Ingenuity, ambition are attributes of two award winners
By Jacqueline Boucher
Tobyhanna Army Depot
TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. — Ingenuity and ambition are what two employees attribute to their success.
Production Controller Robert Banaszek (a resident of Inkerman) and Electronics Worker John LaCapra (a resident of Scranton) were named the Tobyhanna Army Depot Employees of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2016.
“It’s flattering to receive recognition and is even more meaningful when you are honored by the people who know you and are familiar with your work,” said Banaszek, who has worked in production management since 2004, first as a supply technician then in 2008 as a production controller. He works in the Production Management Directorate’s C4 Program Management Division.
“I work with a team who helps nurture an environment where you are encouraged to do your best to get the mission accomplished,” he said. “Working here has given me a sense of accomplishment in the service I am providing to my country.”
Banaszek monitors costs and keeps the logistics management specialists informed on individual programs. The job consists of a wide range of tasks that include tracking employee overtime, verifying and accepting programs, working with production orders and authorizing cost estimates.
As a subject matter expert he has developed quite a reputation for teaching newcomers the finer points of being a controller.
“Bob’s work is precise and timely,” said Dunmore resident Mark Williams, Field Support Project Management Branch chief. “Peers turn to him when seeking solutions to complex issues and new controllers want to be trained by him.”
Noted accomplishments include organizing and structuring a cost control management and reporting tool used by all of Tobyhanna’s forward logistics support leads. Banaszek developed a checks and balances process to manage cost, schedule and performance for 90 Field Service Representatives performing the mission globally, according to Williams.
“He’s a highly intellectual individual with impeccable work habits,” Williams said about Banaszek. “Bob is always willing to go out of his way for anyone. Everyone in the cost center looks up to him with great respect and admiration.”
LaCapra is known for seizing any opportunity to fix a nagging problem. The invention of a thumb screw adapter saved time, improved quality and made his teammate’s job less stressful, according to Carbondale resident Patrick Connolly, former supervisor, who submitted the nomination package. Another money saving idea involved repairing shock absorbers instead of throwing them away.
“I’m extremely pleased to have such an inspirational employee in the shop,” said Pittston resident Lloyd Fuller, C4ISR Directorate’s Microwave Radio Support Section chief. Fuller was named section chief when Connolly moved to the M3L Disassembly Section. “Deserving workers should be rewarded for their work.”
“I like turning old and used assets into highly efficient, like new products that our military members can use with confidence,” LaCapra said. “I’m always trying to find a safer and more efficient way to produce a quality product, on time and in budget.”
Other attributes include doing what it takes to meet mission requirements. Coworkers say LaCapra is a role model with an attitude and work ethic that is contagious. Managers know who to turn to when workload requires the use of split shifts, overtime or borrow and loan.
“His commitment to the depot’s mission has landed John in other cost centers to help them meet goals,” Connolly said. “Of course he gets to grow his skill set with every assignment.”
LaCapra is frequently asked to speak to people about how to turn ideas in the workplace into a working product. He’s also well-versed on technical opportunities and a variety of skills performed at the depot.
“You can make a difference when you apply yourself,” he said, noting that the secret to his success is “a positive attitude and doing my best for the warfighter.”
Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for C4ISR 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 3,100 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.
