Street renamed for local Army hero

The southeast corner of 75th Street and 37th Avenue is now known as “Corporal Jonathon Rivadeneira Corner,” in honor of the fallen Queens resident and Army who died in Iraq in 2007.
The renaming, which became official recently after Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed legislation, received support from many local elected officials in the community, including City Councilmember Helen Sears.
“This naming is a fitting tribute to a brave soldier and son of Queens,” Sears said. “Nothing can ever bring Corporal Rivadeneira back to us, but this naming will help make sure that he is never, ever forgotten. I would like to thank Community Board 3 for their help in honoring this great American.”
Rivadeneira, of Jackson Heights, was killed in Baghdad along with three others - Staff Sergeant Terry D. Wagoner, 28, of Piedmont, SC.; Specialist Todd A. Motley, 23, of Clare, MI; and Private Christopher M. McCloud, 24, of Malakoff, TX - on September 14, 2007 when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.
They were assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, TX.
It was Rivadeneira’s first deployment to Iraq in his four years of service - and only two months before the end of his tour.