Unionville Man Named "Veteran of the Month" Posthumously

State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton) celebrates local veteran Captain Edward Simonds posthumously as March’s “Veteran of the Month.” Simonds, a Unionville resident, served our country from August 1963-June 1967 and fought in Vietnam as a fixed wing pilot. Captain Simonds passed away in December, leaving behind a legacy of service and leadership Senator Witkos honors this month.

“After meeting Captain Simonds’ family and friends, it was easy to see how incredible Ed’s life was,” said Senator Witkos. “He was a hero to his country, to his family, and to everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. His dedication to his country and community is inspirational and should be honored and remembered for years to come.”

Captain Simonds grew up in Unionville and graduated from Farmington High School in 1958. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut, Simonds received a U.S. Army ROTC commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He entered active duty in August 1963, received his wings in March 1965, and was assigned to the 221st Aviation Company and deployed with that unit to Vietnam.

As part of the 221st Aviation Company, Simonds flew daily observation and reconnaissance missions and direct air strikes for the Army of the Republic of Viet Nam (ARVN) Air Force and Navy. The most difficult assignments were close-in bombing support for ARVN infantry offensives - calling in coordinates for artillery and bombing runs.

In Vietnam, Simonds was shot at almost every day. As part of the ARVN Air Force, Simonds did not receive the high quality survival kits given to the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Instead, he often sat on his flak jacket for protection of his vital parts, and had to survive being under fire almost constantly.

After extensive service and an injury, Simonds returned home in June 1966, and reported back to Fort Rucker where he “flew a desk” for his remaining nine months of active duty. Simonds was discharged on June 6, 1967 after almost four years on active duty.

Simonds went back to the University of Connecticut to pursue his MBA and law degree. He worked in the healthcare industry as a comptroller and a CPA for the majority of his career, holding positions at Ernst & Ernst and St. Francis Hospital.

Captain Simonds served his community in many ways throughout his life. He was an active member of the Gildo T. Consolini Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #3272 in Avon and was a founding member of Boy Scout Troop 177 in Collinsville. During his years in scouting he also served as a leader at Camp Workcoeman summer camp and even earned his Woodbadge beads in recent years. Simonds also served as treasurer and trustee, deacon, greeter and faithful member of the Collinsville Congregational Church for many years and provided counseling and financial tutoring to members of the church.

During Hurricane Sandy, Simonds was especially active and provided neighbors with information on emergency town services and offered an unending supply of hot water, batteries and propane to family and friends alike.

“Simonds was described by those who knew him as someone who was proud of his service to his country, but also very humble. He leaves behind a large group of loving family, friends and neighbors who were very lucky to have him in their lives,” said Senator Witkos.

Captain Simonds’ full story and a video interview with his family and friends can be found on senatorwitkos.com and at the following direct link: http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2014/02/veteran-of-the-month-edward-s-simonds/. Senator Witkos’ “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” please contact Katie Kenneally at Katie.Kenneally@cga.ct.gov or (860)240-8862.