TOMMY RIVERA
Board Member Since 2004
Thomas Rivera was born and raised in East Harlem, NYC. He graduated from Food & Maritime High School in 1968 and entered the U.S. Marines in 1969 serving in the Vietnam War for 13 months, and participated in five major maneuvers. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1970.
Upon returning to NYC, he entered NYC Police Academy and served in various correction facilities culminating in his being taken "hostage" during the 1975 Prison riots at Rikers Island.
He retired on service-connected disability in 1978. Since then he has served on numerous community-based organizations throughout Long Island and is currently proud to be a member of the Board of BVSJ.
Tommy has been married for the past 30 years to Andrea Rivera and they have three lovely children: Thomas Michael Rivera, Damaris and Sarah Beth. He loves and lives by this motto:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
- Purple Heart
“Only one life to live that will soon pass,
Only what’s done for Christ will last”