked on numerous electronic systems during his 34-year career.

“I enjoy helping others,” he said, admitting that his coworkers really ‘pulled one over’ on him by nominating him for the award. “I’ve been in electronics since I was 15 years old, so I have quite a background. If someone is having a problem with something, I’ll take time to see if there is anything I can do to help,” Purdy added.

The electronics veteran noted there are more than 300 circuit cards in the AN/TPS-75, AN/UYQ-27 and the AN/TYQ-23. Depot employees overhaul, repair and reset dozens of these systems each year.

The AN/TYQ-23 is a mobile command, control and communications facility that provides the ability to plan, direct

and execute airspace management activities. The AN/TYQ-23 can interface with up to four AN/TPS-75 Air Defense Radar Systems and is used by the Army, Air Force and Navy for voice and data communications. The AN/UYQ-27 is a situation display console.

Glenn Gestewitz recounted a time when shop technicians were working with a complex timing issue that involved the Timing Generator circuit card for the radar.

“Rick took the time to help the techs and Production Engineering personnel troubleshoot the cards, and provided invaluable insight in to their operation,” said the Air Traffi c Control and Landing Systems Branch chief. Gestewitz was a supervisor working on the radar when the nomination package was submitted. Furthermore, Purdy visited the test sites to observe the results of changes made to the circuit card.

“His interest in working through technical problems and his desire to see that a quality product was going to the customer [the warfi ghter] was something I felt deserved special recognition,” Gestewitz said.

“I like my job because I get the opportunity to work on a lot of

different systems,” Purdy said. “The work is challenging and rewarding.”

Purdy knows his work directly supports the warfi ghter. “They use these systems in the fi eld every day. The work done here helps save lives.”

Coworkers agree that Purdy “sets the pace in getting the job done.”

Purdy and his wife, Sharon, are parents to two children: Samantha, 20, and Brianna, 17. He grew up in Edwardsville and is a resident of Hughestown.

All civilian employees are eligible for the Employee of the Quarter Award. Winners can also receive an optional special parking space for the quarter in addition to the $500 cash award and plaque.

Workers selected as an employee of the quarter are eligible to compete at the U.S. Army CECOM Life Cycle Management Command-level.

To nominate an employee, co-workers must submit AMSEL-TY Form 2035-R-E to the Incentive Awards offi ce, mail stop 5081. For more information, call Anita Maher, Incentive Awards program manager, X59352, or Debbie Orner, Incentive Awards management assistant, X59249.

by Jacqueline Boucher

Assistant Editor

Rick Purdy was named the Tobyhanna Employee of the Quarter for the second

quarter for his work on thousands of circuit cards every year. (Photo by Tony

Medici)

Technician helps meet, exceed goals;

claims Tobyhanna quarterly award

READ THE TOBYHANNA REPORTER ON THE DEPOT’S INTERNET SITE.

CURRENT AND ARCHIVED ISSUES OF THE BI-WEEKLY PUBLICATION CAN BE VIEWED AT

HTTP://WWW.TOBYHANNA.ARMY.MIL/ABOUT/NEWS/REPORTER.HTML

AUGUST 5, 2008 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 5

U.S. Army TMDE

Support Center-TobyhannaThe Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment support center’s 38 employees support over 27,000 items from more than 200 customers. They perform over 15,000 calibration and 3,500 repair actions each year, using state–of–the–art calibration standards and systems. The center has two labs: Area Calibration (ACL) and Internal Calibration (ICL). ACL performs reference level calibration while ICL performs transfer level calibration. Primary workload for ACL is the calibration standards used by the transfer level labs and the primary workload for ICL is the general purpose and special purpose customer– owned TMDE.

Equipment SpecsThe TMDE Support Center (TSC) provides calibration, repair and metrology support services for customer–owned test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment (TMDE). All calibrations and certifi cations performed are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The center serves customers throughout the nine Northeastern states, with Tobyhanna being its largest customer. Other customers include tenant activities at the depot, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Picatinny and Watervliet Arsenals, as well as Army Reserve, National Guard and Marine Reserve units and other federal agencies.

Excellence in Electronics

Around the Depot

Mike Chapman, electronics measurement equipment mechanic, calibrates a dial indicator in the physical lab.

