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, Chris grew up with
blue-collar roots in Norwich, Connecticut. His father,
Dan Coutu, is a Nuclear I&C Technician and his mother,
Linda Fitzsimmons is a Human Resources Administrator at
the Mohegan Sun Casino.
In 1990, Chris attended Norwich
Technical High School where he and completed a four-year
Heating and Air Conditioning trade course. During those
years he was a member of the golf, baseball, and
wrestling teams. While competing in those sports, Chris
was taught the importance of teamwork and the value of
strong leadership. He effectively applied what he
learned when he twice won the award for Outstanding
Wrestler.
Between 1997and 2003, Chris completed an Associates of
Science Degree in Avionics Systems/Training Management
at the Community College of the Air Force, Associates of
Science in General Studies at Three Rivers Community
College, Bachelors of Liberal Arts in Business
Administration at Eastern Connecticut State University
and a Masters of Business Administration from the Barney
School of Business at the University of Hartford. To
fund his college tuition during those years, Chris
worked full time at the Mohegan Sun Casino and also as a
Social Worker. He is proud to be the first member in his
family to complete a college degree.
Along with Coutu’s focus on
education, he earned the rank of Technical Sergeant
after 13 years of military service. In 1995, his
military career started with Active Duty at Lackland Air
Force Base. Upon completing eight months of technical
school in Biloxi, Mississippi, he spent the next seven
years working on avionics systems for C-130 and A-10
Aircraft as a Guidance & Control Journeyman. On
September 11th, Coutu was in Kuwait to
support Operation Southern Watch. 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. In 2008,
Coutu became an Officer Candidate with the Connecticut
Army National Guard.
Coutu worked in the family owned
and operated commercial fishing and trucking operation
during 2003. One of his most interesting experiences
during that time was his involvement in dragging
the Georgia Banks.
From 2004 to 2006, Coutu worked in
Arlington, VA in the Civilian Personnel Management
Services area 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
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 in numerous organizations including
the Special Olympics, Bully Busters and many youth
organizations. In 1998, he joined and continues to
serve with the Taftville Fire Department.
In 2005, Chris established the
non-profit AmericanWarrior organization, which has sent
two hundred World War II and Korean
Veterans to see their Memorial in Washington DC on
charter jets. Additionally, AmericanWarrior sends
dozens of Veterans into schools across Connecticut to
talk about sacrifice, freedom, democracy and
volunteering.
Chris's commitment to his country,
community and Veterans earned him an Official Citation
from Lt. Governor Michael Fedele in 2007, State House
and Senate members in 2008, Vietnam Veterans,
University of Hartford's Humanitarian Award and the CT American Legion’s
highest honor, the “Americanism Award” in July of 2008.
His service to community and country also earned him the
Air Force Outstanding Volunteer and Humanitarian Medals
in 2006.
Coutu is active within the Norwich
community. In November 2007, Norwich voters elected
Chris to serve on the Norwich City Council. He also
serves on the Ethics Review, Administrative Planning for
Economic Development, Mohegan Park and Public Works
committees. Chris currently is a member of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #594, Disabled American
Veterans, American Legion Post #104 and Taftville
Knights of Columbus.
In 2006, Coutu joined Hightower,
Cavasino & Co PC, as a Financial Advisor & Tax
Professional. He recently was an Adjunct Professor of
Finance at Three Rivers Community College.
Chris was married on August 13, 2004 to Neringa. He
values healthy living, traveling and spending time with
family and friends. For hobbies, Chris enjoys
researching history, statistics, international affairs
and politics.
Christopher Coutu is an energetic leader who is
motivated by the sincere desire to make a positive
difference within his community and beyond.
RETURN
Paid for by Christopher Coutu for State Representative,
Michael Warren Treasurer, Approved by Christopher Coutu