TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -- Challenges and ingenuity paved the way to greatness for three members of Team Tobyhanna.
Michele Chwal, Deborah Scott and Corey Petruncio were named the Tobyhanna Army Depot Employees of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2015.
Chwal is an operations assistant in the Installation Services Directorate's Community Recreation Branch. Her responsibilities include tracking invoices and credits worth nearly $1 million, and overseeing food inventory and supplies required to run the depot's food services operation. In addition, there are 25 Post Restaurant employees who depend on Chwal's timekeeping skills to get paid.
"I have great supervisors who have recognized potential in me and guided me in the right direction," she said. "It was always up to me to make the most of an opportunity."
Coworkers describe Chwal as someone who always rises to the occasion with a positive upbeat attitude and exceptional customer service. It's her ability to tackle difficult projects, manage tricky situations and complete complex tasks in resourceful manner that sets her apart.
"She has instituted many organizational changes that have streamlined operational procedures and improved the organization's overall effectiveness," said George Bombar, Post Restaurant business manager. For instance, she helped develop a menu template for the entire cash register system, which ensured consistent pricing, and made training easier, he explained. "Michele has set the bar high in her area; without her steady and effective work ethic our mission would not operate as smoothly."
For the last eight years, Chwal has worked for Morale, Welfare and Recreation improving her computer and financial management skills, as well as learning what affects the profitability of a business.
As operations assistant Chwal exhibits highly sophisticated skills and strategies, according to Bombar. "She exemplifies what it really means to be dependable and hardworking."
"I have always been a team player, but working for DOD has really made me aware of the big picture," she said. "It's all about taking care of civilians, retirees, military and family members. I realize that my contributions can boost employee morale and enhance the work environment."
An electronics engineer, Petruncio was instrumental in developing new electro-optics/night vision (EO/NV) overhaul and repair capabilities that generated revenue while meeting the needs of the customer. His days are spent providing engineering support to the EO/NV commodity, which includes everything from technical assistance on existing programs to capability development for new programs.
"I strive to do my best in my professional, educational and personal life," he said. "If you're going to do something, you might as well do it right. There may be bumps in the road and things may not go as expected, but if you continue to learn, adapt, and push forward, you will reach your goal."
The Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3) workload is a huge success due in large part to Corey's hard work and dedication to the program, according to James Scrobola, Avionics and Sensors Engineering Branch chief. His participation in the program resulted in a cost effective organic source of repair and offers a quicker turnaround time.
For more than half of his 10-year depot career, Petruncio has helped the LRAS3 overhaul program evolve from field-level Reset of sight sensors to a fully-developed overhaul program. An added benefit of this lengthy process, he noted, was that he lost his fear of public speaking when he was repeatedly asked to brief others on the status of the program.
"Corey not only supports his own commodity, but agrees to support others outside his area," Scrobola said. "Twice, he's helped repair the Highly Accelerated Stress Screening chamber used to test Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare Duke systems."
Petruncio grew up in a military family and is intimately aware of the lives that depend on the equipment processed through Tobyhanna.
"This program ensures the warfighter has the absolute best equipment available," he said. "The men and women fighting for our country are giving it their all. I think we owe them the same."
Scott quickly adapted to the changing needs of her job when she volunteered to fill in as the Installation Planning and Maintenance Division secretary. Armed with an effective communication strategy, she was able to meet the needs and demands of over 75 staff members and customer requests.
"I enjoy my job and like being part of a team," she said. "My parents were very hard working people and always taught me that you get back what you put forth."
Other duties of the division secretary include making sure office equipment is operational and well equipped, supplies are plentiful and customer service is top notch. No one was surprised when Scott agreed to help the hand receipt holder with turn-in items and annual inventory of accountable property.
"Debi proactively accomplished her daily duties, other assigned tasks and processed dozens of individual job orders," said Diane Leonard, division chief, noting that staff efficiency increased by 10 to 20 percent during Scott's tenure. "She's set the standard for coworkers in her loyalty to the mission and the depot, and respect for others."
Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna's Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C4ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.
Tobyhanna's unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our Joint Warfighters.
About 3,100 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.
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