Depot commits to year-round community support

By erica carresciaFebruary 4, 2020

Depot commits to year-round community support
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Depot commits to year-round community support
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Tobyhanna Army Depot participates in over 50 community events during the calendar year. These events cultivate community involvement from the thousands of people who work at the installation.

Depot employees participated in a number of community events in Northeastern Pennsylvania throughout 2019. Events range from local parades, speaking engagements, tours for local high school and college students to award ceremonies.

Four times a year, a military member is named Warfighter of the Quarter for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Tobyhanna partners with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Pocono Raceway to pay tribute to the individual's service to the nation during a ceremony conducted at local sporting events attended by thousands of people.

Tony DeFrancesco regularly volunteers to drive Humvees and other military vehicles from the depot to local community events. DeFrancesco is the Systems Integration and Support Directorate's Tactical Vehicle Branch chief.

"Supporting local events is simply our way of giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years and sharing the Army story," DeFrancesco said. "Volunteering also strengthens relationships, old and new, to commit to a shared activity."

Community engagement is a vital element of the depot's community relations mission and strategic communications efforts.

"Tobyhanna's participation in community events allows our families, friends and neighbors to become invested in our mission and how we support the warfighter," said Melanie Carpenter, C4ISR Directorate administrative officer. "Giving back to the community should be the standard."

There are many opportunities available for depot employees to get involved in the local community, to include military and veteran affiliated organizations. Tobyhanna is already preparing for upcoming events such as Armed Forces Day in May and an air show in August.

For more information on volunteering for Tobyhanna Army Depot community events, call the Public Affairs Office, 570-615-7308.