U.S. Rep Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, announced Friday that Manuel Meneses, a retired Navy veteran, 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 country including at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.

"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," Courtney said in a prepared statement.

"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," Meneses said in a prepared statement. "Working with our veterans in the second district is an opportunity I very much look forward to. I would like to say thank you to Congressman Courtney for this opportunity."

While serving, he was awarded medals including the Meritorious Service medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal among other awards, medals and ribbons, according to Courtney's office. 

Upon his retirement in December 2012, Meneses settled back home in Sprague with his wife, Richelle and 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 health care and disability benefits, pensions and obtaining medals after service, and well as engagement with military communities in the region.