Antonio Rivera

Tony was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico on February 5, 1947. He was baptized Antonio Rivera Jr. whose father eventually migrated to New York City circa late 1940’s or early 1950 in search of the American dream. Eventually, Tony arrived in New York at the age of three and grew up on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn. He attended public school in Bronx. By the age of 18, Tony would join the US Marine Corps where he served from 1965-1969. During that time, he would be deployed in the Republic of Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division in 1966 and the 3rd Marine Division in 1967. It was during his last deployment that Tony would be wounded during a night ambush His platoon was sent to assist other Marines that were pinned down by heavy fire by the North Vietnamese Armed forces in the north region of the country.

Tony would be awarded the Purple Heart Medal and eventual would receive multiple decorations. They included: Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Campaign Medals and Viet Nam Civil Defense Medal, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 2 Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citations, The Republic of Vietnam Wound Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, NYS Conspicuous Service Star, 2 Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medals with Palm. Tony left active duty as a Sergeant.

He returned to the Bronx where he worked briefly for the U.S Postal Service and for 8 years for the Hunts Point Multi-Service Center. During a period of unemployment, he joined the NYS Army Reserve National Guard where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and ultimately sent to Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, retiring in ’85 with the rank of Captain. Tony also received the Army reserve component Achievement Medal.

He also worked for the NYS Department of Labor as a Veteran Labor Service Representative where he completed 20 years of service before retiring, assisting veteran to gain meaningful employment. At the Department of Labor, he has been involved in various forms of community outreach and participation with events and organizations of the overall dissemination of employment information to veterans. He often speaks at community based organizations regarding veterans benefits and related NYS labor services.

In 1991, as a natural outgrowth of his activities with veterans, Tony reactivated the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter #3 in Manhattan. He later petitioned to name the Chapter as the Colon-Rivera Memorial Chapter #3 in Honor of two Puerto Rican Heroes killed in action, to recognize the service of Hispanics in the military and their contribution to Freedom. The growth of the chapter has been led by Tony as it’s first Commander to ten major fundraising events. These community based activities have helped veterans and their families, but also other veteran organizations such as veterans hospitals, and individual veterans within civic business, political, and religious arenas. Tony was elected National Region I Commander in 2002 and again in 2003. In 2005 he bid for the National Jr. Vice Commander and despite losing – he was elected to the National Publications committee for a four year term. Throughout his life, Tony felt that most of his success related to the strength and beliefs that he had in God. He truly believed that this was the source of all his blessings.
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