JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - A container manager with the 159th Seaport Operations Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), distinguished himself from his peers and earned a battlefield promotion to staff sergeant on March 1.
Staff Sgt. Patrick Ryan, who grew up in Rapid City, S.D., is playing a vital role in managing the Joint Base Balad Empty Container Collection Point.
"During this deployment, staff sergeant Ryan was chosen above his peers to manage the Joint Base Balad Empty Container Collection Point, which is co-located with the Central Receiving and Shipping Point," said Capt. Philip McDowell, commander of the 159th Seaport Operations Company and a native of Charlottesville, Va.
Ryan is responsible for overseeing not only 12 civilian contractors, but also thousands of empty seaworthy containers which are issued to units and trans-shipped throughout theater, McDowell said.
Ryan's professionalism is unparalleled, and he has flawlessly accomplished his mission since he took charge two months ago, he added.
"The work is definitely a challenge," Ryan said. "It has really given me a taste for what I would like to do as mobility warrant officer, and I'm really appreciative of this learning opportunity."
"It's an honor to have leadership which has such faith and confidence in me to make such a recommendation," Ryan said. "I'm eager to accept the challenges which come with being a staff sergeant."
"Staff sergeant Ryan is an independent leader who we can trust to interface with container managers throughout theater. There's no doubt that his efforts have been essential to responsible withdrawal efforts," stated Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Latch, a native of Little Rock, Ark., and the 159th SOC CRSP noncommissioned officer in charge.
"We're extremely proud of staff sergeant Ryan, and thrilled that his hard work and professionalism has been recognized," said McDowell; "talk to [him], and you'll find a leader who stays positive regardless of the weight of his responsibility, and who has his eye on the next rank already."
In his spare time, Ryan has also been working on his bachelor's degree in business administration.
Back home, he enjoys four-wheeling, camping, and other outdoor activities with his family.
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