By Jay Sowers

The Selma Times-Journal

Veterans who lost the opportunity to earn their high school diploma because they were serving in the military overseas in World War II, Korea or Vietnam, now have a chance to do just that.

Willis Chappell is the local face for Operation Recognition, a program aimed at awarding a standard high school diploma to an honorably discharged veteran, who served in the armed forces during certain periods in the last century.

“I’m the one who started the program here is Selma, and right now I’m trying to locate veterans in Selma,” Chappell said. “If it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t do it. And sadly, most of the veterans I have talked to didn’t even know the program existed.”

Those who served between the following dates – Dec. 7, 1941 to Jan. 1, 1946, June 27, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955 and Nov. 15, 1961 to March 28, 1973 – are eligible.

Veterans must have been a resident of Alabama before they entered the service, and their service in the military must have prevented them from getting their high school diploma.

Chappell has made an appeal to the Selma City Council, asking for money to help find local veterans who would benefit from the program, as well as to pay for the diplomas, which cost $75 each.

Tom Bolton, president of Cooper Brothers Construction, said he was in attendance at a recent city council work session and heard Chappell ask for a donation from the city and was inspired to help out himself — donating enough money for 10 diplomas to be given out.

“I was struck by the irony of it all,” Bolton. “We wouldn’t be sitting there today if they hadn’t fought for us back then. It’s the very least I could do.”

Bolton, who still remembers the draft number he was given during the Vietnam war, said he hopes more businesses in Selma can find extra funds to help the cause.

“I didn’t have to serve, but I admire those who did, and I would like to challenge every business in Selma to contribute,” Bolton said.