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John Rivero Obituary

RIVERO, John "Travis", Cpl, 23 years old, died Thursday, April 17, 2003, in western Iraq, when the Humvee he was riding in overturned. At the time of the accident Rivero was an infantryman with the Florida N ational Guard's C Company, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment. Rivero grew up in Gainesville, Fla., and graduated from Buchholz High School in 1998. He attended Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, and before shipping out in January he had been attending the University of South Florida in Tampa, studying computer science and engineering. Rivero, who enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard in 1998, completed basic and infantry training at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1999. He was assigned to D Co, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, from Eustis, and was transferred to C Company, from Orlando, before leav ing for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was promoted to the rank of corporal while in the Middle East. Rivero had been awarded the Army Achievement Medal and Army Reserve Component A chievement Medal. Rivero was a fitness buff and enjoyed sailing, according to his college roommate and friend. A Tribute and Memorial service will be held on the grounds of the USF Sundome on Friday, April 2 5, 2003 from 7-9 p.m. The public is urged to attend and pay their respects to this soldier who died protecting our country and preserving our freedom. Come all to show your patriotism and appreciation for th is local American hero. Military personnel will be attending.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TBO.com on Apr. 24, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for John Rivero

Not sure what to say?





May 8, 2019

Ms.Gardham, my name is Mark Klaers. Though I did not serve with your son, I served in his regiment and with many who did. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I cannot imagine your pain over his loss.

My reason for reaching out to you is I manage a Facebook page for 2nd Battalion honoring it's fallen. Please look at it (taps 2/124 inf regt_"never surrender") and let me know if I may include your son in it. He would be amongst friends. If you accept, please contact me at [email protected]. I hope to be able to share his memory with those who knew and served with him. God bless you.

Charlie Gili

April 13, 2019

Hello,

We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of John Travis Rivero US Army Corporal.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Peggy Childers

April 18, 2012

To the family and friends of Cpl. John T. Rivero:
Always remembering John. "Some gave all."

Patti Gardham

November 24, 2011

Happy Birthday Son. Happy Thanksgiving too. The holidays are not the same with out you. You are loved and missed so very much. You have my heart.

Love, Mom

TSgt Hilda Santa

August 5, 2011

Cpl Rivero, now that my 19 year old son is in Iraq serving in the Army, any day that I don't hear from him I can relate as a parent the worries your parents went through. And, I am reminded of you. I didn't know you personally, but you're never far from my thoughts. God bless.

Patti Gardham

June 29, 2011

Travis....I know that I haven't written to you in awhile, but you know I come to talk to you each day. Granny and Aunt Terri are with you now. I know that you and Daddy will take good care of them. I know granny gave you that big HUG and KISS I sent you. I love you son.
MOM

JOHN RIVERO

April 21, 2011

THINKING OF YOU AS i ALWAYS DO BUT ESPECIALLY AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR .LOVE DAD

Patti Gardham

April 18, 2011

4/17/11

Missing you today, as I always do son. You will always be loved and missed, never, never forgotten. I would give anything for one of your hugs.
Loving and missing you,
MOm

Peggy Childers

April 17, 2011

To the family and friends of Cpl. John T. Rivero:
Please accept my remembrance of John on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Kevin kelps

March 19, 2011

TRAV..I MADE IT THROUGH GRAD SCHOOLWITH YOU MY FRIEND AS MY MOTIVATOR AND INSPIRATION. I WON THREE FITNESS COMPETIONS LAST YEAR. WHEN I TOOK THE MIC I TOLD THE PEOPLE THIS WAS FOR MY FRIEND AND BROTHER IN H E V A N .jimmie got shot on his fouth tour he is up there with you .ilove you my brother.

Mike Partain

November 18, 2010

At Ease Bro.

Peggy Childers

April 17, 2010

To the family and friends of Cpl. John T. Rivero:
Remembering John on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

JUAN GONZALES

April 15, 2010

DEAR MR. AND MRS.RIVERO,YOUR SON IS AN HISPANIC HERO,I KNOW YOU GUYS ARE PROUD OF YOUR SON AS IS THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY. GIVING YOUR LIFE FOR YOUR COUNTRY IS THE HIGHEST PRICE OF FREEDOM. WE THANK YOU AND NEVER WILL FORGET YOU.

Kenna

March 27, 2010

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
[email protected]

February 3, 2010

Rest in Peace. No words can express the loss felt by those who knew you. Only a humble Thank you from a American Citizen honored by your service.

