DEBBIE HAUSER
Deb and her husband, Troy, were first introduced to the Air Cadet program when their son came home from school saying "the man in uniform said we could learn to fly for free". If you know the Hauser’s, their family motto is, "If its free, it’s for me". Upon taking the boys to the school, Deb met Captain Leonard, who confirmed that yes, the boys could learn to fly if they were dedicated and worked hard…and yes, they could do it for free. The rest is pretty much history. When her son Ian joined, Deb started volunteering and before she knew it, was on the SSC and eventually was chosen Chair.
In 2011, Mike Warron and Debbie worked together to secure the property that is now the MRCC for the Squadron. With the hardworking SSC and amazing support from Captain Leonard and his staff, the MRCC became a reality. Debbie feels that this program afforded Ian and Jason opportunities that they would not otherwise have had. Both received their private pilots licenses through the program, they traveled and made many friends. Today they are both proud members of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Over the past few years, Deb has been volunteering with the Grimsby Benevolent Fund Food Bank. She feels it is a privilege to have been asked to serve on the 62 Phantom Squadron Board of Governors, and she is excited to be a part of this incredible organization and is looking forward to working with everyone.
NICOLE O’BRIEN
Dr. Nicole O’Brien is a university professor with Suffolk University, Sawyer Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Nicole is the mother of retired Flight Sargent Abigail O’Brien and WO2 Katherine O’Brien. She has seen 62 grow and change since 2008 when her daughter Abigail started with the squadron. Nicole has volunteered with the unit from being a driver for tagging/ Poppy sales to the auditor of the squadron’s
financials.
Nicole brings a keen financial sense to the new Board of Governors, and she will ensure that financial controls and audit procedures are followed.
GABE ARAICHE
A former cadet parent, Gabe Araiche is a partner at Connon Araiche Grilli where he focuses on Estate Law, Estate Planning, Wills and Powers of Attorney, Commercial and Residential Real Estate, and Corporate and Commercial Law.
Gabe received his law degree from the University of Manitoba and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1994. Prior to that he attended the University of Toronto and graduated from the Political Science Program with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Gabe is a member of the Hamilton Law Association and is on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Children’s Choir.
SUSAN STEWART
Sue became part of 62 when her son Andrew joined the squadron in 2007. Back then the squadron was located at St. Joseph’s school. Andrew was in the cadet program for 5 years. Sue and her husband contributed many hours volunteering at 62 Phantom Squadron, driving cadets, helping with FTXs and bottle drives, etc. Sue also held the position as Admin Officer as a Civilian Instructor.
Recently, Sue was the executive assistant to the CEO at Albright Manor Long Term Care in Beamsville where she worked for over 20 years. She worked closely with the Albright Manor Board of Directors and attended all meetings as recording secretary and has retired this past year.
Sue brings to this board her knowledge of governance, by-laws, financial statements, recruitment and so forth and she looks forward to supporting 62 Phantom Squadron again as an Independent Governor.
JAY HAMILTON
Jay is currently the CFO at GE Canada. He has resided in “east” Grimsby with his wife – Stefanie for the past 22 years. An Alberta native, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Carleton University and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario.
Jay has spent his entire professional career of 34 years with GE including positions in Canada, USA, and the United Kingdom. He currently holds Board and Director level roles with GE Canada and serves as the Vice Chair of the YMCA of Niagara.
All three of Jay and Stefanie’s children – Clark, Arden and Ted were 62 members from eligible age of entry to graduation. The Hamilton family has a very strong affinity to the squadron and the incredible opportunities it provides to our youth. Jay believes the proposed new Governance structure will ensure the legacy continues for many years to come.
TONY VARSALONA, D.C.
Dr. Tony Varsalona is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in the province of Ontario, Canada. He also holds a license in the United States as a Doctor of Chiropractic. He has completed courses on Independent Chiropractic Evaluation, as well as courses on whiplash injuries and tissue damage as a result of motor vehicle accidents. He is fully certified in ART as an Active Release Technique Practitioner in Full Body, Long Nerve Entrapment techniques. He is also certified in Kinesis Taping and has completed the Chiropractic Sports Physician program in the USA along with numerous courses on sports-related injuries dealing with soft tissue damage and shoulder injuries.
He has participated in a number of sporting events as a Doctor of Chiropractic and ART provider, such as for the Ironman triathlon events in Kona, Hawaii and Penticton B.C., Ontario/Canadian Bench Press assoc. competitions and the National & World Cycling Championships in Hamilton, Ontario. He is currently working towards his fellowship in Chiropractic Sports Physician in Canada.
Dr. Varsalona is a member of the Grimsby Masons and his son was a member of 62 Phantom Squadron.