Photo By Sgt. Jade Farrington | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Derek Riba, a legal services specialist with Headquarters and...... read more read more
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When Cpl. Derek Riba joined the Marine Corps in 2018, he had one goal in mind - deploy. As he went through bootcamp and the military occupational specialties school, he aimed to go above and beyond the standard expectations, striving for Marine excellence.
Riba's plans quickly changed in 2019 when he was stationed with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, a non-deployable unit. Despite this assignment, his persistence to be the best version of himself never wavered. He adapted to his situation and made new goals for his time at Cherry Point. He decided any path to better himself while holding true to Marine Corps values was a path he wanted to follow.
However, the path to Riba's go-getter mindset hasn't always been a smooth one. Riba's family and friends didn't support his decision to join the Marine Corps. Those around him doubted his ability to succeed due to being overweight as a teenager. No matter the situation, Riba used the negativity as his motivation to drive himself forward. Now a days, Riba finds motivation and self-improvement through intense workout challenges. In September 2021, alone, he ran a total 421.3 miles, accomplishing a minimum of 16 miles per day in honor of Suicide Prevention Month for Veterans.
"I always look to improve myself in various areas," Riba said. "Never take a step back. Always take a step forward."
His determination, self-discipline, and work ethic is evident in everything he does. A few aspects of his job as a legal services specialist requires him to send out defense reports, review evidence for cases, and track down witnesses. In addition to his legal services role, he is the defense services chief and the platoon sergeant for the legal services support team. Among those responsibilities, Riba finds time to volunteer for additional duties throughout his time on MCAS Cherry Point.
"Don't let your junior rank effect what you can do. If you know you can do it better, just do it."
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2022 17:35 |
| Story ID: | 431833 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | CHASKA, MINNESOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 215 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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