War Vets Without Diplomas Encouraged to Apply for Them Now

Photo via Shutterstock

By City News Service

Veterans of foreign wars who didn’t graduate from high school have another opportunity to get their diplomas.

The Riverside County Office of Education announced Wednesday its ninth annual “Operation Recognition” program for the benefit of veterans of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Under the program, vets are eligible to receive their graduation certificates even though they never finished school.

“Our veterans are qualified and well deserving to receive diplomas,” said county Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Young. “We want to do everything we can to make it possible for these outstanding individuals to share that experience with their family and friends.”

Operation Recognition was initiated in 2007, and since then, more than 300 veterans who reside in Riverside County have received diplomas, according to county officials.

The program is based on California Education Code 51440, which permits the retroactive granting of graduation certificates to honorably discharged or retired veterans who served while the country was on a war footing.

All they have to do is sign up.

This year’s application deadline is Oct. 6. Application forms can be downloaded at www.rcoe.us/operationrecognition, or requested via telephone by contacting Tracey Case at (951) 826-6570.

A graduation ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. in the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center.