Many veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War were shipped overseas after they turned 18, some of them still in high school.
Because of this, many veterans of this era never finished high school and never graduated with their classmates. Some chose to get a GED later, while others simply forego it.
But thanks to Operation Recognition and similar actions, some veterans are receiving their diplomas, albeit decades later.
Charm McElree of Boulder City has been a member of the organization for many years and it is a labor of love for her as she comes from a military family.
During her first year as coordinator at the adult school in Victorville, California, she received a call from the superintendent of the San Bernardino school district telling her there were five veterans who would like to walk the stage at their adult school.
“We had a 91-year-old man who practically skipped across the stage to receive his diploma, and when he got it, he threw his hat in the air,” she said. “For the next seven years that I was there, I did what I could to help others experience that same joy.”
McElree, who moved to Boulder City 10 years ago, was considering transferring to Las Vegas, where she had hoped to start a similar program for Nevada veterans. The first two that came to mind were her father-in-law, a World War II veteran, and her brother, who served in Vietnam. Both had passed away by that time, but she still felt it was fitting that they receive their diplomas posthumously.
According to information on the organization’s website (which is under the auspices of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services), “In 2003, during the 72nd Session of the Nevada Legislature, Bill 52, Operation Recognition, was passed. This bill would allow Nevada school districts to issue a standard high school diploma to certain veterans. To receive this high school diploma, a veteran must have served in the United States Armed Forces from World War II through the Vietnam War between September 16, 1940, and May 7, 1975. A veteran, guardian of a disabled veteran, or family member of a deceased veteran may submit an application on behalf of the deceased veteran.”
To be eligible:
■ The veteran must have a copy of the honorable discharge certificate or a copy of the DD Form 214 issued to him.
■ The veteran must have attended a high school in the state prior to joining the United States Armed Forces and must list the name and location of the Nevada high school attended.
■ If the veteran currently resides in Nevada but did not attend a high school in this state, he/she must provide an affidavit stating that he/she attended a high school prior to his/her service in the United States Armed Forces. The name of that high school must be provided.
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services will approve the application and forward it to the school district specified in the application. The school district will notify the veteran of the approval and arrange for the high school diploma to be awarded at one of the following, if the veteran so wishes: the school district’s annual graduation ceremony – or a special ceremony. If the veteran foregoes a ceremony, the high school diploma will be mailed directly to the veteran. The Department of Veterans Services will receive a copy of all high school diplomas issued to veterans under this program.
“It’s a great joy for me to know that those who deserve a diploma can receive one,” McElree said. “It shows that we honor our veterans.”
During her time with Operation Recognition, she has worked with 26 different states to help veterans receive their diplomas. Not all states have an Operation Recognition program, but there may be something similar in school districts or veterans’ offices. In total, McElree, who often works on her own to help veterans, has helped with 60 graduations during her time in Nevada and California.
“For veterans, it’s mostly about getting a degree,” she said. “Some don’t even care if they get recognized, they just want the diploma.”
When asked what sparked her long-standing interest in volunteering in the program, McElree said, “It’s a fun and encouraging passion of mine and I will pursue it until I die.”
For more information, contact McElree at [email protected].
Ron Eland is editor of the Boulder City Review. Reach him at [email protected] or 702-586-9523.
