Luis Rivera Rios

Mr. Luis E. Rivera Rios was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1970 and raised in Utuado, Puerto Rico. He studied at the University of Puerto Rico, Business Administration and at the Ana G. Méndez University System in Puerto Rico, Accounting and is currently studying Computer Sciences at McKendree University in Radcliff, KY.

He is an Army veteran with two deployments to Iraq (2003-2004 and 2006-2007). He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received by a mortar attack while engage in armed conflict against an enemy of the United States of America in April 10, 2007. He was medically retired from service on July 21, 2009 with Traumatic Brain, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a Left Shoulder Injury.

After his military service, Mr. Rivera Rios felt he could do more for his country and on August 03, 2009; with the help of the Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) in Fort Knox, Kentucky, he started his Civilian Service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District as a Budget Technician. Effective January 30, 2011, he is the Project Support Assistance for the Project Management Military Branch.

Mr. Rivera Rios is a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart since November 13, 2009 and his current positions within the organization are: Senior Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 146th in Louisville, KY and Past Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Kentucky being the first Hispanic in that position for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

He have volunteer on the Combined Federal Campaign in 2010 as a Canvasser, 2011 Employee Coordinator, receiving a Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for achievement that contributes significantly to the accomplishment of the mission of an U.S. Army activity; and 2012 Loan Executive (receiving his 2nd Commander's Award for Civilian Service).

Since August 2009, Mr. Rivera Rios volunteer with Adelante Hispanic Achievers of Louisville and received a Governor’s Citation from Steve Beshear, Governor of Kentucky in sincere appreciation for outstanding services to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its citizens, on December 13th, 2009.

On June 29, 2011 he was appointed as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District Representative for the Special Emphasis Program, Hispanic Employment Program Manager. On April 10, 2012, Mr. Rivera Rios submitted the 2012 National Hispanic Heritage Month Theme proposal (Diversity United, Building America’s Future Today) to the National Council for Hispanic Employment Managers and on May 16, 2012 his theme was selected as the winning theme, receiving an Award for Patriotic Civilian Service for contributions to an U.S. Army Activity.

On June 2013, he was name by the Mayor of Paducah, KY a Duke of Paducah for his contributions to Wounded Warriors, especially Purple Heart Recipients.

Since July 2009, Mr. Luis Rivera Rios has been a resident of Elizabethtown, KY. He is a husband and a father.

Mr. Luis E. Rivera Rios awards include:

Military Awards:

Purple Heart (awarded 10 April 2007)

The Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award)

Good Conduct Medal

Army Reserve Components Medal (2nd Award)

National Defense Medal

Iraqi Campaign Medal with Bronze Arrowhead Device and 2 Bronze Service Stars

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 2

Combat Action Badge

Meritorious Unit Commendation

Civilian Awards:

Commander’s Award for Civilian Service (2nd Award)

Award for Patriotic Civilian Service

Kentucky Governor’s Citation

Duke of Paducah