Ed Traigis, electronics measurement equipment mechanic,

calibrates a digital multi-meter.

George Marcin uses the Sheppard Radiac Calibrator

to calibrate an ASP-1 radiac meter, which detects

radiation. Marcin is a physical science technician.

Don Thomas calibrates test oscillators in

the internal calibration lab. Thomas is

an electronics measurement equipment

mechanic.

Tom Carney, an electronics measurement equipment mechanic,

calibrates attenuators (reduce the amplitude or power of a

signal) using the Passive Device-Measuring Automated Tool.

Susan Doncses, calibration

coordination specialist,

prepares calipers for status in

the TMDE Integrated Material

Management System.Al Uzdella calibrates a circuit card using the VTS-1000. Uzdella is an

electronics integrated system mechanic.

Photos by Tony Medici

TOBYHANNA REPORTER AUGUST 5, 20086

COMMUNITY BULLETIN

NEW SUPERVISORSS

VLTP

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/CAR POOLS

OrganizationTitle

Lorraine Connors Secretary D/PIIMichael DeAngelo Sheet metal worker D/SISBrianne Flynn HR assistant, military D/IRMLloyd Mackell Safety/occupations health spec D/IRMJoe-Lee Maitin Material handler D/PWWilliam Millard Police offi cer D/IRMCecilia Monte Secretary D/BMLeaonard Pesta Electrical worker D/SISPhilippe Sukrutam Equipment specialist, electronics D/C3/AvionicsAndrew Tichy Engineering tech, drafting D/PWJesse Van Orden Police offi cer D/IRMJonathan Writer Sandblaster D/CSJames Yoder General equipment repair D/SIS

Name

WELCOME TO THE DEPOT

Strausser

Thousands of Tobyhanna Army Depot employees have donated more than 46,926 annual leave hours to help 459 people over the past 20 years.

The 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.

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

Currently, there are 27 active VLTP cases with eligible employees in need of leave donations. They are:

Edward J. Baker, ASRS Division, Production Management Directorate.

Ronald L. Breymeier, Range Threat Systems Division, C3/Avionics Directorate.

Robin Campbell, Electro-Optic/Night Vision Division, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Directorate.a

Alan Dippel, Engineering Design Development & Manufacturing Division, Production Engineering Directorate.

Lisa Dougher, Electronic Services Division, Systems Integration & Support Directorate

James P. Durkin, Industrial Services, Division, SIS Directorate.

Angela D. Earle, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Syracuse, N.Y.

Sally Franks, Materiel Management Division, PM Directorate.

Eugene S. Hapersberger, Industrial Support Division, SIS Directorate.

Andrew Heffl er, Electronic Services Division, SIS Directorate

Daniel Hopkins, Refi nishing Division, SIS Directorate.

Bonnie Hunsinger, Tactical Missile Division, C3/Avionics Directorate.

James J. King, Welding Branch, Industrial Services Division, SIS Directorate.

Joseph John Kovalik, Engineering Design Development and Manufacturing Division, Production Engineering Directorate.

Anne Kruizenga, SATCOM Division, Communications Systems Directorate.

Francis Lo Dolce, TACCOM Division, CS Directorate.

Paul T. Mahoney, Paint Branch, Refi nishing Division, SIS 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.

Sebastian M. Szerszen, Firefi nder Division, ISR Directorate.

Dejah Vaughn, 412th Engineer Company, 412th Engineer Command, USAR, Scranton, Pa.

John B. Wettstein, Materiel Movement Division, PM Directorate.

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

Tina Williams, Travel and Transportation Services Division, Resource Management Directorate.

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

Russell Strausser is chief of the Sidewinder Missile Branch; Command, Control and Computers/Avionics Directorate.

He supervises more than 40 people who repair 1,250 guidance and control sections a year.

Prior to his current position, Strausser was an electronics mechanic leader. He began his career at Tobyhanna in 2000.

During his career, Strausser earned a Teamwork Award, Suggestion Award, On-the-Spot Cash Award, Certifi cate of Appreciation and a Special Act Award.

