Program
aids vets who left school
Provides diplomas. Phillipsburg
man helps area veterans apply.
Saturday, April 15, 206 • By SARAH CASSI • The
Express-Times
PHILLIPSBURG | A handful of local
veterans who traded in caps and gowns for battle fatigues
during World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars, may
receive their high school diplomas after all.
They are pursuing diplomas through
Operation Recognition, a program launched six years ago by
the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and
Department of Education to honor veterans who left high
school for the military.
Bill Nixon, assistant principal at
Phillipsburg High School, heard of the program and worked to
bring it to the district. In researching the program Nixon
learned his father, who passed away, left high school to
serve in World War II. He now plans on applying for his
father's diploma.
"I had a feeling there were a lot of
veterans, especially a lot of World War II veterans, in
Phillipsburg that didn't finish school," Nixon said. "When
you talk to these people you're humbled they left their
families, left their homes to serve their country, but never
finished high school. I hope for these guys this is
something they want to accomplish."
Last November, during the school's annual
Veterans Day Tribute, Nixon and volunteers started a
database of local veterans' information, including years of
service and which military branch they served in.
When Nixon brought up Operation
Recognition he said "I got quite a few responses. I wouldn't
be surprised if there are 50 or more (eligible veterans) out
there."
Applicants must be a New Jersey resident
who left high school between Sept. 16, 1940-Dec. 31, 1946;
June 23, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955; or Dec. 31, 1960-May 7, 1975.
The veteran must have an honorable discharge from any
military branch, including the Merchant Marines and Coast
Guard.
Veterans who earned their GED are
eligible for the program, and diplomas can be awarded
posthumously to a veteran's next-of-kin.
Applications must be submitted to Nixon
before July 31. The applications will be processed by the
state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and the
diplomas sent to the district.
Nixon is planning a complete graduation
ceremony for the veterans to coincide with the high school's
Veterans Day Tribute ceremony Nov. 12.
"We're going to make it a big deal,"
Nixon said.
Operation Recognition is one of a handful
of programs Nixon, a naval veteran, facilitates between area
veterans and the high school.
Nixon is gearing up for a second
organized trip of veterans to Washington, D.C., funded by
the high school's extracurricular clubs and
programs.
The May 7 trip is already fully booked,
but Nixon said he's taking names for next year.
Reporter Sarah Cassi can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by
e-mail at scassi@express-times.com.
© 2006 The Express-Times. Used with
permission.
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