In a prelude to Memorial Day, a local veteran was presented with a high school diploma at last night’s Sacramento County Board of Education meeting. The diploma ceremony, held at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) David P. Meaney Education Center, was attended by family members of the honoree.
Charles “Chuck” LeDoux was attending Norte del Rio High School, in the former Grant School District, when he left school to enlist in the Navy in 1962 during the Vietnam War. During his four years in the Navy, he served as an Ordinance Man in Hong Kong, Japan, and the Philippines. During his service, he was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
The high school diploma was presented through SCOE’s Operation Recognition program, adopted by the Board of Education in 2001 to retroactively honor U.S. veterans and Japanese American citizens who missed graduating with their high school classes due to wartime circumstances. LeDoux becomes the 200th recipient of an Operation Recognition high school diploma.
Essay Contest Winner
In conjunction with the ceremony, Highlands High School senior Lorenzo Chacon read his award-winning essay, “How We Can Thank Our Veterans for Their Sacrifices” and received a $1,000 scholarship from SAFE Credit Union—the sponsor of SCOE’s 2022 Operation Recognition Essay Contest. SAFE Credit Union Director Herb Long presented Chacon with his scholarship check.
About Operation Recognition in Sacramento County
Operation Recognition high school diplomas are authorized by the California Education Code (§ 51430–§ 51442). Since the program’s start in Sacramento County, 200 diplomas have been awarded; 14 of those have been presented posthumously to surviving family members of veterans and Japanese American internees. Those interested in applying for the Operation Recognition diploma for themselves or a qualifying family member should call (916) 228-2416.