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NEWS | Oct. 1, 2019

Strength of the team reaps individual accolades

By Ms. Jacqueline Boucher

Individual awards are earned through teamwork according to personnel being recognized for doing their jobs well.

Electronics Mechanic John Lesh and Information Technology (IT) Specialist Lisa Rosario were named the Tobyhanna Army Depot Employee of the Quarter for the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, junior and senior categories, respectively.

The award winners were quick to point a finger at coworkers as the source of their success. While a strong work ethic leads them to produce quality work, both employees are grateful for the opportunity to work with outstanding people.

"One thing I've learned while working here is that you never stop learning new things," said Lesh. "You are always surrounded by a wealth of knowledge." Lesh works in the C4ISR Directorate's ATCALS/Range Threat Systems Division.

Personnel who come in contact with Lesh, refer to him as a "breath of fresh air" based on his enthusiasm and innovative approach to accomplishing the mission on time and within budget.
It didn't take Lesh long to became a subject matter expert on the AN/TSQ-198 Tactical Terminal Control System (TTCS) after assuming duties as an electronics mechanic in the ATCALS Branch. Officials learned early on that he could be counted on to meet or exceed production standards.

"John is a technician who likes to think outside the box," said Michael Moran, branch chief. "He has become a trustworthy technician who can be depended upon to find solutions and follow through every time."

The branch chief recalled a time when Lesh and his coworkers overcame a number of challenges to finish a TTCS on time. The customer applauded the team's dedication and hard work after the system arrived late cutting the repair time in half.

"The customers love him," Moran said. "His devotion to duty and commitment to the warfighter is evident in the work he performs every day."

Rosario says her work as an IT specialist can be challenging and rewarding. Career-related experiences have taught her to set realistic expectations, be patient, learn from mistakes and never give up.

"I've had the opportunity to work with many people who have coached, mentored and supported me throughout my career," she said. "I believe if we all work together as a team, we can do anything to support the warfighter." Rosario is assigned to the Production Engineering Directorate's Mission Support Division.

The IT specialist knows her way around several data management systems. Personnel turn to her to create accounts, ensure calibrations are accurate and gather license files. She also installs monthly Information Assurance Vulnerability Alerts updates on select weapons systems and electronic technical manuals at various locations on the depot.

"Lisa is very responsive to requests for assistance from users," said Joseph Salamido, Automation Support Branch chief. "Her dedication and exceptional work ethic serves as a model for her coworkers and paves a path to legendary customer service."

Coworkers commend Lisa for her ability to meet new challenges head on. Rosario attributes her acquired job proficiency to skills learned throughout her depot career. A lifetime of experiences have taught her the value of teamwork, problem solving and time management.

"I have always been eager to learn new things and grow," Rosario said. "It's an honor to be recognized for doing what I love by the people I work with."

Recognizing employees for a job well done is directly linked to one of the Toby 2028 objectives -- Invest in our People. The objective centers on developing an agile and innovative workforce dedicated to providing the best value to the warfighter. The quarterly awards program identifies and rewards junior-, senior- and supervisor-level employees who, in the performance of their assigned duties, have established a pattern of excellence. Nominations may be submitted by co-workers, who work with the nominee, directly or indirectly, with a minimum of at least four nominators or by an employee's supervisor.

Winners will receive a special parking space for the quarter, a $500 On-The-Spot Award and a plaque. Winning packages are automatically forwarded to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) to compete in their respective categories. The C4ISR quarterly award winners receive the Department of the Army (DA) Achievement Medal for Civilian Service and CECOM quarterly award winners receive a DA Certificate of Achievement as well as their name on a Perpetual Plaque.