Photo By Keith Hayes | Juan Rivera, Director of Communications, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California... read more read more
Thirty years ago a man who had nearly lost an arm in an industrial accident aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, had a life-changing decision to make: Let the tragedy hold him back in his life ambitions, or use it to propel him on a new path to becoming not just an achiever but an over-achiever with a heart for volunteer service.
Juan Rivera went on to become the director of Communications for MCLB Barstow after a stellar career in the fledgling field of cyber security following the national tragedy of 9/11.
Rivera’s true story began in 1989. He had mustered out of the Marine Corps as a lance corporal in 1988 and began working for MCLB Barstow as a civilian.
“I was working in the Base Laundry in building 16 in 1989 as a Wage Grade 2 when my arm got caught in an industrial- sized washing machine and was almost completely severed,” Rivera said. “All that was left attached was the nerve to my pinky finger on my right hand, it’s called the ulnar nerve.”
After getting his right arm reattached, it took almost a year to regain its use.
“I am right handed. I had to learn to write with my left hand and throw darts with my left hand for ten months, and then I switched back to my right hand after I healed,” Rivera said. “I lost my arm in 1989 and I’ve done more things post the arm injury than I ever achieved beforehand.”
Those accomplishments include becoming a founding member of the Cyber Security Division of the newly established Department of Homeland Security.
“I was working as a civilian computer programmer for the Coast Guard when the Twin Trade Towers fell in a terrorist attack Sept. 11, 2001,” Rivera explained. “After 9/11 President (George W.) Bush created the DHS and the Coast Guard then fell under the DHS. I was tasked to be one of the creators of the field of Cyber Security within the new Department of Homeland Security. Cyber Security was a fledgling discipline that I helped to create.”
Since then, he said, he has gone on to receive 14 computer-related certifications. Among them are a computer forensics investigator, a cyber security officer, and a certified ethical hacker.
The native of East Orange, N.J., also developed a voracious appetite for learning and volunteering his time to help others.
“(The loss of my arm) was a turning point that propelled me on the course I’m on now,” Rivera said.
“An over-achiever; go for this cert or that cert, or martial arts competition. Show myself that nothing is going to hold me back.”
“I teach self-defense classes every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at the base gym, which is free for all military and their dependents as well as civilians,” he noted.
He holds a first-degree black belt in Judo, a second-degree black belt in Aikido karate, and also has a brown belt in Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu which started in Hawaii and is based on the martial art of Krav Maga from the Israeli Armed forces. Rivera is also a certified U.S.A Boxing coach.\
“One of my students is Christopher Clemans, the CO’s son, as well as Joshua and Andrew Silkowski, the executive officer’s sons, as well as Alfredo Romero Jr., Maj. Romero’s son. I also instruct Master Sgt. Tiana Tien’s daughter,” Rivera said. “I’ve seen children that have been bullied in school grow in self-confidence after training with me and are no longer fearful of being bullied.”
He is also on the MCLB Barstow rodeo committee which is ushering in the rodeo here September 20 and 21. It will be a full-fledged traditional rodeo, with steer roping, bull riding bronco busting, and mutton busting. The same organization that did the “showdeo” last year also does professional rodeos.
“I’m also the president of the civilian marksmanship program,” Rivera continued. “I’m a National Rifle Association certified Range Safety Officer. I love to instruct those who are not familiar with weapons or shooting by demonstrating a safe and effective manner of handling a firearm.”
His classes are open to active duty military spouses, as well as civilians aboard the installation.
The GS-14 Director of Communications has served on the Marine Corps Ball committee for the past three years, is a member of the Barstow Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, and worked on the Route 66 Corridor Project, where trees are planted along the iconic roadway in honor of military veterans.
“I also mentor the Marines in my office in the field of Information Technology, encouraging them to go on to college,” Rivera said. “Now all of them are either working toward an Associate of Arts or Sciences degrees or continuing their education at a four-year college.”
“Whatever Juan does, he does with alacrity and with others in mind,” Colonel Craig C. Clemans, commanding officer, MCLB Barstow said. “Whether teaching the self-defense class, planning for the MCLB Rodeo, or serving on the USMC Ball Committee, his ‘can-do’ attitude and encouragement, propel others to success. He takes incredible satisfaction in seeing others succeed and THAT is what makes him so special.”
Juan Rivera gives so much of his time and energy for probably the same reason that gives purpose to others.
“I’ve been blessed in my life with my wife, my children and my grandsons, and the best way to give thanks for those blessings is to give back,” he said.
His time in the military also provided a direction for him. The Marine Corps provided many opportunities to Rivera which weren’t available to him as a young kid coming up on the east coast. However, he also sees the effect on others when they get a helping hand.
“You don’t do this for rewards; you do it from the heart,” he said. “But if I had to point to something that I get from volunteering it’s seeing the people I’ve mentored or taught over the years growing up to become productive members of society.”
What’s ahead for Rivera? Will he continue to add to his myriad achievements?
“I’m a certified scuba diver, I’m a certified Range Safety Officer, I’ve got 14 certifications in the cyber security field, and I am a certified officiant minister and have performed weddings for my son and for Marines here aboard the installation,” Rivera said. “Now, I want to get my pilot license. Nothing should stop you.”
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2019 13:40 |
| Story ID: | 327270 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 223 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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