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

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.