Hilo resident Anthony Ortogero was named Pohakuloa Training Area Employee of the Quarter for his exceptional contributions while serving on the PTA Range Control staff.
Hilo resident Anthony Ortogero was named Pohakuloa Training Area Employee of the Quarter for his exceptional contributions while serving on the PTA Range Control staff.
During a period of several years, Ortogero vastly improved the operation of the ranges by initiating many unique solar upgrades, while evaluating the safety aspects of all training/jobs conducted at PTA’s ranges, noted Pohakuloa Commander Lt. Col. Eric Shwedo.
Ortogero has taken the lead as the initial journeyman to introduce a new standard for operating procedures and the mission of range maintenance, via on-the-job training for new PTA range employees.
Ortogero’s solar energy knowledge and skills led to the design and new construction of a “line row concept” that saved range maintenance staffers invaluable time in troubleshooting and maintenance down time since its implementation.
Ranges are now able to operate at a moment’s notice and power issues are virtually nonexistent.
“We are lucky to have Tony here at PTA. He is exceptionally humble, but he has made a huge contribution to keeping soldiers and Marines safe in combat training for over 20 training years,” said Shwedo.
“(He) has been a valuable member of the PTA team since 1992. His perseverance in striving to eliminate job hazards and analysis during key project planning stages has immensely decreased injuries at PTA ranges.”