Strausser is a 1986 graduate of North Pocono High School. He and his wife, Tammy, reside in Moscow. They are the parents of Alyssa,

14, and Brooke, 9.Strausser’s hobbies include racing, camping and hunting. He also coaches

his daughter’s softball team in the North Pocono Little League Organization.

• Factoryville, Dalton, Clarks Summit: 1 opening, van, 5/4/9, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., fi rst Friday, A placard/handicap, call Richard Pomicter, X59343.• Hazleton, Drums, Mountaintop: 1 opening, van, 7 passengers, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.,nonsmoking, “A” placard, call Don Cook, X58363.• Pittston Commons: 1 opening, 6 passengers, van, 7 a.m.-

3:30 p.m. shift, nonsmoking, leaves daily 6:05 a.m., call Frank Slempa, X58009 or Joe Scheff, X58401.• Mountaintop, White Haven: 1 opening, van, 7 passengers, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., nonsmoking, call janet Giarratano, X59268.• Clarks Summit: new, 7 passengers, van, “A” placard, nonsmoking, 5/4/9, call Akhtar Nayeem, X59062.• Nanticoke, Sugar Notch: 1 opening, van, 14 passengers, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., “A” placard, call John Bienick, X57361 or X57646.• Weatherly, White Haven: 1 opening, van, 7 passengers, 5/4/9, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m., nonsmoking, call Wanda, X57230 or John, X58805.

• House: West Pittston, move-in condition, 1,300 sq. ft., good family neighborhood, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, large garage, close to many van pools, $85,000, call Chris, 484-868-1190,• NASCAR collectables: Dale Earnhardt Jr/Sr, Jeff Gordon, Harvick and others, mostly winners circle, some transporters and special items, sold in sets or parted out, prices start at $2.50, call Walter, 499-4219.• Condo: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, end unit, new paint, great condition, near shopping/highway/new casino, in Mount Pocono, $79,996, call 424-8211.

• Exercise equipment: Stepper exerciser, like new, paid $800, asking $450 negotiable, and a woman’s bike, new, paid $600, asking $350 negotiable , call Denise, 582-4838 or e-mail Sandypatches@gmail.com.• Puppies: 3 males, long hair, black/tan, miniature Dachshunds, AKC registered, vet checked, fi rst shots and de-wormed, 8 weeks old as of Aug. 2, $475 each, call Becky, 344-9910.• Computer: 2001 ibook, Mac OSC operating system installed, has itunes, imovie, iphoto, DVD player, Appleworks, needs new battery, does not connect to the Internet, call Terry at 839-9428.• Dishes: Pfaltzgraff dishes, Night Surf, 4-piece set, service for 8, includes 2 serving bowls, very good condition, 2 years old, $60, call 885-1128.• Memorabilia: Wade Boggs, 5x7 photo mounted on plaque, baseball cards, $25, call 969-3123 and leave phone number.• Furniture: Contemporary living room set; red sofa and loveseat, black chair & ottoman, all with chrome legs, glass and chrome coffee table and 2 end tables, good condition, asking $1,000, call Peggy 388-2087.• Parrot: Yellow Nap Amazon, DOB 4/27/08, Band No. 2413, name is Angel, talks and sings, green with yellow on top of head and back of neck, cage and toys included, someone with a knowledge of parrots is best, asking $800, call Jean or Hank, 722-0503 or leave message.

THE THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN (TSP) MONTHLY RATES CHART IS ON THE INTERNET

www.tsp.gov/index.html

To check out how retirement investments are doing, click on the following links:Returns, Share Prices & Fund Sheets, Current Returns, Monthly Returns, and Individual TSP Funds

AUGUST 5, 2008 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 7

1st—Bryan Ranallo2nd—Gary McCauley3rd—Loi Gubbiotti4th—Kyle Miller5th—Mike Corey6th—David Brown7th—Mike Rutherford8th—Joseph Limani9th—David Skotleski10th—Kathleen Scott

1st—Lori Newman2nd—Ruth Sutton3rd—Ed Panner4th—Dale Soller5th—Tasa Kenosky6th—Anthony Lindstrom7th—James Kashack8th—Blake Small9th—Lori McAndrew10th—Reid Bodine11th—Ann Campbell12th—Edward Jones13th—Eileen Hoffman14th—Tina Lynott15th—Phil Howser16th—Clarence Williams

