North Hempstead, NY – Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Town Board members remind the residents of North Hempstead that certain veterans who left high school without graduating are eligible to earn New York State high school diplomas through a program called Operation Recognition. Created by Section 305 of New York’s Education Law, Operation Recognition recognizes the dedication, honor and sacrifice of veterans who left school early to fight in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, by presenting them with a high school diploma.

“Honoring the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans is extremely important to the Town and to our country,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “Veterans who left school before graduating in order to fight for our country deserve this opportunity to earn a high school diploma.”

Any veteran who is a New York State resident and attended a school in New York before entering military service is eligible. A satisfactory discharge must have been received by the veteran applying for Operation Recognition. Applicants must have served at least one day of active duty service during one of the following wartime periods in order to qualify:

World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946

Korean War: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955

Vietnam War: May 1, 1961 – April 30, 1975

Deceased veterans can also receive a diploma; the child or spouse of a deceased veteran who met the criteria listed above may apply and accept a posthumous diploma on the veteran’s behalf.

Qualifying veterans or their family members must present evidence of the veteran’s military service, including dates of service and discharge status. Acceptable verifying documents include a DD Form 2014 (Department of Defense discharge form), a WD AGO Form 53-55 form (Enlisted Record and Report of Separation), an Honorable Discharge Certificate, or a Special Discharge form from the Coast Guard or Merchant Marines.

For more information or assistance regarding Operation Recognition, please call the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Help Line at 1.888.838.7697, or visit their website at www.veterans.ny.gov. Information can also be obtained by calling the New York State Department of Education at (518) 474-8940.

 
Supervisor Bosworth and Town Clerk Wayne Wink talk with veterans at a recent Memorial Day Parade ceremony.