Rep. Chris Coutu, who has staked out a far-right agenda as a candidate for the GOP nomination challenging U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, will be going on “active duty” for the United States Army from February through April, when he should be seeking convention support. His positions include denying the existence of global climate change. It also seems to be fluid on what he will actually be doing for the reserves.
“Over the last 17 years, since I turned 18, it has been an honor to serve in the United States Air Force and Army,” Coutu said. “Aside from starting a family, this has been the most rewarding experience of my life. But in order to continue my military service, I must fulfill the obligations that I signed up for. Right now, that means completing a mandatory two month training. There will be no disruption of constituent services while I’m away. My staff and my legislative colleagues are committed to stepping up and responding to constituent service issues in my district.”
Coutu served as a sergeant in the Air Force for 13 years before entering Officer Candidate School to be commissioned as an Army officer. He now serves as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard.
In addition to his service in the Air Force and Army, Coutu founded the non-profit organization American Warrior which raises money to send veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam memorials.
An hour later, Coutu issued a rewritten first paragraph:
“Hartford- State Representative Christopher Coutu (R-Norwich) announced today that he will be going on active duty training to complete Branch Qualification Course in the United States Army. Representative Coutu will be leaving Connecticut from February through April.”