Massapequa Resident, Veteran Receives Scholarship

Editor's Note: This article was written by Julia Tomkins.

Massapequa resident Joshua Rivera is among three Nassau Community College students to receive scholarships from Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. 

The law firm has awarded scholarships to Carlisle and two other Long Island veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and are now enrolled at Nassau Community College. 

“It is incumbent upon the Long Island business community to assist our veterans as they transition into civilian life,” said Meyer Suozzi English & Klein, P.C. Managing Attorney Lois Carter Schlissel. “It is essential that we help them complete their education by providing tuition assistance so that they can compete for jobs in this very difficult economic climate.”

Joshua Rivera is a resident of Massapequa. He graduated East Meadow High School in 2006 and served in the U.S. military from 2007- 2011. 

He served in Iraq from June of 2008 until June of 2009. Corporal Rivera spent the early years of his life in various foster homes in the New York City area. He was adopted at the age of 14. 

He says he is grateful to all those who cared for him and appreciates the variety of cultures, ethnic backgrounds and religions that he was exposed to. Rivera played football in high school and enrolled at Nassau Community College immediately after graduation, but soon realized he wanted more from his life and decided to enlist. 

While his adopted parents did not initially support his decision, he says they came to understand his strong desire to serve his nation, make a difference and give back to his community. Corporal Rivera hopes to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse.  He says he loves children and someday hopes to have a large family of his own.

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