SSG Victoria Ryan, U.S. Army (1973-1988)

In November 1976, I entered my first reenlistment after a year at Fort Dix and almost two in Hawaii.  I chose West Point, NY because my family lived close by and my sister was stationed there as the first female MP assigned to West Point.

Debi had entered the military in early 1973 as a way to “follow” our brother, who was then stationed in Germany.  She and Bill were very close.  I was the eldest, Bill second and Debi was the youngest; there were two years between each of us.

I was very proud of my youngest sibling.  She chose to pursue a law enforcement career in the Army and she was deeply serious about her duties and all aspects of military service.  Her devotion and dedication to learning and adhering to all tenets of the Army reaped many rewards throughout her active-duty years.

Early in her West Point assignment, she met a fellow military policeman and married.  Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to an unaccompanied assignment to Korea.  The separation did not deter my sister from her military duties and obligations; in fact, if anything, it propelled Debi to only further strengthen her love and devotion to the military.

During her traffic reporting days on the job at West Point, she relayed an interesting story to me about clocking a vehicle exceeding the speed limit.  She could tell by the window decal that the vehicle was registered to an officer.  Being fairly new in her assignment, she was not familiar with many senior officers but was duty-bound to stop the vehicle and issue a speeding ticket.  The officer driving flexed his rank and arrogantly addressed Debi with words to the effect:  “Do you know who I am?” and proceeded to enlighten her.  My sister, never one to cower or be intimidated, very simply and calmly stated to this officer, “Sir, please do not confuse your rank with my authority.”  I found that to be the most ideal comeback which completely put the offender in his place.  She knew he had broken the law by speeding on-post, and it was her responsibility and duty to correct this, regardless of his rank or position.

Debi continually reenlisted and completed additional training whenever opportunities arose; many she sought out to expand her base of law enforcement knowledge.  Debi’s thirst for additional duties and education propelled her to Warrant Officer in the Criminal Investigation Division. 

Her subsequent reassignments in the European theatre continued to advance her career with accolades and promotions.  Debi’s unwavering dedication to the military and devotion to her chosen path were awe-inspiring to all who served with her.  She became a strict disciplinarian, even in her own personal daily habits. 

Although she was four years younger than me, I always looked up to her in many ways.  Her no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners attitude and can-do approach to any obstacle were traits that others would yearn to emulate, myself included.

After leaving the military, she continued to utilize the traits she had acquired from her military service throughout the rest of her life.  Debi died a proud veteran in July 2016 at the age of 61.  Her shining spirit lives on, and she will always be missed.

Debi’s wedding – Aug 1, 1974, West Point, NY

Debi’s 1^st reenlistment, administered by MAJ Jack Crabtree, 3d Regiment Tactical Officer, West Point, NY

Read the Military Memories of our Runner-Ups.