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Blake Paulson Returns to SSR from Djibouti, Africa: A Journey of Service and Commitment
September 6, 2023
Milwaukee, WI— SSR TOTAL IT, Inc. (SSR), a leading technology solutions company, proudly announces the return of Blake Paulson, a dedicated SSR Field Engineer, following his deployment to Djibouti, Africa. Blake’s journey reflects his unwavering commitment to both his role at SSR and his service to the nation.
Blake was deployed to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa in October 2022, merely five months into his employment with SSR. During his 300-day deployment, Blake served as the Flag Communicator for the Commanding General, a role that required technical expertise and strategic acumen.
As a 25B, IT Specialist, Blake performs similar tasks to those he undertakes at SSR. Between Army training and his civilian work experience, Blake is capable in a wide variety of areas such as servers, networking, backup and recovery, wireless solutions, and Office 365.
While stationed abroad, Blake’s dedication to service extended beyond his professional responsibilities. He attended a Marine Professional Military Education course which focuses on team development, mental resilience, and conflict resolution training. During the course he also had the opportunity to train alongside a Zambian Soldier (pictured above), who was also taking the course, for two weeks. This experience not only enriched his military career but also showcased his adaptability and camaraderie.
Upon Blake’s initial interview for the Field Engineer role at SSR, he openly disclosed his active service status with the Wisconsin National Guard. SSR’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce led to his hiring, undeterred by his impending deployment. Blake’s deep appreciation for SSR’s unwavering support and understanding prompted him to nominate SSR for the Statement of Support for Guard and Reserve by The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
“Sarit and the entire SSR team are always 100% supportive and understanding of my military obligations, which helps me feel at ease whenever they do come up,” said Blake Paulson.
In recognition of SSR’s exemplary commitment, the company was honored with this award in November 2022. ESGR congratulated SSR as a model employer that encourages and advocates employee participation in the military, fostering a culture of patriotism and service.
A heartwarming potluck was organized to celebrate Blake’s return to work on August 24th, 2023. Reflecting on his journey, Blake expressed, “Even though I was deployed for 300 days, I never felt removed from SSR or that I wouldn’t be able to return. I appreciate everyone’s messages of support and sending me care packages while I was in Africa.”
As Blake Paulson resumes his role at SSR, his remarkable journey stands as a testament to his dedication as well as SSR’s unwavering commitment to its employees.
About SSR TOTAL IT, Inc.
SSR is Wisconsin’s top IT Managed Services Provider (MSP). For over 25 years we have helped clients use technology to enable their people, secure their enterprises, and automate their processes. SSR is redefining Managed Services by not only running our clients’ IT infrastructure but also partnering with them to develop strategy and execute IT Projects in a world of fast-changing technology. Based in Brookfield with a satellite office in Chennai, India, SSR is the IT Partner of the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP), and a winner of numerous awards from the Wisconsin Economic Development Council (WEDC), the Milwaukee Business Journal, and various IT Industry organizations.
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