First Sergeant Rivera enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1990, in the Delayed Entry Program.  First Sergeant Rivera reported to MCRD San Diego, California for Recruit training in April 1991.  Upon completion, he received training at Camp Johnson, North Carolina where he received the MOS 3531.  Following Camp Johnson he reported to the 1^st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii in October 1991.

In November 1996, Sgt Rivera reported to Sub-Unit One, 3^rd Marine Division, Camp Fuji, Japan as a Platoon Sergeant and Motor Transport Operations Chief.

In November of 1998, Sgt Rivera reported to 3^rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1^st Marine Division, 29 Palms, California.  He served as a Truck Master and Platoon Sergeant until being reassigned to 1^st Battalion, 7^th Marines, 1^st Marine Division in October 1999.  He served as the Motor Transport Chief

In November 2001, SSgt Rivera reported to HQBN, 2^nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa in 2002.  In May of 2004, SSgt Rivera reported to 1^st Battalion, 8^th Marines and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, where he participated in Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah.

In August of 2005, SSgt Rivera received orders to Drill Instructor School MCRD, San Diego.  In January 2006, SSgt Rivera was assigned to 2^nd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment.  He served as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Chief Drill Instructor.  In October 2007, he was assigned to DI school, RTR, as a DI Instructor.

In December of 2009, GySgt Rivera received orders to 2^nd MLG, Camp Lejeune, NC where he reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 8. He deployed in March 2009 to Afghanistan. He was selected to the rank of First Sergeant December 2009. 

In March 2010, First Sergeant Rivera reported to 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. He was later assigned to Maintenance Company and deployed to Afghanistan.

In January 2012, First Sergeant Rivera reported to the Inspector-Instructor, 4^th Tank Battalion for duty as the I&I First Sergeant for Company F, 4^th Tank Battalion, Stonebay, NC.

In December 2014, First Sergeant Rivera reported to Camp Mujuk, ROK, Marine Corps Installations Pacific for duty as the Senior Enlisted Adviser.

First Sergeant Rivera’s personal decorations include the, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Commendation Medal w/ three Gold stars in lieu of fourth award, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.