Deputy Commander marks 55 years of service to country

By Mr. Justin Eimers (CECOM)April 5, 2017

Deputy Commander marks 55 years of service to country
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -- What do you say about a man who has spent more than 55 years of his life in federal service and is now the longest-tenured employee in depot history?

"We're here to toast him but we're also here to roast him a little," said depot commander Col. Gregory Peterson during Frank Zardecki's 55-year Length of Service ceremony.

Zardecki, Tobyhanna's deputy commander since 1991, began his federal service in August 1960 as an airborne navigation equipment repairman in the U.S. Air Force. He served until July 1964 and joined the depot workforce in January 1966 as an electronic test equipment repairman.

Peterson recognized Zardecki's ascension through the ranks and his indelible impact on the depot.

"Frank has survived through 22 depot commanders, 13 since becoming deputy commander. Given his propensity to say what's on his mind, perhaps it's more appropriate to say that 22 commanders have survived him," said Peterson. "Frank is the continuity that the depot needs to succeed."

Zardecki, who has surpassed former depot employee George McClure's 55 years and two weeks of service, has a career highlighted with prestigious Department of Defense accolades. Perhaps most notable is the Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest civilian award given by the Secretary of Defense, which he received in 2013.

Zardecki's expertise in depot maintenance and operations makes him a sought-after resource for special assignments, task forces and panels throughout the Defense Department. Some of these assignments include serving as the avionics representative for the Army on Inter-Service studies, the U.S. Army representative to the Joint Depot Maintenance Analysis Group, which analyzed DoD mobilization maintenance requirements, and a tour at the former Depot Systems Command to participate in the Logistics 81 study, resulting in the creation of the Center for Industrial Technical Excellence, or CITE, designations.

While he appreciated the recognition from Peterson and other depot employees during the event's special presentations, his remarks focused on the mission and the future of the depot.

"I like what we do and I like coming to work every day," he said, "but there's a lot to be done in the next few years."

He noted the challenges facing the depot and recognized the requirements for long-term success.

"This has become an extremely complex business, but two things I've always tried to maintain are modernization of the facilities and education of the workforce," said Zardecki. "I tend not to look back, I always look forward. I'm committed to this place."

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.

About 3,200 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command's mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.