DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Major Jackson M. Rivera is the Commandant of Cadets with the New Jersey Youth Challenge Academy In this Capacity he is responsible for accountability, control, and overall well- being of Cadet corps and supervision of the Cadre Department. The Commandant establishes and maintains the Youth ChalleNGe Academy tradition. Oversees cadet records covering discipline and behavior, community projects, and leadership. Plans, develops, and coordinates training activities for cadets when not participating in academic or counseling scheduled courses. Ensures cadre staff operates in accordance to the Operations SOP, the Academy’s behavior management procedures, and Academy policies & procedures. Interfaces with guardians on cadet behavior.Back up to Lead Counselor in working family emergencies. Keeps the Director/Deputy informed of all cadet discipline issues. Retired Major Rivera entered the New Jersey National Guard with the rank of Private assigned to the Human Resources section of the 2/113th Infantry Battalion, 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Eventually he was promoted to Specialist and then Sergeant. After serving some time as a Non Commissioned Officer he was afforded the opportunity to attend Officer Candidate School. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain and finally to Major from which he retired from the U.S Army. During his tenure he served as a Non Commissioned Officer in charge of a Human Resources section; Platoon leader, Executive Officer, Acting Company Commander and Officer in charge of a Military Police Detachment; Two times Commander of a Logistics Company; Battalion Operations Officer, Battalion Training Officer, Battalion Logistics Officer; State Supply and Services Deputy Officer, State Logistics Plans and Policy Officer and State Property Management Branch Chief. The highlights of his career were the opportunities to deploy for Combat tours in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Civilian Education Thomas Edison State College Master of Science, Human Resources. New Jersey City University Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Security Administration. New Jersey Institute of Technology Certificate, Project Management Professional. BIOGRAPHY MAJ JACKSON RIVERA