Once a Soldier

Mr. Rivera was born in Puerto Rico and migrated to the United States during his early teen years, settling with his mother in New York City's Spanish Harlem. He attended and graduated from both Galvani Junior High School on East 109th street in Manhattan and Samuel Gompers Vocational High School in the Bronx. After graduating from High School he was employed by the leading Spanish newspaper of the day, La Prensa, as a typesetter. At the end of World War II he enlisted in the U.S. Army, went through basic training, and served overseas with occupational forces in Italy, France, and Germany. During his military years he was attached to the Adjutant General's Office with the 88th Inf. Division in Italy, learned to speak Italian and French and wore his Army of Occupation and World War II Victory medals with pride. After his discharge from military service he attended college, completing two and a half years of legal studies at Fordham University and gained employment with several leading law firms as a Para-legal. Although Mr. Rivera has written several essays, this book is his first publication. He is now retired and continues to write. He is currently completing his second book.Rivera, J. Tomas is the author of 'Once a Soldier ', published 2006 under ISBN 9781412090049 and ISBN 1412090040.