World War II and Vietnam vets receive high school diplomas through Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project

San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the County Superintendent of Schools, presented high school diplomas to the family of a World War II veteran and three veterans of the Vietnam War at the 15^th Annual Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project (ORVDP) ceremony. ORDVP provides veterans who were unable to complete high school due to military service during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War the opportunity to receive a high school diploma.

“The veterans honored are proud to have served our country, fighting for our freedoms during times of war. Yet some feel unsettled having not completed their high school education,” said San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs Interim Director Victor Tordesillas. “Now, they can proudly celebrate Nov. 15, 2023, as the day they received their high school diplomas.”

Veterans who received their high school diplomas are:

Alfredo Jimenez of Rialto, Vietnam, Navy
John Juarez of Yucca Valley, Vietnam, Army
William Kawa of Big Bear, Vietnam, Navy
Telesfor Dominguez (posthumously) of Barstow, World War II, Army

San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. accepted the diploma awarded to his late grandfather, Telesfor Dominguez.

Since the project’s inception, nearly 300 high school diplomas have been presented to veterans in San Bernardino County through the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project. Veterans Affairs aligns its mission and values with the Countywide Vision to advance education and work with all sectors of the community for successful outcomes.

Additional County Update News – December 8, 2023