He Left High School To Serve In Vietnam—Now This 78-year-old Vet Finally Receives His Diploma

Jul 24, 2019

Members of the U.S. military will sometimes have to sacrifice major events in their lives to answer the call of duty. That's exactly what one man did when he was drafted during his high school year to fight in the Vietnam War. 

Floyd Covey, a 78-year-old Vietnam war veteran from West Virginia, was able to graduate from high school last week after the conflict interrupted his studies several decades ago according to NBC News. Covey was drafted into the United States Army where he earned a Purple Heart for his service.

When Covey left the Army, he never found time to finish his education, a fact that weighed heavy on his mother according to WDTV News. When staff members at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center heard of Covey’s disappointment at never having graduated, they did everything that they could to help him finally get his diploma.

With the help of the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance, Covey soon met the requirements for a high school diploma in the state. In May, Covey was invited to attend the commencement ceremony of the Upshur County School District, but an unexpected medical problem prevented the veteran from going to the school’s graduation. However, school officials made sure Covey got the recognition he deserved after achieving his lifelong goal.

In a ceremony at the medical center, Covey's family members, fellow veterans, medical center staff, and school officials gathered to celebrate Covey being awarded his hard-earned achievement. Dr. Sara Stankus, the superintendent of Upshur County Schools who  attended the celebration, she told WDTV News, "During a time in his life while others were graduating, he was unable to,” said Stankus, “It is our honor to award his well-deserved diploma.”

Timothy Cooke, director of the medical center, also told the news station, "This day really proves that no act is too small to help make a difference in our Veterans’ lives, I am glad we were all able to come together to make this day special for Mr. Covey.” Covey was heard saying as cited by WDTV News that this day would mean everything to his mother and make her proud. 

 In all, Covey is proof that you are never too old to finish what you started and achieve your dreams.

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