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 11^th, 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.

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Paid for by Christopher Coutu for State Representative, Michael Warren Treasurer, Approved by Christopher Coutu