Army Staff Sgt. Juan L. Rivadeneira

Remember Our Heroes

Army Staff Sgt. Juan L. Rivadeneira, 27, of Davie, Fla.

SSgt Rivadeneira was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Nov. 13, 2010 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, when an insurgent suicide bomber detonated a vest bomb and struck his unit. Also killed were Cpl. Jacob R. Carver and Spc. Jacob C. Carroll.

by Military Wall Of Honor on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 3:34pm

Staff Sgt Rivadeneira passed from this life on November 13th, 2010. He was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in the Kandahar province. He died as a result of a suicide bomber who detonated a vest bomb near his unit.

Juan was 27 years old and was from Davie, Florida. He was based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

Rivadeneira joined the Army in May of 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in May of 2009. He is survived by his wife, Melissa Rivadeneira and son, Juan A. Rivadeneira both of Germany; and his mother, Yenni S. Rivadeneira of Venezuela.

His awards and decorations include: Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Defense Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge and Expert Infantryman Badge.

We do not know much about Sgt Juan Rivadeneira, as there is very little posted regarding him. This may be due to his family residing overseas. We do know that he was loved and that he laid down his life in our service. Below are some of the postings from Juan’s online Guest Book.

“Juanito, you were a GREAT man and I will always remember you for being that and so charismatic. You'll be missed greatly but I know that you are in a better place. Know that you have a lot of people here that will never ever forget you.” Yoanna Crespo

“Words can not explain the loss that we all feel this day. You gladly laid down your life for the freedoms and the liberties that we enjoy each day. My heart is heavy to know you are gone, but my soul is hopeful because you are beside the almighty father who has called you to him. The memory of your life lives on in those of us who loved you and knew you. Your sacrifice shall not go in vain but we shall continue to honor you as we remember the men and women such as yourself who have given their all for our nation. The memories i have of you i will hold dear forever. A great man, a great friend a great husband. You are a hero and our nation will always mourn your loss. My deepest condolences and my prayers go out to susana your mom, your wife Melissa and your son Juan, your sister Meli and brother Ney and to the rest of your family. I pray god keep you in his glory and help your family to heal along the way.” Vesna Maupin

“Riva, I will never forget you. From our days in Baghdad when you showed me what it was to be a Soldier to the laughs and beers we shared in Alaska you were truly the best of men. God bless you Brother and God bless your family. I pray for their strength to never forget, but the courage to continue forward. I love you Riva. See you again someday.” Nick Brown

“Baby I love you so much and I will always do. I promise you to be strong and always take care of our lil jr. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART, BABY!!!” Melissa Rivadeneira

Staff Sgt Rivadeneira, we thank you for your faithful service and we mourn your passing from us. We will not forget your sacrifice on our behalf. We lift up your wife Melissa to God and we pray for His comfort and His provision, may He walk with her always and keep her safe. We pray also for your young son, Juan Jr, may God be ever a Father to him, may he grow strong and may he live a life of prosperity. May God comfort him. We lift up your mother Yenni and we pray that God will be her Strong Tower. May He comfort her and extend her all grace. May He watch over and provide for all those you love from this day and forever. Rest in peace brave Soldier. (Donna)

Rivadeneira is survived by his wife, Melissa Rivadeneira and son, Juan A. Rivadeneira of Germany.; mother, Yenni S. Rivadeneira of Venezuela; sister Meli Suse of FL and brother Ney also of FL.

Army Staff Sgt. Juan L. Rivadeneira was killed in action on 11/13/10.