Patti Gardham

October 8, 2009

Travis,
Duke is with you now. I know you are both happy being together again. Not a day goes by that I don't speak of you.
Not a day goes by that you are not loved and missed so very much.
MOM
[email protected]

Peggy Childers

April 17, 2009

To the family of Cpl. John T. Rivero:
John gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Darleena Jones

July 5, 2008

Dear Ms Patti,
Please accept my most comforting thoughts. I have a quilt made in honor of your son and would like to send it to you, from the Florida Chapter of the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. You may see our project at www.flhomeofthebravequilts.com and I hope to hear from you soon.
respectfully,
Darleena Jones

Patti

July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July, Travis.
You are always in my thoughts.
I love you.
Mom

Patti

May 24, 2008

May 2008
Its memorial Day Weekend Travis. I am thinking about you today as I do everyday. Today I am remembering the pride in which you served our Country, and all that you gave. Our loss is no easier, you are loved and missed everyday.
Love,
Mom

The Neal family

April 20, 2008

To the family of Cpl. Rivero,
Please know that just as your loved one will forever remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.

Patti

April 17, 2008

Its been 5 long years today son. You have been thought about and missed every one of those day. We miss your smiles, your hugs, your laughter, your crazyness and your love. We know you are watching over us from above.
Love,
Mom, and the whole family

In Memory of John ( Debra Estep )

April 17, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know John, but I am remembering on
this day he gave his all.
He is my hero.

Sincerely,

Debra Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

The Other Side
(Beautiful song to share)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol

Debbie , Kenny Coffey

April 17, 2008

Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the RIVERO family and all.Knowing now the many special things that they have always known is one of the many reasons that our HERO[S] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as prommissed and in your honor that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel is FOREVER clutched in the tallons ,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our greatfull nation..THANK YOU...All Hard Chargers..If you are wonded I will carry you**If you are captured I will come for you**If you are K.I.A. I will FOREVER reamber you.We have one and all COME by NORTH**COME by SOUTH**COME by EAST**COME by WEST..We were all gathered and united on that great day as strangers as we stood and upon those last [4] spoken words we are...............FOREVER BROTHERS......................................SEMPER FI...............B.V.C.......

Susie Cantrell

April 15, 2008

Travis, I can't beleive that it's been 5 years since you have been here with us. I still remember the time when you were a little boy,and had to go into the hospital. I told the nurses there that I was your father, because only family could go up stairs with you. Your mom was really worried, and I thought she needed me there. You are loved very much, and missed daily. My father passed on last October, so when you can go and see him for me. I have always loved you like one of my on, and I always will. Love Aunt Susie (not by blood, but by love)

Evelyn Morgan

March 24, 2008

Trav, you were a joy in my life that will remain in my heart forever. I can still here you calling me "Uncle Morgan". I watched you grow from a small child to a handsome, mature young man, a devote brother,son and Uncle. You are my HERO, I will always hold you close in my heart. I am so gratefull to have know you and been considered a part of your family.. Your mother, Patti was and is my best friend.
Forever , Morgan

Patti

March 22, 2008

March 2008
Happy Easter son. Thinking about all our Easter memories. We miss you so very much.
Love,
Mom

Hilda Perez, SSgt

February 29, 2008

I was there in the desert just across the "street" from him. I'd met him and a few other soldiers that were going on that mission a few nights before and played cards with them. We were laughing and talking about our jobs. It was a nice "welcome to the neighborhood" type of night.

One night I came back from "work" and noticed a bunch of rocks in the middle of the road. I went up to see it better and his picture was in the center of it. His friends had set up a mini memorial for him. It was my first experience with the possibility of what was to come...the loss of life, of fellow soldiers, of people known and unknown...I will always remember his name. It is forever embedded in my mind and in my heart.

God bless you. May it help to know that even if I didn't know him, he's always thought of with tenderness and pride.

Always,

Patti

November 24, 2007

Happy 28th birthday son.
Not 27th...wow so much time has gone by. Love you so much.
Mom

Patti

November 23, 2007

Another Thanksgiving and you weren't with us son. You were missed and always will be, every day. November 24th is your 27th birthday. This time of year is so hard on us, with out you. You are loved and missed more than words can say my son.
Love you,
Mom

November 15, 2007

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Rivero!

November 12, 2007

Sorry son 2007 not 2008. I was too much in thought.
Love Mom

Patti

November 10, 2007

Veterans Day 2008
Remembering you today, as I do everyday son, with respect and pride. You are so very loved and missed. You will always be my hero.
Love Mom

August 3, 2007

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 5, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Cpl Rivero and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Garnet Jenkins

April 17, 2007

In Remembrance of Cpl. John T. Rivero, with a Multitude of Thanks, for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

May John Rest Safely in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Rivero family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills- from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2

I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of Caring and Support that surround you each day, as this Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.

patti

April 8, 2007

2007
Happy Easter son. I love and miss you so very much.

Love,
Mom

sheila

August 5, 2006

It sounds like he was a true treasure. I hope you are comforted by your memories of him. May he rest in peace. So sorry for your loss. He is not forgotten and you are not alone.

Michael Byrne

May 29, 2006

As an active member of the U.S. Navy. I am constantly reminded of the dangers, the sacrifices, and hardships we all endure, but every single person that pays the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom that we as Americans enjoy every day, I am both saddened and supremely proud of their great love for country and humanity. To you that are survived my heart and unending gratititude go out to you, and although I never knew your son, I do know that he is a real HERO!

