Soldier killed in Afghanistan was Spec. Paul Atim, former UW-Green Bay student

A former UW-Green Bay student was killed in action Saturday in Afghanistan by an improvised explosive device. The Defense Department reports that Spec. Paul J. Atim, 27, was in his second deployment to Afghanistan when he and two other men were killed in Nimruz Province, which is located at Afghanistan’s southern tip, bordering Iran and Pakistan. Atim leaves behind a child and is survived by his mother, according to the DOD. Atim took courses at UW-Green Bay during the 2005-06 academic year before joining the army in November 2006. Read Green Bay Press-Gazette coverage.



Fallen soldier remembered for humor, ‘outgoing personality’

Paul J. Atim was a native of Uganda who took part in International Student Orientation activities at UW-Green Bay in 2005. Brent Blahnik, director of International Education, says while he didn’t know Atim well — the student spent two semesters at UW-Green Bay before leaving and joining the military — he clearly recalls his humor and outgoing personality.

Blahnik provided the following statement to media Tuesday evening:

“I am deeply saddened to hear that Paul Atim was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Paul was a student at UW-Green Bay for only a short period of time, but I have fond memories of his outgoing personality and sense of humor.  Paul came to the United States from Uganda in pursuit of a better life, and shortly afterward joined the military to serve the country he loved. I think I speak for the entire University community in extending condolences to his family and friends.”