About us

In 1991, Captain Antonio Rivera Jr. reactivated the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 3 in Manhattan.

He later petitioned to name the Chapter – the Colon-Rivera Memorial Chapter 3 – in honor of two Puerto Rican heroes killed in action. This move sought to recognize the service of Hispanics in the military and to recognize their contributions to our Freedoms. Those two individuals have the following history:

Specialist Hector Santiago-Colon (December 20, 1942 – June 28, 1968)
He was one of nine Puerto Ricans who have been posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor which is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States of America. His actions on June 28, 1968 during the Vietnam Ware save the lives of his fellow comrades.

Captain Manuel Rivera Jr. (September 24, 1959 – January 22, 1991)
Was the first serviceman of Puerto Rican descent to die during Operation Desert Shield. The Captain Manuel Rivera Jr. AV-8B Harrier aircraft can be seen at the USS Intrepid museum in New York City.

The growth of our chapter was led by Captain Antonio Rivera Jr., as its first Commander who facilitated ten major fundraising events. These community based activities have helped veterans and their families, including other veteran organizations such as: veteran’s hospitals, individual veterans within civic business, political and religious arenas.
In the beginning, we started out by visiting our fellow veterans in hospital and nursing facilities. From these visits, we learned and took note as to what we could do to assist. Throughout the years, we have become a powerful force through the provision of clothing, food, blankets and other basic necessities. We recognized that we needed to look at the provision of our services from a holistic approach.

Our next fundraising efforts saw us purchase and donate thirty wheelchairs to the VA. In addition, we also began to provide educational scholarships. We also looked for opportunities relating to securing meaningful employment. The late Antonio Rivera Jr., our veteran’s representative, undertook to provide veterans with skills and techniques that would assist them in re-entering the labor market. Through his engagement, we were able to build on the capacity of veterans through the provision of meaningful employment. It is through the partnerships of our members that have laid the groundwork for our veterans’ success.

Our organization plays a small but important part of a larger community mobilization and engagement strategy that recognizes that it takes a community to address the problems encountered by our veterans.

It is through partnership and common interest that we assume responsibility and dedication to the men and women that have served our country. It is because of the many citizens that we enjoy the basic freedom and liberty that we do. It is important that we recognize that we are all united through this common bond as the support of volunteers, business and political leadership is the reason for our success. It is only through caring individuals and organizations that we are able to provide a variety of supports to the many thousands of veterans.

Through Captain Antonio River Jr’s vision, we continue to celebrate his life and legacy by assisting and aiding veterans where possible.