Jeannine M. Ryder

Jeannine M. Ryder is a U.S. Air Force major general; commander of the Air Force Medical Agency, Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia; and chief of the Air Force Nurse Corps.

The Air Force Medical Agency is responsible for the support and execution of medical readiness programs, expeditionary medical capabilities, and the direct support and implementation of policy, plans and programs for health care operations of the Air Force Medical Service to more than 44,000 personnel at 76 military treatment facilities.

As Chief Nurse of the Air Force, Ryder creates and evaluates policies and programs for 19,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve nursing personnel. She interacts with Air Staff, Joint Staff, Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and civilian health care organizations to ensure the highest caliber of nursing care and personnel.

Early life and education Ryder, a Massachusetts native, is a graduate of Boston College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She earned her Master of Science in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Arts and Science in Military Operations from the Air Command and Staff College, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the Air War College.

Ryder was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1991.

Military career

Ryder's military career began in 1991 in the Nurse Intern Program (Obstetrics) at Langley Air Force Base, VA. She served as clinical nurse in the Obstetrical Unit, 36th Medical Group, Bitburg Air Base, and 52nd Medical Group at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, followed by an assignment in the Obstetrical Unit, 55th Medical Operations Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

“I am humbled and honored to be provided the opportunity of this promotion and the ability of continued service in the Air Force,” Ryder said during her promotion ceremony. “I am fortunate to work with great Airmen and Medics and care for the most deserving patients in the world." Ryder led the Air Force Medical Service's largest healthcare, medical education and readiness platform comprising six groups and 8,400 personnel. The wing provides 900,000 clinic visits, 18,000 surgical procedures, and greater than 300 worldwide deployments annually.

Ryder, an Air Force nurse, is the first female commander of two Air Force wings, the first female commander at Keesler Medical Center, the first female commander of the 711th Human Performance Wing in Air Force Research Laboratory, and the first female commander of the 59th Medical Wing.

Awards and honors

Medals Legion of Merit with oak leaf clusterBronze Star MedalDefense Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf clusterMeritorious Service Medal Air Force Commendation Medal