Senator Witkos Names Winsted Local Warren Sullivan Veteran of the Month

Senator Witkos presents Warren Sullivan Sr. with a citation recognizing him as the April 2015 Veteran of the Month. Senator Witkos met with Sullivan in his home in Winsted to record a special interview about his life in the Navy.

Warren Sullivan Sr. during his time in service

Winsted – State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) named Warren F. Sullivan Sr. the April 2015 Veteran of the Month. Sullivan, born and raised in Winsted, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

“Warren Sullivan is being recognized for his bravery and his service,” said Senator Witkos, who also presented Sullivan with a citation recognizing his achievements. “He is an incredible member of the Winsted community and his deep roots in town mark an important place in history. He has served our nation and our community proudly.”

Warren Sullivan, Sr., was born on July 9, 1925 in Winsted to a large family with 13 siblings. His childhood home is still located next door to the Winsted VFW hall, which sits on land his family formerly owned. He was attending the Gilbert School in Winsted when the United States entered World War II. Eager to volunteer, his parents would not sign for him to enlist, so he had to wait to be drafted. When Sullivan turned 18 he left school during his senior year to join the U.S. Navy.

Sullivan attended basic training in Samson, NY and Diesel training in Navy Pier Great Lakes Chicago. During his training, Sullivan became ill with meningitis and fell into a coma. A Catholic priest came in to give him the last rites and his parents were notified. He beat the odds, though. He came out of the coma and went on to complete his training and to serve his country with distinction and honor.

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://ctsenrepublic.wpengine.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 [email protected].