Master Sergeant Carl Eitzen is a trumpet player with the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band, based at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. In addition to his musical role, he serves as the unit’s Resource Advisor and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Offutt Brass. Over the course of his distinguished career, MSgt Eitzen has performed in more than 2,000 engagements, reaching millions, including U.S. presidents, foreign heads of state, senior military leaders, the Vice President of the United States, multiple U.S. Ambassadors, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.
In leadership roles, MSgt Eitzen has directed global operations for two Air Force Bands, coordinating performances across 4 continents. Beyond the concert hall, Carl served as Musical Director and Show Band Leader aboard several Carnival Cruise Line ships, where he also performed as lead trumpet.
Since 2010, Carl has been a member of the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. He previously held Principal Trumpet positions with the Las Colinas, Garland, and Arlington Symphonies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and served as 3rd Trumpet with the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra in Nebraska. His performance credits include appearances with renowned ensembles such as the Canadian Brass, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, and Kansas City Symphony.
Originally from San Diego, California, Carl began his trumpet journey under the guidance of his father, John Eitzen. He earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Arizona and the University of California, Los Angeles. His artistic development has been shaped by mentorship from celebrated trumpet virtuosos including Jens Lindemann, Tom Hooten, and Jim Wilt.
EDUCATION:
1999 Bachelor of Music in performance, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.
2003 Master of Music in performance, University of California at Los Angeles, Calif.
2006 Airman Professional Enhancement Course, Offutt AFB, Neb.
2008 Airman Leadership School, Travis AFB, Calif.
2016 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Keesler AFB, Biloxi Miss.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. October 2003 - July 2007, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, Neb.
2. July 2007 - May 2008, Carswell AFB, Texas ANG Band
3. May 2008 - October 2019, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, Neb.
4. November 2019 - January 2024, United States Air Forces in Europe Band, Ramstein AB, Germany
5. February 2024- Present, USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Meritorious Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with 1 oak leaf cluster
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Long
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with 4 oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
2006 Airman of the Quarter
2006 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School
2014 NCO of the Quarter
2014 NCO of the Year
2015 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award
2016 NCO of the Quarter
2017 NCO of the Quarter
2017 NCO of the Year
2022 SNCO of the Quarter
2025 SNCO of the Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Airman First Class 26 August 2003
Senior Airman 26 December 2005
Staff Sergeant 1 October 2010
Technical Sergeant 1 February 2016
Master Sergeant 1 April 2019
(Current as of Sep 2025)