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

February 14, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Rivero family in the loss of John. I did not know John, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. John, in April it will be 3 years since you were taken, but you will never be forgotten. Mom, know that there are those of us that continue to pray.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Patricia Gardham

March 12, 2005

April 17th, 2005, will be the second anniversary of Travis's death.

It is no less painful for his sister and I as it was the first day. Our lives have been forever changed. The void Travis has left will never been filled. Travis was a very special son and brother.

He was such a kind, loving and giving young man. We miss his hugs. WE miss his smile. WE miss him always being there for us. HIs light will never be extinguished. WE were always proud of him and he was always our hero.

WE want to thank all of you for the kind words and thoughts.





As a mother I took for granted my children would always be with me.

The death of either was just not a possibility.

My daughter and son were the greatest gift I was given.

Now my daughter is the only one living.

My daughter still has my heart and my sole, but part of it now is just a big hole.

The tears still come and my face stays soaken.

From the heart of a mother that is forever broken.

Ryan Ackner

May 1, 2003

To Rivero Family and Friends,

My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Travis's family and anyone who got the chance to know him. We have all lost a special person in our lives. But I will never forget him in my heart.My name is Ryan and I lived with Travis this past year in Tampa before he was deployed. When I first meet him we instantly bonded when he helped me move all of my belongings into the apartment. Travis was a few years older than me and I gained alot of respect for him. He constantly gave me advice in life. After spending every day together working out,B.S.ing,and even taking turns cooking for each other he quickly began to feel more like a brother than a roommate.We shared alot of fun times together that I will always cherish. I got the chance to bring Travis home with me one weekend to my house in Palm Beach Gardens to meet my parents. My family couldnt believe how respectful and grateful Travis was and how much fun he was to have around. When I said goodbye to him before he was deployed I could not wait for him to return home to hear the stories of his experiences in Iraq. Travis kept his word to me in which he promised he would stay in touch with me. He called me on two occasions when he was at his training camp in Georgia before flying over seas and wrote two seperate letters to me while in the middle east. Travis became a hero to me when the war started and I realized the serious situation my good freind was in on his own will because he wanted to protect his country. Travis gave the ultimate sacrifice and we all lost a hero. I only knew Travis for a short time, but it has felt like a life time to me. He truly touched my life and after attending his memorial service on campus and his funeral service, I saw the hundreds of other lives he had touched. Thank-You Rivero family for bringing a hero into this world, because if it were not for people like John Travis Rivero we would not have the free lives we live in this great country. I will never forget Travis or the sacrifice he had made for us.

LYNN AND BOB FRANCIS

April 27, 2003

Dearest Pat and family,

We are truly sorry and grieve for the loss of Travis, and what a loss it is. Travis has given our family, and my son Rob, so much joy. It was always a pleasure to have him around. His smile, kindness and sense of humor were the best. When I was at the gym Travis would always come up to me and talk, and let me know that I was not using the weights correctly. I can still see him in his white tank top and navy blue nylon sweats. His muscles bulging with all the right definition, his cheeks so rosy, and what a smile. Travis knew how much we cared for him and he was so good to us. One evening when I fed him dinner I asked him if it was ok and he said "it takes like chicken". He saw the confusion in my face and went on to explain the expression which I will never forget. By the way, dinner that night was chili. Travis was there for my son and me in some tough times. Please know in your heart Pat that you did a fantastic job and I know how much Travis respected you and his sister. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts go out to you in your time of need and always. I am so proud of Travis and I know I will be seeing him again.

Dee Ratcliff

April 25, 2003

Your son is a hero to all and we are so sorry for your loss.. God is our strength when we are weak and sad, and it is our prayer you feel his love and comfort during this time.. God be with you.. Dee Ratcliff and her mother Mary Ratcliff

Maria Aloyo

April 24, 2003

Rivero Family,



Thank you for sharing your loved one with our country. His honor will never be forgotten. May he now sleep in heavenly peace in the arms of Jesus. May God bless you and comfort you and your family during this difficult time and "our" loss.



The Aloyo Family

Plant City, FL

Royann Black

April 24, 2003

Patti, you've made the greatest sacrifice a mother can for her country. Your son will always be a hero. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.

Michael and Elizabeth Banuelos

April 24, 2003

Patti, we were so sorry to hear of Travis' passing. Travis died fighting for his country and there is nothing on this earth more noble. The world mourns with you for the loss of such a fine young man, soldier, and son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



The Banuelos family

Michelle Young

April 24, 2003

Patti, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss. Frank and Michelle

Kimm and Barry Furlotte

April 24, 2003

We are friends of Travis mom Patti and we know how proud she is of her son..From the bottom of our hearts we wish to express our sincere condolences... Travis is a hero not only to his family but to the world..



Kimm and Barry Furlotte

Brampton,ON Canada

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