LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Charm McElree has spent 16 years helping veterans receive the high school diplomas they never got after leaving school to serve their country.
McElree became involved with Operation Recognition when a San Bernardino County superintendent called and asked if she would let five veterans walk across the stage at a graduation ceremony.
“I was all for it. My whole family’s Marine Corps, or my uncle was killed on the beach in Okinawa. I was very honored to be able to do that,” McElree said.
The moment that sealed her commitment came when a 91-year-old veteran received his diploma.
“A 91-year-old man practically skipped across the stage to get his diploma, took his hat off, and just threw it up in the air. I said, I’m in for the rest of my life. That was 16 years ago,” she said.
Program honors World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans
Operation Recognition was created specifically for veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam who left school to fight for the country.
“They did this because they left school to go fight for our country. To honor them, we are giving them their diplomas from the school they would have graduated from,” McElree said.
The process for veterans is simple, according to McElree. She needs only a DD214 military record and information about where the veteran would have graduated.
McElree has worked with superintendents across 26 states to secure diplomas for more than 60 veterans. She handles all the coordination herself.
“All over the states, 26 states have worked with superintendents. If I have to, state officials, whoever it is, they will get the job done for me, and I do all the work,” she said.
Posthumous diplomas provide closure for families
McElree has also tracked down diplomas posthumously, including for her own family members.
“My brother had been in Vietnam, but he died of a heart attack. I got his and gave it to his daughter,” she said.
She also secured a diploma for a World War II veteran who didn’t make it to eighth grade, obtaining his diploma from Iowa.
The urgency of her work became clear when she read about a veteran who died two days before his diploma was presented to his son.
“So I’m hurrying along with some of these young men because they’re not so young anymore,” McElree said.
Some states have taken longer to process requests. Kansas took a year to complete the proclamation process before McElree could secure a veteran’s diploma.
Recognition brings dignity to veterans
McElree believes her work provides closure and dignity to veterans.
“I think it gives closure and dignity to the veterans. I didn’t realize how much it meant to them, but the more I do and the more I give them, it really makes me feel good,” she said.
Former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval recognized McElree with a Veteran Volunteer Award for her work.
While people have offered to help over the years, McElree continues to handle the mission alone.
Veterans or their families who want to obtain a diploma can contact McElree with a copy of their military records and information about the school where they would have graduated.
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