Little River, SC
Frank Martinez Foronda, Sgt. Maj. (Ret.), a passionate spokesman for veterans' issues and recipient of the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars, died peacefully in Little River SC on January 7, 2017, his adored wife, Ila Jean ("I.J.) Hurley, by his side. He was 78.
In an illustrious U.S. Army career that spanned 30 years, Foronda, who will be buried with full military honors at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery in Whiteville, NC, served multiple tours of duty all over the world, including three in Vietnam.
He was awarded the Silver Star for extraordinary bravery in Vietnam when, on March 20, 1970, he pulled wounded U.S. soldiers to safety after their firebase was overrun with Viet Cong. Foronda and his unit retook the area the next morning.
His proudest achievement during his Army career, he said, was his ability to "guide soldiers from different ethnic and economic backgrounds to work as a team and rise above racial differences.
Among his numerous other awards: the Legion of Merit, Combat Infantry Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Occupational Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and Joint Services Commendation.
Son of a migrant farm worker, Foronda, who spoke four languages, was equally proud of his work on behalf of veterans, lobbying members of Congress and the Senate on issues ranging from disability benefits to healthcare. He worked as a veteran's employment counselor for the North Carolina Employment Security Commission from 1988 to 2003.
"I felt it was my duty to let my elected officials know that someone cared about the problems of people who had served their country," he often said.
Born January 24, 1938 in Davenport, CA to Francisco U. Foronda, a Filipino farm worker, and Frances Martinez, a housewife, Frank was the oldest of four children. Only 5 when his mother died tragically, "Paco" as he was called, was raised by his father, a man of strong family values.
He married Virginia Gayle Collier of Whiteville, and the two had one daughter, Lori Ellen. Their union lasted 37 years, until her death. After 30 years and retired, he decided to enter the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where he earned a BA in history in 1988. Always on the go, Foronda loved movies, dancing, going out to dinner, fishing, football (both college and the NFL).
Gregarious, yet unafraid to express his opinions, Foronda viewed the world through the lens of a military man, expressing the hope that his two grandsons would grow up valuing "God, country and family."
Influenced by multiple tours of duty, drawn to the people he met along the way and hungry to learn, the outgoing Army officer spent time in places ranging from Germany to Japan to Saudi Arabia. Along with English and Spanish, he became fluent in Arabic and German by soaking up the local culture and taking language classes through the Department of Defense.
Before retiring from the Army in 1986, Foronda served as senior enlisted advisor to a National Guard brigade in Chicago, IL, the last five years at Shippensburg University, PA, where he headed an ROTC detachment.
A lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Foronda served as commander of NC Post 8073 (1991 – 2002) and NC Department Hospital Chairman (2004-2009). He belonged to Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart and was a charter member of Vietnam Veterans of American and the Combat Infantrymen's Association, serving as the national membership officer (2006 – 2008).
He is survived by his loving wife, "I.J." Hurley of Little River, SC; his daughter, Lori Ellen Foronda Sloan and her husband, Kevin Sloan, and grandson Kristopher Gaskin, all of Sanford, NC, and grandson Zachary Gaskin of Clarendon, NC; a sister, Victoria F. Russell of Norfolk, VA; like a granddaughter Kimberly Thao of Albemarle, NC; stepson Kyle F. Blackmon and his wife Nancy, granddaughters, Lilley Grace and Bryn Elizabeth of Greenville, NC; stepdaughter Paige Blackmon of Little River, SC. He is predeceased by his brother, Richard M. Foronda, who passed away in 2006.
A graveside funeral is planned for 2 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery, 1013 James B. White Hwy North, Whiteville, NC 28472.
Visitation will be held after the funeral at the National Guard Armory, 929 Washington Street, Whiteville, NC 28472.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Veterans Memorial Park of Columbus County, P. Box 1003, Whiteville, NC 28472.
A guestbook is available at www.leefhandcrematory.
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lee Funeral Home.
January 4, 2020
Friend
Peter Baziotis
I was honored to have met Frank and I honor his service to his country, see you on the other side Frank God bless and keep you.
December 5, 2017
Daughter
Lori Foronda Sloan
I miss you and I Love you❤❤
January 13, 2017
Lynn Heugatter
I learned of Franks passing today. I have been heart sick since hearing. I served with Frank in the 18th Inf in Vietnam. He was my rock. A greater friend and Soldier never existed. Please except my deepest condolences.
January 12, 2017
Amanda Elgin
What a life of service to family and country! Though I didn't know him personally, as sister-in-law to Lori, our family sends our love and prayers! I Thessalonians 4:13-18
January 11, 2017
Curtis Smith
Thank You for your service and being you and serving your community.
Thanks for given me an opportunity to show what I can do.
May God Bless your soul!
January 11, 2017
Randy & Angela Norris
Words cannot express the love we have for you. We will miss you and the history you had. Oh the laughs we shared. Memories that will never be forgotten.
January 11, 2017
Wayne Williams - USMC
Thanks for your service Soldier and fellow Vietnam Vet !!!
Job well done
Wayne Williams
United States Marine Corps
January 11, 2017
Wayne Williams - USMC
Thanks for your service Soldier and fellow Vietnam Vet !!!!
Job well done
Wayne Williams
United States Marine Corps
January 10, 2017
Lori Foronda Sloan
Daddy you were always my hero. You and mama made me the person I am today. I am so thankful that I was able to be there with you in those moments when you took your last breath. I got to hold your hand and tell you "I Love You. It's okay for you to go. We will be all right." This is not Goodbye, but Until next time.
I Love You Daddy.
January 10, 2017
Ronald Marks
My family sends its love and respect to our SM's family and friends. Walrus was always there for me during our time together in Vietnam and over the past forty six years. He made it a point to ask about the health and well being of my two daughters who are soldiers. He cared about all of his 'troops' and will be missed. Respectfully, Remarks C 1/506Inf.
January 10, 2017
Peter Baziotis
I Met SGM (RET) Frank Foronda on two occasions, and I liked him from the first moment I met him, he had a way about him that was down to earth and made you want to stand up a little straighter when you were around him. God bless him and his family. Sincerely Peter Baziotis SFC (RET)
January 9, 2017
Mike Bookser
Prayers for Franks family as you go through these tough times. I have looked at Frank as a Hero for 46 years. He is a man's man. Currahee SGM I will always remember you.
January 9, 2017
Beth Boswell Sebesta
Praying for peace and comfort for Frank's family.
January 9, 2017
Marlene & Dave Van Matre
We express our deepest sympathy for SGM's family and close friends. May it comfort you to know that he no longer suffers and is respected by all who served with him. Heaven has gained a true hero. It was an honor for us to have met and spend time with him.
Currahee
January 9, 2017
Rachel Brown
January 9, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more