It’s never too late to graduate – that’s the lesson World War II veteran Milton Mockerman shared with the Kalkaska High School class of 2017 with whom he graduated on Saturday.

Mockerman, 89, received an honorary diploma from the school in Kalkaska, Michigan, and participated in its graduation ceremony, fulfilling his lifelong dream of earning a high school degree — 71 years later than expected.

“We got a phone call from Milton Mockerman wondering if there were any classes he could take to finish his graduation,” Kalkaska High School Principal John Sattler told CNN.

Sattler soon learned Mockerman had forged his birth certificate and left high school early in order to join the Navy during World War II. After serving in the Navy for two and a half years, Mockerman returned home to Michigan and needed to find work. He worked a few odd jobs before going to work on the railroad for 31 years.

After hearing Mockerman’s story, Principal Sattler and his secretary wanted to help Mockerman accomplish his goal. They went to the board of education to ask if they could award Mockerman an honorary diploma. The board voted unanimously to do so.

“Because of his years of service in the military, we … gave him an honorary diploma,” Sattler said.

Before graduating with the senior class, Mockerman spoke to a few of the high school history classes about his experiences in the war.

To read the rest of the article visit KTLA.com.

See related OpsLens content below.

Operation Homefront Receives $15,620 Donation from Chick-fil-A That Will Benefit Military

“Operation Homefront is a resource everyone in the military community should know about.”

From May 1 through May 23, Chick-fil-A locations in San Diego County came together to pledge $1 from every Chocolate Chunk Cookie sold to Operation Homefront.

Operation Homefront is a resource everyone in the military community should know about.  For those unfamiliar with the organization, they have a multitude of programs that offer assistance to active duty personnel and their families.  Among the more popular programs are ones that distribute food and gifts to military families during the holidays, and a baby shower they sponsor for service members and military spouses who are expecting.

I actually had the opportunity to participate in a baby shower event.  This was a stroke of luck, as Operation Homefront events fill up fast.  The event offered various speakers from around the community, who distributed information on several topics, from parenting tips to health.  Since only the pregnant family member can attend the event, it provides a great time for women within the military community to come together and socialize.  Lunch was served, games were played, and prizes won.  Everyone received grab bags filled with a considerable number of amazing items such as diapers, hygiene items, baby blankets, and toys.  I was among the first group of people who signed onto the event, and we were all recipients of a brand-new crib at no cost.  It was a magnificent event.

These programs provide an important service to the military community that is hard to find elsewhere.  Much like the USO, Operation Homefront accepts volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of military personnel and their families.  Information can be found on their website on how to help.

Despite controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A, the chain has a reputation for supporting the Armed Forces of the United States.  Not only does the chain offer everyday military discounts, the chain hosts Military Appreciation events and distributes free food to service members.  The chain often finds itself under attack in the media, mostly by groups of people who don’t agree with the owner’s beliefs.  Many times, people tend to overlook the good aspects in favor of pushing an agenda that promotes their dark narrative.

One of the programs that will benefit from the donation made by the Chick-fil-A locations in San Diego County is the Rent-Free Transitional Housing Program.  Wounded warriors can apply for this program, which provides furnished housing to those veterans and their families who are making the transition from military to civilian life.  This program helps to alleviate the risk of becoming homeless.

While the program helps veterans and their families land on their feet after transition, it also provides counseling and training in the areas of finance, job search, and classes.  This program can mean the difference between success and homelessness for wounded warriors who need an extra hand to help them up.

Through generous partners like Chick-fil-A, Operation Homefront has the ability to make a difference in the lives of those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Original article by Angelina Newsom.