career Since 2006, Coutu has worked as an Industrial Engineering Consultant for the military, government agencies, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. In 2015, he earned the Army Leadership and Excellence Award for the 1109th TASMG, which saved hundreds of millions of dollars. He continues to serve as an Army Officer as a member of the National Guard Innovation team. In 2004, Coutu transitioned to work as a federal GS employee within the Department of Defense's Department of Civilian Personnel Management Services, where he visited 300 companies from Puerto Rico to Maine and worked with management and labor union members. From 2002 to 2004, Coutu worked with his family's commercial fishing and trucking operation, Fitz-Sea. AmericanWarrior In 2006, Coutu established AmericanWarrior.org. The non-profit supports veterans and patriotic events. The organization is supported through private donations and has coordinated and financed for 1130 World War II and Korean War veterans to visit their war memorials in Washington, D.C. AmericanWarrior formed Operation Freedom Legacy in 2008, which brings veterans to schools and other organizations to promote patriotism, democracy, and volunteerism. Thousands of students and youth groups from New England and Britain have volunteered to participate in a letter-writing campaign to honor veterans. In 2010, AmericanWarrior established a national Welcome Home Veteran parade, "The Homecoming They Deserve" in Norwich. In 2012, AmericanWarrior coordinated a series of presentations and rallies for Veterans. The first was January 26 in Simsbury, Connecticut. On May 2, 2015, Chris lead another group of Veterans on a one-day trip to 5 monuments in Washington, DC. Over 80 WWII and Korean War Veterans participated. It was a fantastic success, enjoyed by all. Community service In 2006, Coutu established Briansquest.com. The organization raised money for a Norwich resident named Brian L'Homme to get a guide dog. Coutu is active with multiple community organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Church, AHEPA, Taftville Volunteer Fire Department, Bully Busters, Taftville Lions, Civil Air Patrol, and the Greater Norwich Veterans and Winter Festival Parades. For his participation, the USAF has awarded him Outstanding Volunteer and Humanitarian medals. In 2008, Coutu received the University of Hartford's Humanitarian Award, Vietnam Veterans Award, and the Connecticut American Legion's Americanism Award. Family Coutu married Neringa Proskute Coutu in 2004; in 2010, the couple had a daughter, Alexandria Grace. Political career Coutu is active with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), Grassroots East, SECTer, the Greater Norwich Chamber of Commerce,