17th—Peg O’Hara18th—David Jurosky19th—Jay Wilson20th—Blaise Kroll21st—Anne Dolinsky22nd—Tami Kearney23rd—Terry Kresge24th—Bernie Stascavage25th—Robert Chesnavich

1st—Ron Saar2nd—Byron Keener3rd—Diane Hayman4th—Harry Heck5th—Tom Narcavage6th—Gerard Richards7th—Damian Edward8th—Edward Emelett9th—Joe Brungard10th—Al Yearing11th—William Lukacinsky12th—Kevin Hinrichs13th—Lois Dieterie14th—Patty Duffy15th—Roberto Veledon16th—Robert Smith17th—Steve Marko18th—Curtis Bennet

19th—Don Sharpe20th—David Babich

1st—Robert Garnett2nd—Kathy Fabricatore3rd—Colleen Gavin4th—Bill Freeman5th—Rebecca McQuoun6th—Ron Saar7th—Diane Hayman8th—Brian Conner9th—Paul Kaluta10th—Dave Beretski11th—Matt Fedor12th—Tom Shuldaski13th—Joe Weiscarger14th—Kevin Lynds15th—Mark Samsell16th—Bill Rivel17th—Dave Babich18th—Jeff Borger19th—Mark Chilson20th—Tony Medici21st—Jan Livinghouse22nd—Harry Heck23rd—Karen Sitty24th—Don Williams25th—John Lynady

WINNERS CIRCLE

EAD

MWR

SPORTS

PASS AUTO

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY

CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE

Four Tobyhanna employees were recognized for their years of government service during the July 31 Length of Service Ceremony.

Stanley Sledzinski—35 years, sheet metal mechanic leader, Industrial Services Division, Systems Integration and Support Directorate.

Donald Cirba—35 years, equipment specialist, Communications Support Division, Production Engineering Directorate.

Thomas Holmes—30 years, chief, Technical Development Division, Business Management Directorate.

Thomas Grabousky—30 years, sheet metal mechanic, SIS Directorate.

In addition to their service certifi cates and pins, employees with 35 years receive an engraved mantel clock and 30-year honorees receive a framed American Flag that includes a photo of the depot.

Honorees who attend their Length of Service ceremony also receive a four-hour time-off award.

Deputy Commander Frank Zardecki presented the awards.

CAREER MILESTONE

Thomas Holmes, Stanley Sledzinski, Deputy Commander Frank Zardecki, Donald Cirba, and Thomas Grabousky

attend the July 31 Length of Service ceremony. (Photo by Tony Medici)

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate confi rmed the appointment of Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody to the grade of four-star general.

Dunwoody, who will be the fi rst woman to serve as a four-star general in the U.S. military, was also confi rmed for assignment as commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command, headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Va.

“I am truly humbled to be able to continue to serve my country in uniform,” Dunwoody said. “I am extremely honored to be selected to lead the men and women of Army Materiel Command—the military, civilian personnel and contractors of AMC—who are among the

nation’s fi nest, men and women who continue to serve with dedication during these diffi cult and uncertain times.”

Lt. Gen. Dunwoody’s confi rmation as a four-star general is the latest achievement for women in the military, dating back to Mary Marshall and Mary Allen, who served as ship nurses during the War of 1812, to Brig. Gen. Anna Mae Hays, the fi rst female general offi cer in the U.S. Armed Forces. About 5 percent of general offi cers in the U.S. Army are women, offi cials said, adding that this includes mobilized Army Reserve and Army National Guard general offi cers.

“I have never considered myself anything but a Soldier,” Dunwoody said. “I recognize that with this selection, some will view me as a trailblazer, but it’s important that we remember the generations of women whose dedication, commitment and quality of service helped open the doors of opportunity for us today. There are so many talented women in our Army today … you would be impressed. So what’s even more exciting for me is knowing that while I may be the fi rst, I know I won’t be the last. I’m thrilled with this selection and proud to continue to serve!”

