432 Algoma Wing 
Captain James W. Browne commissioned in the Canadian Army Reserve as a 2ndLieutenant with the 49thField Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, as a Logistics Officer in 2006. In 2010 he initiated a component transfer to the Cadet Instructor Cadre (Air) and assumed the role of the 155 Borden Gray GC Squadron, Pipe Band Officer. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2012 and became Training Officer for the Squadron in 2013. Captain Browne became the Deputy Commanding Officer in 2014 and in the same year, was promoted to Captain. In September of 2015, he became the Commanding Officer of the Squadron serving in this role until June of 2019. During his final year in command of the Squadron, Captain Browne was awarded with both the Sovereigns Medal for Volunteers as well as earned the Canadian Decoration, for 12 years of service to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Following graduation from Sir James Dunn in 1986, he attended both Algoma and Laurentian Universities completing his Baccalaureate Degree in Psychology in 1990. From 1991 to 1994 he attended Sault College and received a Diploma in Human Resources Management. In 1998 Mr. Browne certified as a Microsoft Office User Specialist. In 2001 he attended Lakehead University and earned his Baccalaureate Degree in Education. Subsequently he has achieved Specialist qualifications in the areas of Special Education and Health and Physical Education.
Captain Browne is a longtime supporter of the Canadian Cadet Movement. In 1978 he joined #30 Newman Navy League Cadet Corps Sault Ste. Marie., finishing as Coxswain. He joined the 155 Squadron as a cadet in 1980 and retired in 1985 as the lead drummer in the Pipe Band, also achieving the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award during this time. Mr. Browne began volunteering with the 155 Squadron in September of 2000 as the Pipe Band Officer right up to his enlistment in the Military.
Volunteerism has played a very important part of Mr. Browne’s career development, remaining currently active with the following groups. In 1998 he joined Branch 25, Royal Canadian Legion, serving on the Youth Education Committee. In the following year he was installed in the 432(Algoma) Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, serving as 2ndVice President, Public Relations Officer as well as Newsletter Editor. In 2014 he received the Award of Merit at the Ontario Group AGM. Mr. Browne joined the 49thField Regiment, RCA, Pipes and Drums Band as a volunteer in September of 2000. He has held the position of lead drummer for 16 years within this group and currently holds the position of Drum Major. He has also been a long time member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association which is an international organization dedicated to the preservation of military transport, including aircraft.
Currently Mr. Browne is employed by the Algoma District School Board where he has been a full time teacher since 2002. He has been married to his wife Susan for 29 years. They are very proud of their two daughters, Breanna and Kaleigh who are presently pursuing teaching careers following in their Dad’s footsteps.
Jim has been a member of the Air Force Association, 432 Wing Algoma, for 20 years.