SBCSS News and Press Releases

Second Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project Seeking Applicants

2009-11-10

SAN BERNARDINO - After a successful initial event during the summer, the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project is seeking more applicants for a second graduation class in 2010.

Veterans, who live in San Bernardino County and missed graduating from high school because of their military service in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War, may be eligible to receive their high school diploma. In addition, those Japanese American citizens who were interned in a relocation camp during World War II are also eligible to receive their high school diploma.

Offered through a partnership between the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the county's Department of Veterans Affairs, Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project will begin accepting applications on Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Applications will be accepted from veterans or family members of those who are deceased.

The application deadline is April 2, 2010, and there is no cost to apply. The only qualifications are that the individuals who had their high school educations interrupted either served in the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge or were interned in a Japanese American relocation camp during World War II. The individuals also must reside in San Bernardino County or if they are deceased, a surviving family member that applies on their behalf must reside in the county.

Those who successfully apply will receive a diploma at a ceremony in June 2010. Applicants will be notified regarding the date, time and location of the ceremony.

Applications are available through the County Schools' office, located at 601 N. E St. in San Bernardino or can be downloaded off the County Schools' Web site at www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/vdp

Applications also can be requested by calling (909) 386-2412 or by sending an email to vdp@sbcss.k12.ca.us
The county Department of Veterans Affairs, located at 175 W. Fifth St. in San Bernardino, also has applications.

The California Education Code authorizes the granting of retroactive high school diplomas to eligible veterans, as well as those who were interned by federal order during World War II.

Military service must have been during the following periods: Dec. 7, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946 for World War II; June 25, 1950 through Jan. 31, 1955 during the Korean War; or Feb. 28, 1961 through May 7, 1975 during the Vietnam War.

Japanese American citizens need to show proof of internment during the period of Dec. 7, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946.

All applicants for the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project must have been enrolled in high school prior to their military service or internment in a World War II relocation camp.

This month, Cal State San Bernardino's Pfau Library will hold a display of the first graduating class of the Operation Recognition Veteran Diploma Project.

For assistance with verification of military service and/or discharge papers, contact the county's Department of Veteran Affairs at (866) 472-8387 or (909) 387-5516 or visit the department's Web site at http://hss.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/VA/