Meet Major Gen. Kurt J. Ryan, new SDDC Commanding General Published July 13, 2016 By 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Major Gen. Kurt J. Ryan assumed command of the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command June 16. He leads five brigades, which are responsible for planning, booking, shipping and tracking cargo; conducting port operations, and managing personal property moves for service members and other federal employees and their families. What led you to join the Army? As a college student, I had the opportunity to join ROTC, opening doors to service in the Army following graduation and commissioning as a lieutenant. I always had a patriotic desire to serve my nation in uniform. When did you decide you wanted to become an officer? As a junior in college, following completion of Airborne School, I recognized the Army would be a good fit, and I signed a contract to serve in the Army after graduation. Was there a specific goal in mind when you became an officer? I wanted to lead paratroopers. I wanted to test my leadership abilities, never imagining the Army would become a career. I sought to learn and grow as a young American and do my small part. What is your favorite Army memory? Serving as a Battalion Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division and deploying to New Orleans in 2005 to help rescue suffering Americans following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Helping Americans recover is the highlight of my service. What can the SDDC Soldiers and Civilians expect from you? A leader who cares immensely about our people and a leader who is passionate about doing our strategic part to support and defend our nation. What do you expect from the SDDC workforce? Our “Surface Warriors” are trusted professionals, globally deployed around the world, delivering readiness to the ends of contested lines of communication. My expectation is that we never fail the warfighter, and that we be innovative as we continue to grow as a trusted Army Command. What advice would you give Soldiers? I ask them to think about future war every day, to do the right thing, to help eliminate hassle, and to build special-mission teams. What do you look forward to the most? Conducting reconnaissance around the world to meet our teammates, learn about what they do, and how they deliver readiness to all of our combatant commanders globally. How do you feel about being at Scott AFB? This is my family’s first opportunity to live and work in the Midwest and we are excited to get out and explore the Land of Lincoln. We love exploring new places in our Great Union and meeting new people. In our short time here, we’ve already recognized that our assignment at Scott AFB will not disappoint.