Vietnam vets finally get their graduation day

[darrels joy]

Vietnam vets finally get their graduation day
Battle Ground schools takes advantage of new law
By Isolde Raftery
Columbian staff writer

Thirty years ago, David Watson was spat on and called a baby killer for having served in Southeast Asia.

"They had no idea what we had gone through," Watson, 61, said. He still has nightmares of his yearlong tour on the war-torn grounds of Vietnam.

But on Monday night, Watson and 11 others were thanked for their sacrifices. They each received high school diplomas from Battle Ground High School, shook hands with local and state dignitaries and had their photos taken.

The state Legislature decided last year to allow Vietnam veterans to receive a high school diploma, even if they had dropped out. Previously, only World War II and Korean War veterans had been eligible for the diplomas.

"It's something I always missed out on and wanted," Watsonsaid. The Battle Ground resident dropped out after his 10th grade year in 1967 and enlisted later that summer. "It means everything."

On hand at Maple Grove Middle School in Battle Ground were Mike Gregoire, husband of Gov. Chris Gregoire, and John Lee, director of the state's Veterans Affairs. Both are veterans of the Vietnam War.

John Lee spoke honorably of the men, but also issued a plea: If they know someone who isn't getting the help or services they need, contact him directly.

Battle Ground Public Schools may be the only school district in Washington state that has amended its policies on diplomas for veterans, putting into place a Legislative resolution from the 2008 session. Korean War and World War II veterans started receiving diplomas in 2002, when state lawmakers followed a national trend and decided that military experience counts as school credit.

Though the veterans won't have to take a state standardized exam to graduate, as current students must, this isn't simply an honorary degree.

Joe Burdick, who attended Evergreen High School and lives in Battle Ground, was drafted into the Army in 1966 and was on the ground for the Tet Offensive.

"We lost a lot of people," he said.

Burdick, 61, brought two rows of friends who gave him a whooping standing ovation when he received his diploma. He maintains close ties with local members of the 25th Infantry Division from several wars and also meets every year with members of his platoon.

Donald Bair, 74, of Vancouver also came to claim his diploma. A friend of his, Ronald Kangas of Vancouver, read a newspaper article about the legislation and said they both qualified for diplomas.

"I quit school the last part of my junior year, which is when I turned 18," Bair said. "I beat them to it, because I didn't want to go in the Army."

He joined the Navy and spent a year on a geographical survey ship off the East Coast during the Korean War.

Nearly 70 years have passed since he first started school.

It is unknown how many have taken advantage of the diploma law, as veterans go through high schools and not the state's veterans agency. Those interested in receiving their diplomas must go through the high school they attended decades ago or the high school nearest to where they live.

On Monday, U.S. Congressman Brian Baird had a letter read on his behalf, as he was unable to attend. Baird wrote: "When others were finishing their last years in high school and making plans for the future, you were making the highest of sacrifices to ensure the freedoms and luxuries we all enjoy today. You interrupted your lives to serve this nation, and it is fitting that we honor you in this way tonight."

http://www.columbian.com/article/200...WS02/703109949