Granby State Sen. Witkos Names Veteran of the Month

State Sen. Kevin Witkos (R-8) has named Warren Sullivan Sr. on Winsted as the April 2015 Veteran of the Month.

Sullivan was born in 1925 in Winsted to a large family with 13 siblings. He was easy to joing the U.S. Navy during World War II. His parents would not sign for him to enlist so he waited to be drafted.

During basic training he had a bad run-in with meningitis and fell into a coma. Last rites were performed, but he pulled through and completed training.

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After recovering, Sullivan served as a Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class (MOMM3) and was responsible for changing electrical generators every 24 hours on his ship and controlling the ramp to get equipment on and off the ship. He also handled Thompson submachine guns and took part in underwater repair of the ship.

Sullivan served from August 1943 – November 1945 and earned multiple decorations including: American Theater, Asiatic Pacific, Philippine Liberation, Liberty Medal, and a Battle Star for Philippine Liberation.

After his discharge in 1945, Sullivan returned to Winsted and to the Gilbert School to complete his high school education and eventually worked as a tool and die maker.

Sullivan married Ellen Sager and had four children, Colleen Gundlach, Warren Sullivan, Jr., Sharon Okraska and Gail Leifert-Lymperopoulous. Ellen died in 1981 from lung cancer. His second wife, Eugenia Hislop, passed away last year. Sullivan is now 89 years old and still lives in the same house where he raised his children.

Sullivan has remained active in his community and is a member of the VFW Winsted, Odd Fellows, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and the Second Congregational Church in Winsted.

Warren Sullivan’s full story and a video interview can be found on senatorwitkos.com and at the following direct link: http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2015/04/veteran-of-the-month-warren-sullivan-sr/#.VRw2IoJ0y70.

Senator Witkos’ “Veteran of the Month” program features the stories of local veterans each month through text and video. Each story highlights the veteran’s unique experiences and acts of service. To nominate a local veteran to be a “Veteran of the Month” please contact Christopher F. Diorio at the CT Senate Republican Office by calling (860) 240-8801 or emailing Chris.Diorio@cga.ct.gov.