DEPUTY COMMANDER

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Rivera began his Civil Air Patrol (CAP) career in February 2002 as a cadet in the Puerto Rico Wing, distinguishing himself at a young age and earning the prestigious General Ira C. Eaker Award in December 2005. Upon transitioning to senior membership, he has provided leadership at every level of the organization.

He has served as Commander of the Capt Saulo Solís-Molina Cadet Squadron, Group 7 Commander, and in Group 4 he held key positions including Deputy Commander, Cadet Programs Officer, Finance Officer, among others. At the Wing level, Lt Col Rivera has served as Director of Aerospace Education, Director of Administration, Director of Personnel, Assistant Inspector General, Assistant Director of Cadet Programs, and has chaired the Wing Awards Review Board, Promotions Review Board, and Membership Board.

Most recently, he served as Chief of Staff of the Puerto Rico Wing, providing executive leadership, strategic direction, cross-functional coordination, and oversight of administrative and operational processes across the entire Wing staff. Under his leadership, systems were modernized, the compliance culture was strengthened, professional standards were elevated, and strategic planning was consolidated in alignment with CAP’s national objectives.

In 2023, he completed Level V of the Education and Training Program, earning the Gill Robb Wilson Award, the highest professional development recognition for CAP senior members. He holds Master ratings in Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, Education & Training, Command, Personnel, Administration, Information Technology, and Inspector General; a Senior rating in Safety; and Technician ratings in Logistics, Emergency Services, Operations, and Finance. He is also qualified as a CAP Mission Observer.

He has played a key role in the training and professional development of members within Puerto Rico and beyond, serving as Commander, Director, and Instructor for SLS, CLC, TLC, UCC, RCLS, Summer Encampments, and Wing Conferences. His dedication to mentorship and leadership development continues to positively impact hundreds of volunteers and future leaders positively.

His awards and decorations include:
Exceptional Service Award with four bronze clasps
Meritorious Service Award with one bronze clasp
Commander’s Commendation Award (Region Level) with one bronze star
Commander’s Commendation Award (Wing Level) with one silver clasp and two bronze clasps
Achievement Award with one silver clasp and two bronze clasps

Professionally, he works as a Customer Counter Clerk at United Parcel Service (UPS), the world’s largest package delivery and logistics company. He resides in Puerto Rico with his wife, 1st Lt Leyna Liz Huertas Ortiz, and their son.