Prior to her recent appointment as deputy commanding general and chief of staff of AMC, Dunwoody served as deputy chief of staff, G-4, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C. Dunwoody entered the Army in 1975, and served fi rst as a platoon leader with the 226th Maintenance Company, 100th Supply and Services Battalion, Fort Sill, Okla. During her 33-year Army career, Dunwoody has served as the commander for the 5th Quartermaster Detachment, 66th Maintenance Battalion, 29th Area Support Group, Germany; commander of the Division Support Command, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.; and commanding general, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, Fort Lee, Va. (Army News Service)

First female four-star to lead

U.S. Army Materiel Command

Volunteers support Day of Caring

The United Way of Lackawanna and Monroe counties will conduct their annual community-wide Day of Caring volunteer event Sept. 4.

On this day, thousands of people volunteer to work on various service projects to benefi t the United Way and other non-profi t organizations. Indoor and outdoor projects such as opening area camp sites, planting

fl owers, painting, clerical tasks, landscaping, carpentry, and maintenance are available.

Last year, Tobyhanna Army Depot employees joined over 2,000 volunteers representing more than 75 local businesses in both counties participated in the Day of Caring.

The deadline to volunteer is Aug. 25. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact me, X57256 or john.j.ross@us.army.mil.

Let’s all show our support to the community and have a great showing this year.

by John Ross

Day of Caring coordinator

WASHINGTON—A new Web site is giving the American public a nonpartisan opportunity to join entertainers, professional athletes and politicians in expressing gratitude to servicemembers defending the nation.

“What we wanted to do and, I think, something that we were equipped to do, was to provide a forum that is really meant to be uplifting [to servicemembers],” said Stacey Artandi, founder of “Moment of Thanks.” “It’s meant to say [to Americans], ‘Shed your politics. Put them aside, and take a moment to be grateful for some of the things that we really cherish.’”

The Moment of Thanks site is one way parent company SheZoom, a video site for women and families, is working to keep troops and support for them at the top of everyone’s mind, she said.

It allows for the upload of videos, photos or text containing a positive message for the troops at

no cost. Registration is required to upload material, however.

Launched July 4, the Moment of Thanks site already boasts more than 1,000 video messages.

Though the initiative will continue well past the end of the year, the goal is to have 100,000 messages of support by then.

“From the very beginning when we started this, we reached out to ... ‘Soldiers’ Angels,’ [which] was incredibly responsive,” she said. Soldiers’ Angels, a troop-support organization, is a supporter of the Defense Department’s “America Supports You” program, connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and overseas.

Led by SheZoom and sponsored by Kodak Gallery, the Moment of Thanks initiative already has come full circle, Artandi said.

“We’re actually beginning to have some soldiers respond back to us,” she said. “They’re saying, ‘Thanks for saying thanks.’”

Web Site gives public chance to thank troopsAmerican Forces Press Service

Dunwoody

TOBYHANNA REPORTER AUGUST 5, 20088

SHINGO from Page 1

Tobyhanna Army Depot has produced a $4.8 million state-of-the-art communications system for the Army’s Theater Missile Defense System now being deployed.

Called Ballistic Missile Defense System Communications Support Complex-Transportable/Protected Communications and Control System-Transportable, it supports the Theater Missile Defense System’s AN/TPY-2 X-Band Radar, which is used in conjunction with sensors to track missiles.

“The X-Band system is an early-warning, forward based radar,” said Ken Stackhouse. “The primary mission of the system we built is to provide radar data to Missile Defense Agency command centers, which provide data to the missile centers.” Stackhouse is a lead electronics technician in the Satellite Systems Engineering Branch. The branch is part of the Production Engineering Directorate’s Engineering Design Development and Manufacturing Division.

Tobyhanna designed and produced the BCSC-T/PCCS-T in conjunction with the Missile Defense Agency, Defense Information Systems Agency, Project Manager Defense Communications and Army Transmission Systems (PM DCATS) and Product Director Satellite Communications Systems (PD SCS).

Stackhouse described the system as “a transportable DOIM (Information Management Directorate).” It is housed in conexes and mounted on low bed trailers. Components include Defense Switched Network telephones, Defense Red Switched Network telephones, secure and non-secure Internet access, radar data computers and satellite communications terminals.

