September 23, 2026 – This month, Ignite is excited to recognize Eric Paulson, Ignite Program Manager and Electromagnetic Warfare Subject Matter Expert (SME), who supports Ignite’s customer, the U.S. Air Force’s 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), Florida.
From growing up as a military dependent to serving nearly three decades in the U.S. Air Force, Eric has dedicated close to 50 years to supporting the U.S. military and the Warfighter. Today, he continues that commitment at Ignite, helping our customers solve complex challenges and advance critical capabilities.
A Distinguished Military Journey
Eric served in the United States Air Force for 28.5 years as a Navigator/Electronic Warfare Officer. During his military career, he conducted aerial reconnaissance on the Boeing RC-135, supporting critical intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
Eric also served as a flight instructor and evaluator, supporting Global Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, Nuclear Command and Control, and Information Operations.
When reflecting on his time in the Air Force, two assignments stand out most to Eric: commanding the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron in England, where he supported both U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and commanding the 55th Operations Group, the U.S. Air Force’s largest operations group supporting worldwide aerial reconnaissance operations.
Eric’s Past Assignments:
- Randolph AFB, Texas
- Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida
- Offutt AFB, Nebraska
- The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia
- Royal Air Force (RAF), Mildenhall, United Kingdom
- Maxwell AFB, Alabama
- Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
- Langley AFB, Virginia
- Eglin AFB, Florida
Throughout his career, Eric was also deployed around the world, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, England, Greece, Japan, Korea, and Qatar, supporting both peacetime and combat reconnaissance missions.
Personal Connection
As a third-generation service member, Eric grew up hearing inspirational stories of passion and perseverance from his father, stepfather, and grandfathers. It wasn’t until his final year of college, however, that he decided to take the leap and enlist in the Air Force.
“The desire to fly and serve became too strong to ignore,” said Eric.
Military service was deeply woven into Eric’s family. His father served as a missileer, his stepfather was an aircraft maintenance officer, and both of his grandfathers served in the U.S. Army. One grandfather served in the Army Air Corps, piloting B-17s across Europe, while the other participated in several military campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge.
Growing up in a military family also gave Eric the opportunity to live and travel around the world long before becoming a service member himself. Those experiences engrained a deep admiration and respect for Warfighters in him and strengthened his desire to continue his family’s legacy through service to our nation.
Transition to Ignite
After retiring from the Air Force, Eric joined Ignite in 2023 as an Electromagnetic Warfare SME supporting our U.S. Air Force customer at Eglin AFB. In June 2026, he was promoted to Program Manager, recognizing his dedication, leadership, and continued commitment to the Warfighter.
“Ignite made my transition to civilian life very easy due to the fact that Ignite’s values are synonymous with the values of our Armed Forces.”
While Eric may have retired from military service, his support of the Warfighter remains unwavering. In his current role at Ignite, he supports the U.S. Air Force 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing by helping solve tactical challenges with a strategic mindset.
“As an Electromagnetic Warfare SME supporting the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing,” Eric states, “I am afforded the opportunity to be a part of growing a capability that is the ‘bedrock’ Air Combat Command priority.”
Lessons & Values
“Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.”
The Air Force’s Core Values have continued to influence Eric long after his military service. Above all, he emphasizes the importance of integrity, service, and excellence, while also recognizing the critical role that family plays in supporting the journey and sacrifices that come with military service.
What Does Being Part of a Warfighter Focused, Warfighter Led Company Mean to you?
“Our customer is why we exist, so a shared mindset ensures we deliver what the Warfighter needs.”
For Eric, being part of a veteran-owned and Warfighter-led company means having a firm understanding of the unique needs and challenges of the customers we support.
That shared commitment is at the heart of Ignite’s approach to mission support, and it’s one of the reasons Eric continues to find purpose in his work.
Advice to Those Currently Serving:
When asked what advice he would give to those currently serving, Eric offered a simple reminder to remain open to new opportunities:
“Never say ‘no’ to an opportunity and never close your own doors. Try for everything and make someone else tell you ‘No.’”
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
For Eric, honoring veterans is not limited to one day a year.
“I’ve reflected almost every day on those that served and the sacrifices they and their families made to give us what we have today, making every day Veterans Day.”
Eric’s work is a direct reflection of Ignite’s mission to achieve the impossible for our customers. We are proud to have Eric leading our team at Eglin AFB and supporting the U.S. Air Force’s 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing.
His continued service exemplifies what it means to be Warfighter-focused and Warfighter-led, and we are grateful for the experience and leadership he brings to Ignite and our customers every day.