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NEWS | Aug. 1, 2022

Depot celebrates interns on National Intern Day

By Ms. Katie Nolan and Ms. Danielle Weinschenk

Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) observed National Intern Day on July 28 by shining a spotlight on depot employees who joined Team Tobyhanna through internship programs.

The Pathways Program provides streamlined Federal employment opportunities for students near graduation and recent graduates. Current students can participate in the Internship Program for temporary summer jobs while recent graduates can apply for permanent jobs at Tobyhanna.

Justin Kucharski is the newest member of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) and serves as a trainee Public Affairs Specialist. He sought out a career with Team Tobyhanna after hearing about the opportunities for a stable position where he could make a difference.

Kucharski graduated from Marywood University, where he earned a degree in Digital Media/Broadcast Production and served as the editor-in-chief of the student digital news source, The Wood Word. He says his new position is a perfect fit.

“I was drawn to my degree program because I loved hearing and telling stories. I get a great sense of gratification doing just that here at Tobyhanna.”

During high school and college, Kucharski worked for the grocery chain Wegmans, an endeavor he credits with shaping his professional identity and helping him develop customer service skills vital to working in a public affairs capacity. The experience also taught him unexpected lessons about the importance of communication.

“I was working at Wegmans at the beginning of the pandemic, and our customers were extremely confused about mitigation measures as well as food shortages. Going through that challenging time showed me the impact that good – and bad – communication can have on an organization. I keep that in mind for every piece I write,” he noted.

Co-workers praise Kucharski as a welcome addition to the PAO team.

“One of Justin’s most notable qualities is his positive attitude – he approaches every task with boundless energy and excitement,” said Katie Nolan, Community Relations Specialist.

Anbrouse Buckley is a Machinist supporting the Machining Branch, Fabrication and Assembly Division of the Systems Integration and Support Directorate.

Through a collaboration with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at Rochester Institute of Technology, Buckley and other students can seize the opportunity to get hands on experience in an industrial work environment during a ten-week summer apprenticeship program with TYAD. Over the course of the internship, Buckley is learning the processes and operations the personnel of the Fabrication and Assembly Division carry out in support of the active depot programs that overhaul and repair essential communications electronics equipment used by America’s warfighters.

Buckley’s studies in Precision Manufacturing Technology at NTID have fortified him with the specialized knowledge required for operating the different machines in the shop, which include vertical and horizontal Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Centers, CNC lathes, Manual Mills, Water Jet, Laser and Press Brakes.

“NTID has given me the skills to work independently and to confidently run a CNC Machine,” said Buckley, who intends to use the knowledge gained from study and experience in a future career in the industrial field.

During his time entrenched with Team Tobyhanna, Buckley has gained an appreciation for the work executed every day in the Machining Branch, operating a variety of technical, complex machinery with efficiency and expertise.

“Anbrouse has the ambition and positive attitude to learn new things and ask questions,” said Machining Branch Chief, Keith Knecht who oversees Buckley’s duties in the shop. “He is having a great hands-on experience and is very excited about coming back to Tobyhanna next summer.”

Buckley asserts that the experience has been a positive one, which he credits to the people working side by side with him in the shop.

“Everyone is willing to help and answer any questions I have,” said Buckley. “It is a good working environment.”

Originally from the town of New Kur in Africa, Buckley enjoys carpentry and electrical work in his free time, as well as reading in an effort to improve his skills in English as a second language.

The Pathways program is also available to current members of Team Tobyhanna, such as Hailey Youshock, who started her career on the production floor. Initially starting her depot career in 2018 as a trainee Electronics Worker, Youshock took advantage of the non-duty developmental training program and earned dual Bachelor’s Degrees – one in Criminology/Criminal Justine and a second in Public Policy/Service with a concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She says the endeavor was well worth it.

“It was hard working full-time and going to school at the same time; however, I was passionate about growing my career.”

Developmental assignments also helped expand Youshock’s skill set. She spent time assembling cables in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate, as well as completing component-level repairs in the C4ISR Directorate. Additional experience was gained during a ten-month stint as a Security Assistant, servicing civilians, service members and retirees who needed military identifications.

Once she graduated, Youshock entered the Pathways Program and obtained a position as a Production Controller, supporting several secure communications programs. Those who work with Youshock say she’s a valuable asset to Team Tobyhanna.

"Hailey has learned a very complex position quickly, integrated with her team well, and is always willing to learn more and support those around her," said Anthony Portanova, chief of the Secure Communication Branch in the Production Management Directorate.

Although she boasts an impressive number of hobbies, Youshock is most passionate about volunteering and serves as a mentor though the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program – an endeavor that she says is mutually beneficial.

According to Youshock, her quest for personal growth is nowhere near over.

“In the future, I hope to obtain my Master’s Degree and continue working in my community. For me, it’s all about making the world a better place.”

Students interested in future internship opportunities with Team Tobyhanna can apply through USAJobs at www.usajobs.gov. For more information, students can visit the Office of Personnel Management website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/

Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028 has four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications and aims to posture the organization for future success. The Invest in Our People team is focused on recruiting the best talent to join Team Tobyhanna, including interns, who bring a fresh and unique perspective to the workplace.

Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR 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 3,500 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 empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.