Simsbury JAG Named Veteran of the Month

Simsbury resident Carl Eisenmann has been named the “Veteran of the Month” this September by State Sen. Kevin Witkos (R-8). Lt. Colonel Eisenmann is an attorney who served as Staff Judge Advocate during the Korean War. Eisenmann used his legal skills and training to serve the U.S. Air Force for over 24 years.

“Carl has a strong love and dedication to his country,” Witkos said. “He is an extremely intelligent and accomplished individual who selflessly dedicated himself to serving our nation. His story is both touching and inspiring.”

Eisenmann grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Georgetown Law School. After being admitted to the Connecticut and Washington D.C.’s bar associations, Eisenmann decided that he wanted to serve his country and joined the military. At the time, lawyers were being commissioned as First Lieutenants. He joined the Air Force and in 1952 was called to active duty at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA.

In the Air Force, he served in JAG Corps as a Judge Advocate. In this role, he worked in the military judicial system where he could be a judge one day and a prosecutor or defense attorney the next. He conducted court martial proceedings in remote overseas areas and on military bases here in the United States. His service included two years overseas in Tripoli, Libya.

As a reward for his service in Libya, Eisenmann was allowed to request his next placement. He selected Otis Air Force Base in Falmouth, MA — a decision that would eventually lead him to his future wife.

At Otis, Eisenmann met First Lieutenant Nancy Koenig, the first ever female intelligence officer at Otis Air Force Base during the Korean War. Their respective duties resulted in constant contact, and Eisenmann and Koenig often worked on specific duties jointly. It didn’t take long for them to fall in love. Five months after his arrival on Otis AFB, Eisenmann and Koenig were married in the Base Chapel on 19 May, 1956 — Armed Forces Day.

The couple lived on Cape Cod for a short time, and then moved to Simsbury CT in 1957 when Carl had a job opportunity with the Office of the Attorney General. Nancy and Carl Eisenmann raised their family in Simsbury. They are blessed with two sons and four grandchildren, the oldest a grandson who is headed to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Eisenmann’s full story and a video interview can be found here on senatorwitkos.com.

Sen. Witkos’s “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” contact Peggy Tibbals at peggy.tibbals@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8884.

Photo: Eisenmann Couple: Lt. Colonel Carl Eisenmann and his wife, First Lt. Nancy Koenig, during their time in service at Otis Air Force Base.