On the recordMarch 17, 2021
In honor of National Borinqueneers Day on April 13, I would like to recognize Francisco H. De Jesus. Francisco H. De Jesus was born on March 9, 1924, in the small town of Penuelas, Puerto Rico. In 1950, he was one of the Borinqueneers that was deployed to the Korean war on the USNS Marine Lynx. Francisco served for 1 year in the Korean war and then transferred to Panama for a tour as a Military Police member. Upon completing his active service, Francisco returned to Puerto Rico, rejoining his young family in San Juan. He was an entrepreneur, pursuing numerous business ventures before establishing a very well- known men's store called Heryck's Men's Store in Caparra Terrace. In 1976, Francisco sold his beloved store and moved his family to Orlando, Florida. For 20 years, Francisco worked for the Orange County School Board as a community liaison in the immigration department. He played a pivotal role in registering migrant families and their children to enable attendance at local schools during the year. Francisco is a beloved husband, father of seven children, grandfather of 14, and great-grandfather of 16. He is still an avid storyteller, loves listening to music, and is great dominoes player. Francisco recently celebrated his 97th birthday in Orlando, Florida. For this and more, Mr. Francisco H. De Jesus, we honor you. Honoring the Life of Officer Kevin Valencia
