RivCo Vets Honored With Diplomas Through 'Operation Recognition'

TEMECULA, CA — Veterans of foreign wars who didn't graduate from high school but would like a diploma have until the end of next week to apply for a graduation certificate as part of this year's Riverside County "Operation Recognition" program.

The county Office of Education is conducting its 16th Operation Recognition for the benefit of former airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines who gave up school to serve their country. Veterans of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars qualify.

The program provides an opportunity for vets to receive certificates even though they never finished school.

County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said that 375 veterans have received diplomas under Operation Recognition since it was initiated in 2007. Some of the county residents have been over 90 years old.

Applications seeking a certificate for this year's graduation ceremony must be submitted by Oct. 14.

Officials said this year's ceremony is slated to be in-person, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 10, in the County Office of Education Board Room, 3939 13th St., Riverside.

Due to the coronavirus, public health lockdown in 2020 and ongoing concerns last November, formal ceremonies were nixed.

Operation Recognition is based on California Education Code 51440, which permits retroactive granting of graduation certificates to honorably discharged or retired veterans who served while the United States was on a war footing. All they have to do is sign up.

Forms can be downloaded at www.rcoe.us/operationrecognition or requested through Peter Daniels at 951-826-6642 or pdaniels@rcoe.us.