CONCORD, N.H. –
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Carolyn Protzmann.
Protzmann, who retired as the commander of the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 2015, died Friday, March 13 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital following a brief illness. She was 64.
A burial service will be held Thursday, March 19, at 2:30 p.m. at the NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.
Born Dec. 9, 1955 in Franklin, Protzmann was the daughter of the late Merton and Catherine (Sullivan) Tolman.
Her military career spanned 36 years in both the active duty Air Force and NHANG. At Pease, Protzmann served in numerous leadership roles to include 157th Mission Support Group commander, 157th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, deputy adjutant general for the New Hampshire National Guard as well as commander of the NHANG. In her retirement, she was committed to veterans causes, serving as a lead organizer of the annual Seacoast Veterans Conference. She was also founder and chair of the New Hampshire Military Assistance Foundation.
In an Aug. 4, 2015 story reflecting back on her distinguished career, Protzmann said she was blessed and grateful.
"The military was my calling and it has been my honor to serve," she said. "I hope along the way my small marks have helped to pave the way for the reputation and the people of the NHANG. I thank the men and women for all their support to me and the mission."
Her family includes husband James Protzmann of South Berwick, Maine; her children Tim Protzmann and wife Roxanne of South Berwick, Maine; Sarah Theriault and husband Adam of Buxton, Maine; and Chris Protzmann and wife Emily of Buxton, Maine; three grandchildren, Finnegan, Everett, and Vega, one brother Thomas Tolman of Tilton; and one sister Mary Johanna Brown of Franklin; as well as many nieces and nephews.