Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – As of June 1st, American Legion Post 12 Banderas Bay has welcomed a new Commander, Rey Morris, who takes the reins from outgoing Commander Jesse Cole Rivera.
Rivera, a U.S. Navy veteran and Long Island native, led the post from 2022 to 2025, bringing energy and dedication to local and international efforts. While stepping down from his leadership role, he will remain actively involved to complete ongoing projects and support the transition.
“It was the honour of my life to have been Commander of American Legion Post 12 Banderas Bay these last three years,” Rivera said. “I am incredibly proud of the work the post and I have done together, both for the local Mexican community, our nation’s veterans, and the captains of crews of U.S. Coast Guard cutters visiting our beloved port. From toy drives, to blood drives, to renovating clinics, parks and libraries, to planning and organizing receptions, tours and MWR events for visiting U.S. Coast Guard cutters, it’s certainly been one hell of a run and I am incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to lead such fine ladies and gentlemen over the last few years. I wish the incoming Commander Rey Morris all the best as he takes the helm and I look forward to watching our post continue to prosper under his outstanding leadership.”
Rivera’s tenure was marked by notable community impact. He led clean-up and renovation projects across Puerto Vallarta, improving clinics, libraries, and parks such as Cruz Roja Mexicana PV, Casa Hogar Maximo Cornejo, and Parque Lineal Rio Pitillal. One project especially close to his heart was the Cruz Roja Mexicana initiative, which included the donation of dozens of mobility aids and over 160 cases of medicine, along with structural improvements to the facility.
Rivera also ensured visiting U.S. Coast Guard cutters received a warm welcome by organizing tours, receptions, and morale events for more than a dozen ships, including the USCGC Eagle, which recently arrived on a diplomatic visit.
In addition, he registered nearly 200 disabled veterans living in Puerto Vallarta with the VA Foreign Medical Program, linking them with local providers willing to directly bill the VA for service-connected care, eliminating out-of-pocket costs for veterans.
Rivera’s service did not go unnoticed. His awards include a Public Service Commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard, recognition from the Navy League of the United States, and top honors in the American Legion’s national Media & Communications Contest in 2024. Local organizations such as Cruz Roja Mexicana and the Puerto Vallarta Blood Bank also honored his contributions.
Although Rivera now holds the title of Past Commander, he continues working on federal legislation aimed at improving healthcare access for veterans living abroad, in collaboration with his hometown Congressman, Nick LaLota.
Incoming Commander Rey Morris, a Mismaloya resident and husband of musician Empress Al-Yasha, steps into the role with a strong foundation of community service behind him. As Post 12 looks ahead, members are optimistic that under Morris’s leadership, the legacy of meaningful service and strong U.S.–Mexico relations will carry on.
