78-Year-Old Vietnam Veteran Achieves His Dream And Finally Receives His High School Diploma

Nov 26, 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 finally able to graduate from high school 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. 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.”

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

Have you ever achieved something you originally never got to finish later on in your life? Tell us below. Send this article to any friends or family who need some inspiration today.