RESIDENT OF THE MONTH:NELSON RIVAS

Nelson Rivas was born in 1980, in El Salvador, Central America. When Nelson was three years old, his dad passed away. Nelson's mother struggled to make sense of life after her husband's death and being encouraged by her father to immigrate to America, she did. And so it was left to Nelson’s grandma to raise him and his brother until Nelson was seven years old. During those four years away, his mother worked in Houston, Texas until returning to El Salvador to claim her sons. Nelson and his family immigrated and arrived in San Diego in 1988. He started first grade while living at his uncle's house in Encanto. Two years later, Nelson moved to Clairemont, attending Alcott, then Marston, eventually graduating from Clairemont High in 1999.

Right after graduation, Nelson joined the Navy. After basic training, he attended hospital corps school for six months, studying basic medicine. The Navy newly required corpsmen to attend Field Medical Service School (FMSS). While stationed at 29 Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in the Mojave Desert, Southern California, Nelson deployed to Japan for jungle warfare training and then sailed to the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia and Thailand. In his last six months at 29 Palms, Nelson deployed to Iraq.

In 2003 he arrived in Kuwait, spending a month awaiting his medical detail. Nelson joined a Light Armored Reconnaissance unit whose duty was to travel through cities by military vehicle convoy, some hummers or large troop-carrying vehicles, to explore areas and gather information. Sometimes they were on the road for a solid month; even reaching the border of Iran, before returning to camp in Kuwait. The men stayed in tents at camp, where daily temperatures were above 100 degrees. However, most of Nelson’s Iraqi deployment consisted of time in a civilian hospital or ambulance, treating casualties of all ages with injuries ranging from burns to blast traumas and gunshot wounds. Nelson recalls the constant explosions and fire reigning down from the sky. As his three-year tour came to an end, Nelson returned to Kuwait to await transfer. His unit’s highly respected translator invited 40 of the men to his house for a delicious banquet feast; a healing balm to quell the smokey brimstone taste.

Nelson’s next deployment was his choice—Rota, Spain. The Navy base was right on the beach, and he spoke the native language. He enrolled in college through UMUC. He worked at the hospital processing claims for Tri-Care and as a translator. He often flew to nearby Sicily, taking driving excursions around the island. He also visited Portugal, Morocco and Germany, touring old castles and attending a memorable Oktoberfest.

Nelson decided to discharge from service after three years in Spain. He relocated to Michigan and completed his BS in Psychology and then his MBA. After eight years there, he returned to San Diego in 2014. Upon returning to Clairemont, he reunited with Guadalupe, a friend from his youth, and by the end of the year they were married. In 2016 their son Israel was born; a year later, moved to Kearney Lodge. Nelson worked for

Union Bank in the electronic banking department and Lupe was a stay-at-home mom until Israel was schooling age. Nelson now works at US Bank in the research department and Lupe works for IHSS as a senior caregiver. Lupe is a charming woman who loves her plants and enjoys being in her garden. Nelson attends KLCC functions and the monthly tech class in the clubhouse. He and Israel enjoy walking at the baseball fields gathering stray balls to make and sell bracelets out of the stitching. They enjoy perusing garage sales, buying and reselling action figures, and finding great deals from time to time. Father and son can be seen together often around the park, playing soccer on the grass, swimming or walking around. They also enjoy fitting puzzles and framing them as gifts for a family member.

Nelson’s closing remarks intended for park residents were: “See you around. Don’t hesitate to say hi and reach out if you need anything.” The Rivas are a kind-hearted Christian family. They are known and liked by their neighbors and many KL residents. Every time I see Nelson and his son, it warms my heart to a smile. Thank you to the Rivas for being KL community guardians and wonderful human beings!