September Soldier of the Quarter Board
President and members of the board, I am Specialist Erica Rivera. I was born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Orlando, Florida. I graduated high school in 2003 as the first female Puerto Rican senior class president. I attended Valencia Community College in Orlando, for two years majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management. I have obtained forty six credit hours, and a technical certificate in Guest Services Relations. I joined the Army on January 3, 2006 as a Chaplain Assistant. I was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina for Basic Training with 3rd BN 13th INF REG. I also attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson with the United States Army Chaplain Center and School (USACHS). I graduated May 5, 2006, and received orders to report to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on May 31, 2006. When I arrived at Fort Leavenworth, I was assigned to 705th HHC USDB MP BN working in the Disciplinary Barracks, in the chapel. In January of 2008, I was assigned to HHC-CAC, STB with duty at Main Post Chapel. In February 2008, I reenlisted for five more years with one year stablization in Fort Leavenworth. On May 3, 2008 I got married to my husband Omar Rivera II, he is a Correction Specialist (31E), assigned to 705th MP BN. My short term goals are to start college with DeVry University finishing and obtaining a BA in Hospitality Management, with a Masters Degree in Business. Winning soldier of the quarter competing for soldier of the year, and in early 2009 becoming a Non-Commissioned Officer. My long term goals include starting a family, obtaining over 10,000 hours in community service, as well to earn a masters degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Rosen College University of Central Florida. Another goal is working at Walt Disney World on the event department team, planning, organizing and developing the events that take place with the company. Also I would like to own a business that will serve...