News Item
Vietnam Veteran Receives Diploma from Monticello Schools through Project Recognition
December 2009
On December 23, Eugene Edward
Dalpiaz’s lifelong dream came to fruition as Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Patrick Michel, on behalf of the Monticello Central
School District, presented him with his high school diploma.
“This is glorious indeed,” said Mr. Dalpiaz. “I realize in this day
and age that a high school diploma is one of the most important
documents you can get in life – without it, there’s no future – not
if you want to buy nice things and live comfortably.”
Mr. Dalpiaz, who is a Vietnam veteran, qualified for the diploma
through a program called Operation Recognition. Initiated in 2005,
the program entitles veterans of World War II and the Korean and
Vietnam wars to a high school diploma from any New York State public
school.
When Mr. Dalpiaz, who has lived in the Sackett Lake section of
Monticello for the past decade and owns a local wood flooring
business, was severely affected by the economic downturn, he decided
to begin a new career with the Department of Homeland Security. When
he applied for employment, they told him he needed a high school
diploma. He sought help from the Sullivan County branch of the New
York State Department of Labor and was directed to its veterans
outreach representative, Frank McGreevy, who explained the Operation
Recognition program. Next, Mr. Dalpiaz contacted Monticello High
School’s guidance department and explained his situation to Julie
Yewchuk who began making inquiries.
Since Monticello Schools had never awarded a diploma through
Operation Recognition, a protocol needed to be created. The
district’s Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Kenneth W.
Newman, Sr. knew of the program from his previous experience with
the Albany City School District. He took the reins, and along with
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Director Dr. Edward Escobar, they
implemented a system for Mr. Dalpiaz and other veterans to get their
diplomas. Mr. Dalpiaz then contacted Sullivan County’s Veterans
Service Agency Director John Bridges, who helped him get the
necessary documentation to complete the process.
“I wish I had known about this program sooner,” said Mr. Dalpiaz,
who is now thinking about attending college. “I’m the only one in my
family who never graduated from high school and I know they are
going to be very proud of me for this accomplishment.”
Mr. Dalpiaz is the second oldest of nine siblings. Brought up in
poverty in the East New York section of Brooklyn, he worked since he
was 14 years-old to help his mother pay the bills. His sacrifice
helped his brothers and sisters pursue their dreams. In 1968, he was
drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam. While there, his job was
to sweep for landmines and help build bridges and roads. Although he
didn’t serve on the frontlines, he was exposed to a number of combat
situations - including one in which his battalion came under enemy
fire for about 47 days straight. After returning home from the war,
he met the love of his life, Arlene, to whom he has been married for
33 years. They have two children and two grandchildren and he’s
looking forward to showing
them his new diploma.
“It is very important that we do our part to support those who have
served our country and who have risked all they have to guarantee
our freedom,” said Dr. Michel during the small ceremony in which he
presented Mr. Dalpiaz with his diploma. “Thank you.”
Photo1:
From left, MCSD Assistant Superintendent Kenneth W. Newman, Sr.,
Sullivan County Veterans Director John Bridges, Vietnam veteran
Eugene Dalpiaz, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Michel,
Monticello High School Principal Arleene Siegel, MHS guidance
secretary Julie Yewchuk and PPS Director Dr. Edward Escobar
during a small ceremony in which Mr. Dalpiaz was presented with
his high school diploma. Graduates through Operation Recognition
also have the option of participating in Monticello High
School’s regular commencement ceremony in June.
Photo 2: Eugene Dalpiaz receives his high school diploma from
Monticello Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel.
Photo 3: Eugene Dalpiaz with an unknown Vietnamese child in 1969
while stationed in Dak To, Vietnam.
CLICK HERE for this story as carried by the Times Herald-Record.
More Information about Operation Recognition
Operation
Recognition requirements for a high school diploma are as
follows:
Candidates must submit evidence of service during World War II
(December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946), the Korean
Conflict (June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955) or the Vietnam
War (Southeast Asian Hostilities) (May 1, 1961 through April 30,
1975). Such documentation may include discharge papers or other
such documents or a letter from a recognized veterans’ agency
affirming such service.
1. Candidates do not need to show evidence of attendance at a
school in New York State. They need only affirm in writing that
they do not possess a high school diploma.
2. Candidates possessing a High School Equivalency (or GED)
diploma are eligible for the program.
3. Diplomas may be awarded to next of kin, if eligibility is
established.
Veterans Service Agency
For information and help obtaining the necessary military documentation for Operation Recognition, contact Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency Director John Bridges at 845-807-0233.
Monticello Schools
For more information about the Operation Recognition program in the Monticello School District, contact PPS Director Dr. Edward Escobar at 845-794-0128.
NY State Department of Labor
The New York State Department of Labor partners with the Sullivan Works One Stop Center and is located at 50 North Street in Monticello. Veterans outreach representative, Frank McGreevy is available at that location for consultation or can be reached at 845-794-3340, ext. 0598.
CLICK HERE to read a related story about a Korean War veteran.