“We have a transportable system that can support hundreds of telephone and internet users,” said Erin Moran, mechanical engineer. “It is part of a Global Layered Defense system that provides real time command control communications, which will improve response time to a missile attack with better accuracy.”

Joe Drahus, electronics engineer, said the biggest

advantage of the system is its fl exibility. “We built in fl exibility so if the DISN (Defense Information Systems Network) is upgraded, the system will still be compatible with it. The system can also be used for other communications missions.”

The initial concept of the system was reviewed by Tobyhanna, the Missile Defense Agency, PM DCATS and PD SCS in November 2006. Work began in February 2007.

Satellite Systems Engineering Branch personnel worked with the Communications, Production Management, and Systems Integration and Support directorates to design, build and test components, and to prepare shelters and trailers that would house the system. By June 2007, the new equipment was ready to be placed in shelters.

The system underwent an operational test in December using an AN/TSC-86 Satellite Terminal to link up with Fort Monmouth.

“The system worked as designed and is scheduled to be deployed in September,” Stackhouse said. “We’ve already begun work on a second system that is scheduled for completion in December.”

by Anthony Ricchiazzi

Editor

Tobyhanna key player in state-of-the-art

missile defense communications system

Adam Wojcicki checks the connection of an Asynchronous Transfer Mode,

which is part of equipment used to test components of the ballistic missile

defense communications support system. (Photo by Anthony Ricchiazzi)

Tobyhanna Army Depot produced a state-of-the-art communications system for the Army’s Theater Missile Defense System now being

deployed. The system, called Ballistic Missile Defense System Communications Support Complex-Transportable/Protected Communications

and Control System-Transportable, supports the Theater Missile Defense System’s AN/TPY-2 X-Band Radar, which is used in conjunction with

sensors to track missiles. (U.S. Army photo)

combination sheets, bar charts, standard work and visual management.

“Employees, contractors, leaders and managers need to be familiar with these tools, which are posted in the work area,” said Iris Lyle, industrial engineer, PII Directorate.

Employees also need to be aware of their role in the value stream, their immediate upstream and downstream customers (i.e., who sends the work and who gets the fi nished work), and how any variation in the repair process is communicated/documented. These process issues need to be documented on the area Production Control Boards.

Examiners will also review processes in key support activities such as safety, risk management, human resources, production management, quality, engineering, resource

management, environmental management, business management and the Union.

In addition, examiners may also meet with Star Points (e.g., directorate, division and branch level) and other employees to review key process metrics. Leaders and managers at every level involved in supporting the AN/ASM-189 may also be asked questions about the depot’s strategy for future improvements.

Upon completion of the site visit, Tobyhanna will receive a detailed report in September analyzing the depot’s strengths and areas for improvement in 11 criteria elements, as well as the overall fi nal score.

“We will receive a feedback report 30 days after the visit telling us if we merit an award,” Engel said. “Awards will be formally presented at the Shingo Public Sector ceremony on Oct. 9 in Washington, D.C.”

The depot has been involved since the

ESV Recap program’s inception, producing the modifi cation work order and new technical manuals.

Systems are repaired to full overhaul standard and include upgrades such as installing new components with improved performance or additional testing. Upgrades also include improvements to power service and signal interface components and U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command recommendations.

“Tobyhanna technicians rebuild the shelters and vans and CECOM LCMC executes the fi elding plan,” said Mark Kulick, logistics management specialist, Production Management Directorate. “The recapitalization program began full production in FY03 and is scheduled to continue through FY08 and transition into future Reset workload.”

“Employees spend an average of 100

days inserting new technology and providing upgrades to vans, which is less than the standard timetable for repairs of 120 days,” noted Robert Marmo, deputy director, SIS.

Four years into the program, which is part of Army Transformation, the depot overhauled more than 600 AN/ASM-189 Maintenance Electronic Shop Vans to A3 Recap standards, the highest level of repair. It returns items to ‘zero hours/zero miles condition’ with enhanced capabilities.

“The ESV program is now one of the depot’s largest workloads,” said Frank Kaczmarek, Systems Integration and Support director. “A big reason for its success and why we’re going for Shingo recognition is that Systems Integration and Support has embraced Lean as its continuous improvement process focus to effectively meet customer demand and requirements for the vans.”