Activist who fought to save sub base honored by Lieberman, Gejdenson By Gladys Alcedo Published on 10/14/2000, New London Day Groton - U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman and U.S. Rep. Sam Gejdenson wanted to honor Norbert V. "Bud" Fay for his accomplishments, but the local man quickly deflected the spotlight to everyone but himself. Fay, a World War II veteran who served on Navy fleets in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, was one of the leaders of the Subase Realignment Coalition, which helped save the Naval Submarine Base in Groton in 1993. Lieberman named the silver-haired, self-effacing Fay as the hero of the week, starting Sunday. Gejdenson on Friday presented to Fay the weekly "Joe's Hero" award, a pewter watering can with an inscription of "With many thanks, Joe Lieberman." "I accept this on behalf of all the people who donated so much time not only to keep the base here but to make this a good home for the military," said Fay, 72. "The efforts of our federal legislators have succeeded in putting enough investment in the sub base so we can feel a little more secure that the sub base will stay here and grow here." Fay rattled off half a dozen names of local people who also deserve the honor. "I'm pleased (with Lieberman's honor), but any award you get for the kind of civic duty you may have performed is really an award you would share with those who devoted their time and are still devoting their time," Fay said. "The community came together and stayed together. It's not me. I'm a short-order cook. It's the bright people who stepped up to the plate." Scott Caruthers said those statements capture who Fay is an unassuming, endearing and down-to-earth gentleman. "Pop's kind of says it all," Caruthers said, referring to the name of one of Fay's businesses, "Pop's Kitchen" on Route 12. Caruthers started working two weeks ago for Fay, who also runs a car wash and a Laundromat. Gejdenson credited Fay for serving as the "spiritual strength" in the effort to save the sub base seven years ago. "This community frankly, I think, would be in a much, much worse shape if it weren't for Bud's efforts. He pulled the community together ... His efforts in that battle were really heroic," Gejdenson said. "It helped us get through the tough times and helped the community grow. Without question, Sen. Lieberman's choice today is someone who is a hero in this country and a hero in this community." Fay said each submarine that comes to the base represents an infusion of $12 million to $20 million into the region's economy. The base also serves as one of the largest employers in the area. Fay has been supportive of the local military personnel since 1991 and now works with the Military Community Council to improve the quality of life of military people and their families.