CHRISTOPHER DANIEL COUTU               
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Ben Franklin

Born on August 28, 1976, Coutu grew up in Taftville, Connecticut. His father Dan Coutu, is a Nuclear I&C Technician. His mother, Linda Fitzsimmons is an Human Resources Administrator at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

In 1990, Coutu attended Norwich Technical High School and completed the four year Heating and Air Conditioning trade course. During these years he was a member of the golf, baseball, and wrestling teams. These experiences taught him the value of teamwork and leadership, which enabled him to earn the Outstanding Wrestler Award twice.

From 1997 to 2003, Coutu completed an Associates of Science in Avionics Systems/Training Management at the Community College of the Air Force in 1998, Associates of Science in General Studies at Three Rivers Community College 1999, Bachelors of Liberal Arts in Business Administration at Eastern Connecticut State University in 2001 and a Masters of Business Administration from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford in 2003. During these years he worked full time at the Mohegan Sun Casino and as a Social Worker to cover the costs associated with college. Chris is proud to say he is the first member of his family to earn a college degree.

Along with Coutu’s focus on education he has earned the rank of Technical Sergeant after 13 years of military service. Coutu’s military career started on Active Duty at Eglin Air Force Base in 1995. Upon completing the 8 months of technical school in Biloxi, Mississippi he spent the next 7 years working on avionics systems for C-130 and A-10 Aircraft as a Guidance & Control Journeyman. In 2002, he took up the challenge to be the Base Education Manager within the Connecticut Air National Guard. In 2006 he became a Craftsman Education & Training Manager. Over the course of Chris's career he guided hundreds of soldiers on their educational progression and witnessed September 11th from Kuwait. He is a proud Veteran, who continues to serve honorably.

In 2003, Coutu worked with the family owned and operated commercial fishing and trucking operation. This experience informed Chris about government regulation and unique the challenges small business face. The most interesting experience was dragging in the Georgia Banks.

From 2004 to 2006, Coutu worked in Arlington, VA within Civilian Personnel Management Services under the Department of Defense. This position enabled him to analyze processes, operations and systems, while working side-by-side with union representatives from 25 regions on the East Coast and within Puerto Rico. In 2006, Coutu was selected to serve on a special project, where he reviewed statistical trends to determine potential implementation models for a national pay band system called NSPS.

Along with his federal and military service, Coutu has been and continues to be an active volunteer and mentor for organizations including the Special Olympics, Oakalossa Walton School system, Connecticut Technical School System and numerous youth organizations and numerous youth organizations. In 1998, he joined and continues to serve within the Taftville Fire Department. In 2005, he established AmericanWarrior, which is a patriotic charitable organization that supports America and her Warriors. In 2006 he established BriansQuest, which helped a disabled friend obtain an assistance dog. Chris's commitment to Veterans earned him an Official Citation from Lt. Governor Michael Fedele in 2007.

Coutu is also active within the Norwich community. On November 2007, he was elected to serve on the Norwich City Council. Additionally he currently is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #594, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post #104, Sacred Heart Church and Taftville Knights of Columbus. He also serves on the Ethics Review, Administrative Planning for Economic Development, Mohegan Park, Zoning Board of Appeals 2006, Rehabilitation 2003, and Public Works committees for Norwich, Connecticut. This service to community and country earned him the Air Force Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2006.

In 2006, Coutu joined Tarklin Financial as a Financial Advisor & Tax Professional. He also served as a Adjunct Professor of Finance at Three Rivers Community College. Chris volunteers his time to provide financial and educational guidance for military members who are deploying or returning from an operation.

Coutu was married on August 13, 2004, to Neringa. Coutu enjoys researching history, statistics, international affairs, politics, healthy living, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Coutu is a energetic leader who is motivated by the desire to make a difference.
 
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Paid for by Christopher Coutu for State Representative, Michael Warren Treasurer, Approved by Christopher Coutu