Spotlight - Dolores M. Rivera: "A Hero Among Us"

She had not envisioned a 20-year tenure with the Department of Economic Security (DES) when journeying from the harsh conditions of the Philippines as a teenager, but Dolores M. Rivera is now truly one of the many talented, military heroes that serve the Division of Benefits & Medical Eligibility (DBME). Currently, she works in the Office of Program Evaluation as a Quality and Policy Specialist.

Pictured from right to left: Rivera, Colonel Patton (her previous Commander and mentor) and SMSgt Portillo-Leanos, a peer and mentor as well.

 

Rivera is pictured on the right (standing) with her friends, wearing mess dress during an Annual Awards Banquet.

 

With the American flag in the background and ASTS flag in front, Rivera and her unit let out cheers of unity and pride. She is the first female from the left.

 

Rivera proudly displays the Arizona state flag with her unit in Balad Iraq. She is the second female on the left, wearing sunglasses.

"I started my time here as an Eligibility Worker in the Peoria office," reminisced Rivera." But promotions and other positions of opportunity soon followed. First came Supervisor, then Assistant Office Manager, Quality Control Reviewer and Policy Support Specialist."

Excellence-in-service goes beyond DBME to the bravery and commitment shown through her 30 years with the U.S. Air Force, 20 years in the Reserves and 10 years of Active Duty. Rivera has also attained the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Born and raised in the Philippines, she saw and experienced poverty and hardship and could only imagine the day she might find opportunity and a better life in America.

"We were poor… very poor," explained Rivera. "Honestly, I think I've blocked out my childhood memories because of how bad it was. Now, living in Arizona, I am very thankful for the opportunities I've been given and continue to receive in the U.S."

Rivera immigrated to the United States in September 1980 on the cusp of turning 18 and became a citizen in '86.

"My parents lived here too, for a while," she said, "but they decided to return to the Philippines once my mom retired. I stayed to pursue life in America."

Currently assigned to the 944th Medical Squadron as an Enlisted Manager, Rivera described her philosophy, "Reservists are taught that in order to be successful, your 3-legged stool needs to be stable. One leg is your family, the other is your reserve commitment and the last is your job or school. In order to have a stable stool, all 3 legs have to be equal."

Commitment to family, country and job has earmarked much of Rivera's success in life. Happily married with four children, three girls and a boy, she met her husband when they were both stationed in Germany. In 2005, while working as a DES Assistant Office Manager, she deployed to Balad, Iraq.

"That was tough," she said. "But not only were my husband and children very supportive, my coworkers were also amazing. They sent me cards, e-mails and care packages. That meant a lot."

Rivera has served her fellow veterans by participating in STAND DOWN events over the years. According to her coworkers, she assists in signing these brave men and women up for nutrition and medical assistance benefits in a "…very friendly and understanding way."

Looking to the future, Rivera offered, "If everything goes well, I want to work with homeless Veterans and also seriously consider being a foster parent."

By Latonya S. Jordan-Smith, DBME PIO