First Sergeant Rafael Garcia Rivera

Born and raised in Carolina, Puerto Rico, he has been involved in music since a very young age by participating in various Latin bands in Puerto Rico such as "El Grupo Chaney". First Sergeant Garcia attended four years at the University of Puerto Rico majoring in Natural Sciences. Afterwards he joined the Department of Justice for four years. Continuing in government, he was part of the 248th National Guard Band in Puerto Rico prior to joining the Army in 1989. At Ft. Hamilton N.Y. he had the opportunity to take seminars with Arturo Sandoval as well as Brandon and Winston Marsalis.

First Sergeant Garcia's first duty station after enlistment was the 26th Army Band, Ft Hamilton in Brooklyn New York (1989-1993), followed by the 3ID Band in Bamberg, Germany(1993-1996), the 2ID Band in Korea (1996-1997), the 296th Army Band in Japan (1997-2000), the 1st Cavalry Division Band in FT Hood (2000-2008), and the 296th Army Band (2008- ). First Sergeant Rafael Garcia Rivera was the first NCO to ever put together a Latin Band ensemble in the 1st Cavalry Division Band.

First Sergeant Garcia has held the position of Trumpet Player, Section Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Supply and Administration Supervisor, Enlisted Band Leader and Conductor.

First Sergeant Garcia is a graduate of the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (four oak leaf clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal (sixth award), National Defense Service Medal (one bronze star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (numeral three), Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral five), Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal (2nd award), Driver Badge, and the German Schützenschnur (bronze).

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