Surrounded by friends and family in the Garfield County Commissioner’s chamber, Abdon Rivera on Monday took his oath of enlistment for the United States Army. 

“I wanted to do something that was bigger than myself,” Rivera told the Post Independent on Wednesday. “I think this is a great opportunity to serve my country and community.”

The 23-year-old, a longtime Rifle resident who graduated from Rifle High, is now a “Future Soldier.” Participating in the U.S. Army’s delayed entry program, Rivera will leave Garfield County to begin three weeks of army preparatory training on July 29 before enrolling in basic training for nine. Rivera is looking forward to refining necessary skills — like personal discipline — while saving for his future and furthering his education. 

“I’m scared to start this new chapter in my life. It definitely doesn’t come easily,” Rivera said. “It’s going to be a brand new experience — the only (life) I’ve known is Garfield County…I’m going to go out and explore the unknown.”

After basic training, he will be stationed in Fortenn, Missouri for military police training and boot camp. 

Army First Lieutenant Johnathan Penman, who is stationed in Grand Junction, swore Rivera in on Monday. Local officials attending the ceremony included Garfield County Commissioner Perry Will.

“I appreciate Perry Will, County Commissioner because he gave me a personal tour of the State Capitol in Denver when he was a Senator and was present at my oath of enlistment,” Rivera said. “He encouraged me to pursue this career.”

 U.S. Army representatives from the Glenwood Springs U.S. Army Recruiting Office, Staff Sergeant Andrew Valencia and Sergeant First Class Jimmy Burnett, were also present. 

“I would like to thank head recruiter SSG Burnett and the recruiting team located in Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs for their patience and flexibility during this process,”  Rivera said.

The Army only recently began holding oath ceremonies in public locations selected by Future Soldiers, according to a Tuesday press release from Garfield County. Rivera chose the Garfield County Commissioner’s chamber at the County Administration Building. 

“(The chamber is) a symbol of Democracy in which no matter what political stance you may have on (county) issues, everyone is welcome to voice and share their opinion or concerns,” Rivera said, explaining why he chose the chamber. 

 Oath of enlistment ceremonies are held after the enlistee obtains medical clearance but before they take the final oath of enlistment at the Military Entrance Processing Station. 

“We do this to offer the chance for family and friends to witness the ceremony and to be a part of the choice their family member is making,” Penman said in the county news release. 

“I really enjoyed having (my friends and family) there because I had their full support…It’s a big decision that I made,” Rivera said. “At first, things were slightly difficult. It was a hard thing for them because I’ll be far away…”

“Also thanks to my mom and sisters, my employer Jay Mencimer at Mr.Vac, Blue Star Moms and friends for attending my oath,” Rivera said. “It was memorable because of their attendance.”

Rivera’s former computer technology teacher, Trish O’Grady, who served in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic and in media and communications, also attended the ceremony, according to the release. O’Grady pinned an Army pin that belonged to her father, who was an Army veteran, on Rivera’s lapel. 

“It was a very emotional moment for me,” Rivera said. “She’s been a great friend, a great supporter, and she’s been the one that has guided me through this military process.

“She encouraged me to join the military,” he added. “I thought about it for quite some time and I just went for it.”