Honoring Those Who Served: Jim Blask

May is National Military Appreciation Month in the United States. MSCI will celebrate by featuring member company employees — our MSCI Metals Veterans — who have served their country in uniform. If you are veteran or member of the military and would like to share your story, fill out this questionnaire. Readers: we hope you will honor these courageous individuals by sharing their stories on social media using #MSCIMetalVets and tagging MSCI.

Name: Jim Blask
Company: Ryerson
City and State: Milwaukee, Wis.
Current Position/Job Title: Inside sales manager
Education: Bachelor degree in business management, University of Phoenix
Military Branch: U.S. Navy
Years of Service: 1990-1996
Job/MOS in the military: Aviation Maintenance Administration/loadmaster on C-9B
Unit and where you were stationed: VR-57, NAS North Island, San Diego and flew all over the world

What memorable phrase or word will never be the same now that you served? Hooyah!

What is something new you learned about yourself from serving? That I could surpass any limitations that I THOUGHT I had.

How have you applied lessons in the military to your job/career? Understanding and respecting the chain of command. The U.S. Navy made me more responsible and organized.

Do you have a favorite quote, mantra, or personal motto? “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.” – President Teddy Roosevelt

How can the metals industry do a better job connecting with veterans? Supporting employees who are still serving in the reserves and concentrating on recruiting after military service.

Anything else that you would like to share regarding your experience? My service in the U.S. Navy helped shape me to be the man that I am today.

Thank you for your service, Jim! Click here to read other profiles in this series and join the Military Appreciation Month conversation on MSCI’s Community Forum.