Just before he was going to graduate from Alvin High School in 1961, Jimmie Turpin joined the army to serve during the Vietnam War. Now, over five decades later, Jimmie is finally graduating.
Yes, at 72 years old the war veteran is getting his high school diploma! I always love it when a veteran gets a happy ending, even if it's late enough, like the one who managed to reunite with his high school sweetheart or the one who wowed the judges on America's Got Talent. Veterans risk their lives on behalf of us all; many return with new disabilities or not at all. It's humbling to see karma reward them for their service.
"Nobody could script this. This is my life. I'm now an official alum," Turpin, teary-eyed, said of the moment. Alvin High School awarded him an official diploma and even gave him a letterman jacket.
Many school districts have made it a policy to honor veterans who put their service before their education with a diploma. Jimmie, who is now retired, joked that now he'll finally be able to get a job.
Jimmie will walk with Alvin High School's class of 2015. Yes, he'll be there at commencement wearing a cap and gown just like the rest of the young ones.
But you won't understand why this moment is so special until you see who he gets to walk with.
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