MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE – The U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph Rivera from the 42nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, who works as a passenger travel technician, has received the title of Crusader of the Month.
Each month, the wing presents the Crusader Award to remarkable individuals from Team Maxwell who demonstrate exceptional dedication towards achieving the organization’s goals, aspirations, and key objectives.
Rivera continually shows remarkable professionalism,” stated U.S. Air Force Tech. Sergt. India Jackson, who serves as the section chief for the 42nd Logistics Readiness Squadron. “He is an exceptionally skilled airman, well-informed and his ability to provide outstanding customer service stands out.
Initially hailing from Corozal, Puerto Rico, Rivera became part of the Maxwell team in September 2021. Upon joining, he quickly proved himself as an essential member of the Deployment and Distribution Flight, overseeing official air travel and coordinating commercial bus services for the Air Education and Training Command’s busiest passenger travel activities.
Having been with the Passenger Travel Section for just four months, he managed to reconcile four centrally billed accounts to keep our account from getting suspended within our strict 10-day timeframe,” stated Jackson. “This substantial amount of work and achievement is quite notable for an experienced airman over such a brief duration.
Rivera, with direct field experience, grasps the significance of efficient travel logistics. He dedicates himself to the mission because he wants to prevent any Airmen from facing the frustration of getting stuck due to travel holdups or poor management.
I feel as though I’m not merely performing my duties; I’m assisting individuals everywhere,” stated Rivera. “It could be ensuring somebody reaches their family safely or arranging for a replacement in another area—it makes a difference.
Rivera assists with fulfilling the varied travel requirements for the 42nd Air Base Wing, the Holm Center, Air University, along with 43 additional entities at Maxwell and Gunter Annex. Part of his responsibilities encompasses overseeing two centrally invoiced accounts amounting to $4 million as well as coordinating both commercial flights and Patriot Express operations.
If we fail to handle the centrally invoiced accounts properly, nobody within the unit will be able to enter or exit,” clarified Rivera. “This matter is crucial. Our role involves collecting travel directives, validating missions, and collaborating with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service to maintain these accounts. This isn’t merely about figures; it’s essential for ensuring our operational readiness.
Rivera’s influence extends past the travel section. As a previous cargo technician, he continues to be enthusiastic about the wider objective of the Traffic Management Office.
“People think TMO is just household goods, but we have a cargo section too,” said Rivera. “I worked in cargo for most of my career, and I’m super proud of it. We build crates, support nearly every squadron, and make the mission happen behind the scenes.
Regardless of whether he participates in quarterly meetings with contractors and Unit Deployment Managers or guarantees seamless collaboration with the Commercial Travel Office, Rivera feels that teamwork and communication form the bedrock of mission accomplishment.
We all operate from various locations, yet we form a single unit,” stated Rivera. “We conduct extensive briefings, provide demonstrations, exchange figures, anything necessary to keep ourselves ahead of the game.
Away from his job, Rivera takes pride in being a dad to his two girls, Allison and Paulette. He maintains equilibrium by spending quality time with his family, preparing meals, playing video games, exercising, and tuning into inspirational podcast episodes.
“It’s the challenges, deployments, and separations that make you appreciate the moments spent with your loved ones even more,” stated Rivera.
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree, Rivera has his eyes set on the Staff Sergeant rank. He’s scheduled to test in June and is determined to keep pushing forward, both as an Airman and as a role model.
I’m aiming to succeed, as I’ve been dedicating myself to hard work and am eager for continued growth,” he stated. “However, completing my education remains important too. It’s one of my objectives, and I wish to demonstrate to my daughters that everything can be achieved.
With zeal, accuracy, and intent, Rivera embodies the essence of the Crusader of the Month.
The “Crusader” designation holds significant historical importance for the 42nd ABW. When deployed at the Free French territory of New Caledonia in 1943, members of the 42nd Bomb Group earned the moniker “Crusaders” from their French counterparts. They embraced this title by prominently displaying the Cross of Lorraine emblem on their B-25 bombers. This heritage endures today as part of the identity of the 42nd Air Base Wing.
The article initially appeared in the Montgomery Advertiser.
Airman of the Month at Maxwell AFB in Alabama: Senior Airman Joseph Rivera
