A Heart For The Hungry
In a world where hunger knows no boundaries, there are individuals like Sergeant Major Reynaldo Rivera who stand tall as beacons of generosity and compassion. With a career spanning over three decades in the Marines and a subsequent tenure at the post office, Rivera has not only witnessed the harsh realities of hunger but has also dedicated himself to alleviating it wherever possible. His benevolence to organizations like United Food Bank sets him apart as a warrior of hope.
Rivera’s upbringing in the impoverished neighborhoods of San Antonio, Texas, laid the foundation for his deep-seated empathy and commitment to serving others. Born into a family of fourteen children, Rivera knew firsthand the struggles of making ends meet. Yet, Rivera’s mother imparted valuable lessons on planning for the future and extending a helping hand to others in need.
From a young age, Rivera understood the importance of community and solidarity in the face of adversity. “When other people had needs, I remember them coming over. We had a poultry worker for an uncle, and he had a lot of eggs we would use to exchange. People were always trading. The neighborhood was inclined to take care of each other. The dynamic of humanity is if you don’t have a cohesive organization or friendships, you’re going to suffer,” he shares. Despite the challenges, Rivera’s family managed to navigate through tough times with resilience and a sense of shared purpose.
His journey into the military was both a choice and a chance at redemption. Faced with the prospect of incarceration due to his involvement with gangs, Rivera seized the opportunity to enlist in the Marines, a decision that would alter the course of his life forever. “My brothers were in the military, and they told me I was too much of a gangster to make it,” he says. “I originally went to join the Navy, but after waiting for the recruiting officer, I realized he was just chatting about his weekend. I was fed up and walked out. As I was leaving, I bumped into a Marines recruiter, and 30 years later I was a Sergeant Major for the recruiting station.” Serving in Vietnam, Cuba, Haiti, and Ghana, Rivera witnessed the stark realities of hunger amidst conflict, where hunger persisted as a deadly life struggle for many. He emerged not only as a seasoned warrior but as a compassionate leader committed to making a difference.
After retiring from the military, Rivera found himself in a position to give back. Inspired by his daughter’s memory and fueled by his own experiences, he turned his attention to charitable giving, with a particular focus on combating hunger. Organizations like United Food Bank became beneficiaries of his philanthropy, receiving consistent support to aid their mission of providing meals to those in need.
Rivera’s generosity extends beyond financial contributions. He actively engages with United Food Bank, ensuring that his donations have a direct and meaningful impact on the community. His advocacy for efficient and transparent charitable organizations reflects his commitment to maximizing the effectiveness of his giving. “I have a heart for fighting hunger, and I feel happy that I am helping people.”
Despite his busy schedule and myriad responsibilities, Rivera makes it a point to prioritize family, cherishing moments like weekly lunches with his grandchildren—a testament to his unwavering devotion to those closest to him. Additionally, his penchant for planning and regimentation underscores his disciplined approach to life, ensuring that every moment is spent purposefully, whether in service to his country or his community.
In Sergeant Major Reynaldo Rivera, United Food Bank finds a steadfast ally and advocate for their mission. His dedication to combating hunger serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that one individual can indeed make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. As Rivera continues his philanthropic journey, United Food Bank stands alongside him, grateful for his unwavering support in the fight against hunger.
At United Food Bank, your support can go a long way, with $1 helping bring 5 meals to the table of a family in need. For more information on how you can get involved in promoting food security in your community, visit unitedfoodbank.org/donate/.
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Written by KC Raguay
