Operation Recognition: Local War Veterans Invited to Apply for High School Diplomas

Local veterans of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars are being invited by the Riverside County Office of Education to apply for high school diplomas that they were unable to obtain prior to heeding the call of duty and serving in the defense of their country.

Under the Office of Education's "Operation Recognition" program, vets are eligible to receive their graduation certificates even though they never finished high school.

"Our veterans are qualified and well deserving to receive diplomas," said county Superintendent of Schools Kenneth M. 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 started in 2007, and since then, around 225 veterans who reside in Riverside County have received their diplomas.

The program is based on California Education Code 51440, which permits the retroactive granting of graduation certificates to honorably discharged or retired veterans. All they have to do is sign up, according to county officials.

This year's application deadline is Oct. 7.

A graduation ceremony is scheduled Nov. 12 at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center, 14075 Frederick St.

Application forms can be downloaded at www.rcoe.us/operationrecognition, or requested via telephone by contacting Tracey Case at 951-826-6570.