TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -- A successful organization needs both inspirational leaders and sound managers, common traits among Tobyhanna's quarterly award winners.
Electronics Mechanic Jason Simyan and Communications Security (COMSEC) Account Manager Michael Schramm were selected Tobyhanna Army Depot's Employees of the Quarter for the third quarter of 2017 in the junior and senior categories, respectively. Simyan works in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate's Tactical Systems Cable Branch. Schramm works in the C4ISR Directorate's COMSEC Branch.
Simyan said he enjoys the work he does for the warfighter and strives to become a well-rounded leader.
The nine-year Tobyhanna veteran fabricates cable and electronic/electrical assemblies as well as sub-assemblies and harnesses. Daily responsibilities also include maintaining tool inventories for the shop. He keeps things running smoothly by making sure employees have the tools they need.
Additional duties include reading and interpreting simple and complex prints, and identifying and repairing electronic assemblies as required.
"Jason is efficient, meticulous and dedicated," said Gene Golembeski, branch chief. "He is proactive and constantly seeks ways to improve processes and services."
Not long ago, Simyan was the driving force behind establishing a satellite tool crib for specialized tools used by members of the Electronics Fabrication Division.
"He makes sure the machinery and test, measurement and diagnostic equipment are well maintained and follows all preventative maintenance schedules without being asked," Golembeski said. "I can always count on Jason to get the job done. He is a valuable member of the cable branch."
The electronics mechanic is quick to volunteer for training or additional duty in hopes of improving the function of the shop or enhance skills to better serve the warfighter, according to Golembeski. He often fills in when the leader is out of the office, runs the inspection table and records time into the system, he added.
"I was always told not to work at the level you are, but the level you want to be," Simyan said. "It's a way of life that helped me succeed in the Marine Corps and here."
COMSEC Branch personnel and supervisors applaud a coworker's high energy, dedication and attention to detail. Schramm attributes his strong work ethic and zest for life to his parents. He noted his self-confidence is the result of a supportive fiancé and teaching his children reinforces a love of learning.
"I'm grateful my coworkers saw fit to nominate me for this extraordinary achievement," said Schramm. "I have been fortunate to work for outstanding people who provided opportunities that opened doors within the COMSEC world." Predecessors and counterparts have provided resources and imparted wisdom from experience during his 9-year depot career, he added.
As a COMSEC account manager, Schramm oversees the acquisition, control, accounting, safeguarding and distribution of classified material and items. Other duties include monitoring 18 local element hand receipt holders to ensure everyone complies with existing security standards.
"Michael approaches everything with a win-win philosophy," said Sue Rudat, C4ISR deputy director. "He has been critical to the success in keeping depot programs requiring the use of COMSEC key running flawlessly."
An audit by the Army Communications Security Logistics Activity (CSLA) and communications security inspection by Army Materiel Command (AMC) resulted in rave reviews regarding the CECOM accounts managed by Schramm. Fort Huachuca, Arizona, is home to CSLA and AMC is headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Several members of the COMSEC team recognized Schramm for his steadfast commitment to setting the standard as a valuable and outstanding custodian.
"He goes above and beyond, time and time again, to provide significant support to Tobyhanna," said COMSEC Security Account Manager Michael Colleran, adding that Schramm is known for developing and executing training, checklists and informational audits to improve performance.
According to Supply Technician John Yackiel and Electronics Mechanic Eric Walker, Schramm strives to maintain the highest standards by looking after the smallest detail and going the extra mile.
"Mike is fully committed to meeting the needs of the depot by open communication, prompt follow-through, attentiveness, respect and understanding," they said.
Jennifer Bojnowski, communications security supply specialist, calls Schramm a role model.
"He is highly respected by coworkers. The combination of his unwavering ethical standards and COMSEC knowledge enable him to be an excellent mentor to other employees."
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 3,200 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.
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