Colton Eklund
Mountain Home,ID
Summary
I am a driven Network Engineer with 6 years of on-site experience managing several multi-million dollar networks for the United States Air Force. I am detail oriented and extremely motivated towards self improvement in and outside of work. I take pride in my stalwart core values that emphasize my ability to adapt, work independently, think freely, utilize the tools at my disposal, and leading my peers to identify, respond, resolve, and deter cyber threats in an accurate and timely manner.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Telecommunications Engineering Specialist
United States Air Force, USAF
Mountain Home, ID
05.2018 - 05.2024
- Configured and maintained network hardware, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points across several multi-million dollar networks.
- Implemented security measures to protect data from unauthorized access or destruction, protecting in over $1 billion in assets.
- Led the design of local area networks and wide area networks resulting in a 70% increase in network uptime.
- Provided technical support to users experiencing difficulties with their networks.
- Installed software updates on servers, routers, firewalls, and other network devices.
- Conducted regular system audits to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Created documentation detailing all aspects of the network infrastructure and its configuration.
- Educated and trained personnel on new technologies.
- Replaced faulty or damaged network hardware components to improve performance.
- Designed and implemented enterprise IP networking infrastructure according to clients' parameters.
- Built multiple independent networks supporting US military missions across the world, providing full OSI layer 1-4 coverage and tier 1 / tier 2 troubleshooting support.
- Supervised a twelve personnel work center in performing core duties.
- Incident routing/resolution, creating, applying, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures, incident and project escalation tracking and protocols, Authorized Service Interruptions (ASI's), Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs), and, but not limited to, Time Compliance Network Orders (TCNOs).
- First response tier 1 and tier 2 troubleshooting, maintenance, and updated for 6.7K systems, $211M value supporting 8K clients and 44 tenant units.
Sales Associate
Brownlee Jewelers
Charlotte, NC
03.2017 - 03.2018
- Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service.
- Assisted customers with product selection, sizing and styling.
- Provided accurate information about products, prices and services.
- Processed transactions using a point-of-sale system.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Upsold additional items based on customer interests and needs.
Education
Leadership, Management, Communication & Diversity
Airman Leadership School
Mountain Home, ID11-2022
High School Diploma -
Clover High School
Clover06.2017
Skills
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Process Improvement
- Access Control
- Risk Assessment
- Active Directory
- Customer Service
- Endpoint Security
- Exceptional Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership
- IT Project Management
- Software Deployment
- Technical Analysis
- Threat Hunting
- Certified SYO-501 & SYO-601
- VMware
- Server construction & management
- Tier I/Tier II Troubleshooting
- Vulnerability Management
- Infrastructure Planning, Design, and Deployment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Products
- Expert with Cisco Unified Call Manager and Call Manager Express
- Writing Training Material
Certification
- Comptia Security+ SYO-501 2018 (expired)
- Comptia Security+ SYO-601 2022 (current)
- Fortinet Network Certified Expert 1, 2 & 3 (intermediate)
- NORTEL Telephone Systems Operator 2022 (current)
Accomplishments
- Cyber Transport Technician Training Biloxi, MS July 2018 – March 2019
- Theater Deployable Cyber Infrastructure Course Savannah, GA March - May 2022
- Communications Fly-Away Kit Cyber Infrastructure Course Macon, GA July - August 2022
- Air and Space Achievement Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- AF Good Conduct Medal
- Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award & Meritorious Unit Award
- USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
- Distinguished Graduate of Airman Leadership School
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Outstanding Performer & Quiet Professional Award (November 2023)
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Limited
Japanese
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Telecommunications Engineering Specialist
United States Air Force, USAF
05.2018 - 05.2024
Sales Associate
Brownlee Jewelers
03.2017 - 03.2018
Leadership, Management, Communication & Diversity
Airman Leadership School
High School Diploma -
Clover High School
Similar Profiles
MICHAEL BELLEMICHAEL BELLE
Sports Director/Fitness Supervisor at United States Air Force, USAF, Langley Air ForceSports Director/Fitness Supervisor at United States Air Force, USAF, Langley Air Force
Philip D. SpencerPhilip D. Spencer
Aircraft Generation Flight Chief at United States Air Force, USAF, MacDill Air Force BaseAircraft Generation Flight Chief at United States Air Force, USAF, MacDill Air Force Base
Susannah ParkerSusannah Parker
Protocol Assistant at United States Air Force, USAF / Air National GuardProtocol Assistant at United States Air Force, USAF / Air National Guard
BRANTON BICKHAMBRANTON BICKHAM
Firefighter at United States Air Force, USAFFirefighter at United States Air Force, USAF
Marshall I. CarruthersMarshall I. Carruthers
Flight Line Crew Chief at PKL Services IncFlight Line Crew Chief at PKL Services Inc