STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. – -- Brig. Gen. Ryan Dannemann, 105th Airlift Wing commander, was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in a ceremony at Stewart Air National Guard Base Nov. 2, 2025.
Dannemann is the first 105th commander who has served his whole career with the wing.
He received his commission from the Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson ANGB in 2002 following his graduation from Miami University in 2001 and has served at the 105th since in various roles.
Some of the roles he has held include pilot and aircraft commander in both the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, instructor pilot, assistant flight commander, 105th Operations Group commander and more. Danneman took on his current role as commander of the 105th AW in January 2024.
During his promotion ceremony, Brig. Gen. Gary Charlton, assistant adjutant general for the New York Air National Guard and presiding officer for the ceremony, spoke about Dannemann’s contributions to the mission and its Airmen, as well as his hard work and successes. Dannemann also recited the oath of office led by his father, a retired brigadier general from the NYANG, and was presented with his general officer flag, to be kept in his office, as is tradition.
To end the ceremony, Dannemann addressed and thanked his family, friends and members of the 105th in attendance. He also reminisced on his career at the 105th so far, while also looking to the future.
“This star will remind me every day that I must bring my very best to work each day for you and keep learning,” he said. “I have had an extraordinary career thus far, surrounded by you, our nation’s best who are doing the tough and difficult work around the world that only our Air Force can do. My ride has been incredible, and if I had the choice to begin again and restart this journey, I’d do it. I’d do it in a heartbeat, and many years from now if I have done my job properly, our youngest 105th Airmen will feel the same way.”
In attendance at his promotion ceremony were Dannemann’s family, friends, past coworkers and peers, and members of the 105th. Multiple NYANG leaders were also in the audience, including the Adjutant General, New York, Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields, Jr, Commander and Assistant Adjutant General of the NYANG, Maj. Gen. Michael Bank, and Charleton.