Protzmann promoted to brigadier general, assumes command of NHANG

  • Published
  • By 2Lt. Aaron McCarthy
  • 157th ARW Public Affairs
Carolyn Protzmann was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and made the first female commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in front of over 1,000 distinguished visitors, friends, family, and National Guard members here Saturday June 4.

Protzmann was the former Vice Wing Commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing here, a position she had held since 2001.

"She has earned the admiration and respect of not only the wing, but also of the Joint Force Headquarters," said Maj. Gen. William N. Reddel III, the Adjutant General, State of New Hampshire.

Protzmann told the audience that she would work her heart out for them, and for the organization. She told members of the unit that she expects them to give their best when they are with the Guard and, if they cannot because of the Guard, let someone know how they can help.

"Today you have entrusted me with command and I proudly wear the rank of brigadier general, and know in my heart, just as proudly, I cherish the stripes of each and every one of our enlisted men and women of the New Hampshire Air National Guard," said Protzmann. "Force development is caring for one another. We are each other's wingmen. That person to the left of you and that person to the right of you is your wingman. And, just as importantly, you are theirs."

Brig. Gen. Protzmann, a native of New Hampshire, joined the United States Air Force in 1979, receiving her commission through Officer Training School. She served as Aircraft Maintenance Officer for two years, working with both transport and fighter aircraft and was a Wing Plans Officer for the largest tactical fighter wing in the Air Force at RAF Bentwaters, England for three years.

Brig. Gen. Protzmann joined the Air National Guard in 1984 as a traditional guardsman Services Officer and in 1987, became the full time Logistics Plans Officer for the 157th Air Refueling Group. In 1992, she became the Support Group Commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing where she served until 2001 when she became the Vice Wing Commander.