Submitted by Stacey Kinney Arroyo, Haddam 250, Haddam EDC
(July 11, 2026) — We are honored to celebrate the incredible individuals who took the stage on July 8, 2026 to share the powerful words of our founding document at our recent “Sharing the Spirit of America” event. These veterans have dedicated their lives to service, not just in the defense of our nation, but through their continued commitment to our local community right here in Haddam.
Please join us in honoring these local heroes and meet our readers:
🇺🇸 Sean Donlan
A former Corporal in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, Sean served from 1996 to 2000 with the 972nd Military Police, 211th Battalion, and trained at Fort McClellan. Following his military service, he graduated with distinction from Babson College and received his Juris Doctor from Suffolk Law School. He has served the Town of Haddam on numerous commissions, including Economic Development, the Board of Finance, and Board of Selectmen. He currently serves as Haddam’s First Selectman.
🇺🇸 Robert “Bob” McGarry
A retired Commander in the United States Coast Guard, Bob served on active duty for 20 years after graduating from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a degree in Civil Engineering. Following his distinguished military career, he dedicated six years to local government, serving as the First Selectman for the Town of Haddam from 2019 to 2025. He and his wife, Vivienne, reside in Haddam Neck, where they own and operate Cold Goats Farm.
🇺🇸 Steven Abbatello
A retired Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force, Steve served from 1997 to 2022, spanning a career that included service as an Aviation Ordnanceman in the U.S. Navy and as an Aircraft Armament Systems Technician in the Air Force and Air National Guard. Today, he is employed at Pratt and Whitney and remains deeply involved in supporting fellow service members through the VFW, the Haddam Veterans Museum, and the Haddam Memorial Day Parade Committee.
🇺🇸 Pablo Arroyo
A former Sergeant and combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Pablo served from 1979 until 1987 and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following his military career, he served for 20 years as a Connecticut State Trooper and later spent seven years with the Department of Homeland Security as a Transportation Security Specialist. Currently, he serves as the Vice President and Chaplain of the Marine Corps’ 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion Association.
🇺🇸 Michael Jantsch
A retired Master Chief Machinist’s Mate, Mike served in the United States Navy for 30 years as a nuclear engineer across six different submarines and three surface ships. He held the prestigious role of Command Master Chief for his final three commands, including a final assignment as a crew member on the historic USS Constitution. After his naval career, he became the Plant Superintendent at the Waste-to-Energy plant for the MDC in Hartford and currently works part-time for the Town of Haddam.
🇺🇸 Gigi Simko
A retired Colonel in the United States Air Force, Gigi served for 24 years as a Medical Service Corps Officer, a career that took her across the globe. She holds an MBA and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Today, she brings her extensive medical leadership experience to her role as the Senior Manager of Practice Operations at Connecticut Children’s.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 We are so proud to have these veterans among our neighbors and friends. Thank you for your service to our country and for your ongoing dedication to the Town of Haddam!
Photo provided by Stacey Kinney Arroyo, Left to Right: Pablo Arroyo, Waylon Page, Steve Abbatello, Sean Donlan, Gigi Simko, Bob McGarry, Mike Jantsch
