Our family is honored to present an annual award in memory of our cousin, Richard Thomas Forchion. Born on August 19, 1943, in Moorestown, New Jersey, Richard was the fifth of six sons of William D. Forchion, Jr. and Bernice Meekins Forchion. He completed his primary education in Winslow Township, New Jersey, and graduated from Edgewood Regional High School in Atco, New Jersey. During his senior year, he joined First Baptist Church of Florence Estates in Berlin, New Jersey, where he was baptized in 1962.

Richard attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (formerly Maryland State College), where he studied Business Administration and was initiated into the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Nu Chapter. He was actively involved in student leadership, serving on the Student Council, as Junior Class President, and as a member of the NAACP and the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC).

Following his AFROTC commitment, Richard entered the United States Air Force, serving more than twenty-six years and ultimately retiring in 1993 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. While on active duty, he earned a Master of Business Administration and received numerous military honors, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

After military retirement, Richard worked with McDonald’s Corporation before beginning a distinguished career in education in 1996 as an Air Force Junior ROTC instructor at East Orange Campus High School in New Jersey. He later became the first African American to serve as Senior Aerospace Science Instructor in the state, a role he held until his retirement in 2011. Under his leadership, the AFJROTC program grew to one of the largest on the East Coast, enrolling more than 350 students annually. He expanded student opportunities through national conventions, leadership programs, educational travel, and competitive events, while consistently mentoring students pursuing higher education and employment.

Throughout his career, Richard exemplified the AFJROTC mission of developing citizens of character and instilled the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Even during retirement and declining health, he remained committed to serving others until his passing on February 22, 2024. He is remembered for his compassion, integrity, and lifelong dedication to community, family, and service.

The Richard Thomas Forchion Humanitarian Award is open to qualified family members who exemplify these same values and will be announced during our family reunions or similar type family gathering. That recipient’s name will be announced in July or early August 2026.

Thank you very much,

 

James L. West, Jr.

Coles, Lemons, Meekins, Williams, Winfree, Woodson

Family Reunion – National Executive Committee

Chairman Emeritus/Treasurer

 

Detrel M. Howell

Coles, Lemons, Meekins, Williams, Winfree, Woodson

Family Reunion – National Executive Committee

Chairwoman