• Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us
The West Point Center for Oral History
  • Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us

On the Front Lines of Freedom: Team Derrick in Korea, Germany, and Desert Storm

Kathy (Ryan) Derrick

Description

LTC(R) Kathy (Ryan) Derrick attended West Point for the challenge, and remains committed to a lifetime of service to the nation. After graduating in 1985, her first assignment was Korea. She extended in Korea and met her husband and classmate, Mike Derrick. After Korea, the Derricks were fortunate to be posted together in Germany where they both deployed for Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After the Gulf War, they were both selected to teach at West Point, Kathy in the Department of Physical Education, and Mike in History. Following their West Point tour, Mike resigned to support his wife’s career. Assignments to Alaska, Hawaii, and Colorado followed. In Colorado, Mike, who was in the Reserves, was activated, and Kathy retired as a Lieutenant Colonel to focus on their children. Mike served for nine additional years before retiring as a Colonel. In 2016, the Derricks returned to New York where Mike is running for Congress. They both remain committed to a lifetime of service to the nation. In this interview, Kathy discusses her decision to attend West Point and the dedication of the women she encountered in the Corps of Cadets. She also talks about the sisterhood she found on the Women’s Lacrosse Team. Finally, she explores her career in the military.

Video Details Interview Date:1-Apr-16
Interviewer:David Siry
Conflicts:
  • Cold War
  • Persian Gulf War
Topics:
  • Camaraderie
  • Leadership
  • Life After Military
  • Military Families
  • Patriotism
  • Teamwork
  • Wartime Decisions
  • West Point History
  • Women in Service
Class Year:
  • 1985
Biographical Details Name:Kathy (Ryan) Derrick
Branch:Chemical Corps / Transportation Corps
Unit:DISCOM 1st Armored Division
Institution:USMA
Graduation Year:1985
Service Start:1985
Service End:2005
Additional Resources
The West Point Center for Oral History Logo

About
Contact

How You Can Help

The West Point Center for Oral History is a privately funded organization that relies on the generosity of donors. When you click on the link below, you will be taken to the West Point Association of Graduates website and instructions on how to give to the Center. We appreciate your generosity! Support The Center

Stay Informed

Be the first to know! Sign up now to get updates and email alerts when new interviews are released. Join the West Point Center for Oral History's Pipeline Alert.

"*" indicates required fields

© 2026 · West Point Center for Oral History   |   West Point Department of History   |   U.S. Military Academy   |   U.S. Army