Courtney Announces New Military and Veterans' Representative for Second District
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) is announcing that Manuel Meneses, a retired veteran of the U.S. Navy, has joined his office as the new military and veterans’ representative for the Second Congressional District. Meneses, originally from East Hartford, served in the Navy for more than 30 years, spending much of that time working on fast attack submarines stationed all over the United States including SUBASE New London in Groton.
“I am very pleased that Manny has joined our team as the new military and veterans’ representative for the Second District,” said Courtney. “Manny devoted his life to serving his country during thirty-plus years working on submarines for the United States Navy. Now, he has agreed to come out of retirement once more to serve his fellow veterans as an advocate and caseworker in our Norwich office. I know Manny will be an incredible asset to the veterans of eastern Connecticut over the coming years, and I cannot thank him enough for accepting this responsibility on their behalf.”
“While serving our nation, I was privileged enough to serve with some of the finest men and women in the military,” said Meneses. “I served on several fast attack submarines, but what was most rewarding, was working with the Sailors and their families when they were in need. Working with our veterans in the second district is an opportunity I very much look forward too. I would like to say thank you to Congressman Courtney for this opportunity.”
Meneses reported for active duty in Nov 1982. Upon completion of basic training, he reported to Basic Enlisted Submarine School with follow on orders to his first Submarine, the USS Salt Lake City SSN-716. He re-enlisted in 1986, and went on to complete four more sea tours and three shore tours throughout the United States to include, Norfolk, VA., San Diego, CA., Portsmouth, NH., Groton, CT, and Pearl Harbor, HI. While serving, he was awarded the Meritorious Service medal (2) awards, Navy Commendation Medal (5) awards, Navy Achievement Medal (6) awards and various other medals and ribbons. While stationed on the USS San Juan SSN-751, he was selected as the 1999 US Atlantic Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year. Upon his retirement in Dec. 2012, Manny settled back home in Sprague, CT. with his wife Richelle and his Daughter Sidney.
The military and veterans’ representative serves as a specialized caseworker handling requests for assistance with veterans’ benefits from constituents. The representative typically handles issues relating to Veterans Administration healthcare and disability benefits, pensions, and obtaining medals post service, and well as engagement with military communities in the region.
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