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A Fresh Start Leads to a Life of Service


Adriel in an orange shirt smiles, pointing at Operation Fresh Start sign at 2670 Milwaukee Street. Green lawn and blue sky create a cheerful scene.
Adriel poses in front of the sign at Operation Fresh Start.

Adriel Romero Cadena, known by many as “Rico,” always knew he wanted more for his life—but like so many young adults, he didn’t always know where to find it. 


Before Operation Fresh Start (OFS), Adriel was attending Madison East High School while juggling the responsibility of helping to support his family.  


“I had to work and make money so I could take care of my family,” he said. “I wasn’t getting the right help from my school. My counselor was trying her best, but it just wasn’t enough for me.” 


That’s when Adriel turned to family. His cousin Eric had gone through OFS's Legacy program a few years earlier, and his uncle Ricky had participated as well—back when Brian McMahon, now the organization’s Executive Director, was still a crew supervisor. 


Encouraged by their success and recommendations, Adriel applied and was hired for the OFS Legacy program.  


“At first, I just wanted to show up and work as hard as I could,” he said. “I wanted to be productive, and I was willing to push myself academically because I knew I had to learn the things I missed out on.” 


It didn’t take long for the OFS staff to notice his drive.  

“Rico showed up every single day with purpose,” said his supervisor Nate. “No matter the weather, no matter how hard the work, he was right there by our side—always learning, always leading.” 

Adriel’s hunger for knowledge set him apart.  


“I’m obsessed with learning,” he said. “Even if it’s something small, I want to know all of it. Because for the future I want—the life I want—I need to know as much as I can. I want to be ready.” 

Adriel (left) and Build Academy Graduate Done (right) in yellow suits and helmets hold drip torches near a controlled fire. Smoke and trees fill the background, creating an intense scene.
Adriel (left) and Build Academy graduate Don (right) are holding up their drip torches after managing a prescribed burn.

Future is Born at OFS 

“I want to serve,” Adriel said. “I want to be an EMT and a firefighter. Maybe even more. I want to help my Hispanic community. I feel like we’ve lost a little of that sense of unity and support, and I want to be a role model. I want to show people that we can do more. That we are capable.” 

However, he didn't always see his path to service so clearly.  


“Before OFS, I thought the military was my only option. I thought being a Marine was the only way I could prove something,” he said. “But once I got here, they (OFS staff) helped me see other paths. My transition coordinator showed me the EMT program at Madison College, and I realized—this is how I can help.” 


Adriel flourished at OFS. He leaned into the challenge—both on the job site and in the classroom. From academic days spent writing essays and revising math work to hands-on labor clearing brush, managing prescribed burns, collecting seeds, removing invasive plants, and picking up trash. 

“Nate was a big influence,” Adriel said. “Every day he was out there, no matter how hot or cold. Seeing him lead, seeing him work, that made me want to push harder. That’s the kind of person I want to be.” 
Adriel and Nate in safety gear examine a tool in a forest with fallen leaves. Bright orange and blue attire stand out in the wooded setting.
Nate (right) teaches Adriel (left) how to use a brush cutter.

Growing into a Model Leader 


Adriel also inspired those around him. On his graduation day, many Legacy participants shared positive memories with him. Eli said that they always pushed each other to see who could pick up more trash or remove more invasives. Kenyan mentioned that they both grew up in the same neighborhood and Adriel was the one who welcomed him into the community. Jordan expressed that Adriel always made his day better each time he came to OFS and that he looks up to him as a role model. 

“Rico has all the qualities that make someone a good leader, but Rico wanted to be more than that,” Nate said. “He learned how to be the right leader for the crew that day, the right leader for certain activities in each moment and those are hard skills to develop.”
Six people smiling indoors; Rico in a blue graduation gown holding a diploma, others in casual wear. Bright setting with artwork on walls.
Nate's crew showing up for Adriel at his graduation.

One of Adriel’s most vivid memories came on a freezing winter day:  


“We were rolling these heavy logs down a snowy hill, and everyone was struggling,” Adriel said. “Everyone was cold, they were slipping, but for some reason, I loved it—I was running down the hill like nothing. It was hard work, but we were laughing. It was one of those days I’ll never forget.” 

 

Reflecting on Growth 


At his graduation, Adriel stood with pride—and with emotion. In his speech, he reflected on the transformation he’d experienced.

“Operation Fresh Start changed my life. This place taught me things I never learned in school—or anywhere else. The people here, they’re open, they care, and they want you to succeed.” 

He went on to thank his family and share where his passion and dedication came from.

 

“My parents shaped me,” Adriel said. “My mom taught me peace and how to love. My dad taught me strength and discipline. The person I am today is because of them.”  


Now, as a young father himself, Adriel is focused on building a foundation for his own daughter.  


“My partner and I are learning how to be better for our girl every day,” he said. “We want to teach her early, be there every step, and show her what love looks like.” 


When asked where he thought he’d be without OFS, Adriel didn’t hesitate.


“Lost. I’d be lost. I wouldn’t know what I want. I’d be struggling. OFS showed me there are more options. It gave me direction. I’m so grateful.” 

Adriel in blue graduation gown and cap holds a diploma folder, smiling. Colorful art in the background. Celebratory mood.
Adriel holds his high school diploma certificate from the Madison Metropolitan School District.

Continuing his Legacy 


Adriel plans to keep building on that foundation developed at OFS. This summer, he’s starting college classes at Madison College, beginning with reading coursework before entering an EMT certification cohort in August. He plans to use his AmeriCorps Education Award for his classes that he earned through his 1,000 hours of community service work in Legacy. 


“After that, I’ll be doing job shadows, applying for many opportunities, and learning as much as I can,” he said. I’m going for it all.” 


His goals are ambitious—but grounded in service. “I want to be someone my community looks up to. I want to be the kind of person my daughter can be proud of.” 


And he’s not done with OFS either.

“This won’t be the last time you hear from me,” Adriel said at graduation, smiling through tears. “When I’m a firefighter or EMT, I’ll still be talking about OFS. I’ll be shouting out this place every chance I get. This is part of me now.” 

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