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Local Veteran Finally Receives High School Diploma

Local Veteran Finally Receives High School Diploma
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By West Kentucky Star Staff
May. 25, 2017 | CALLOWAY COUNTY, KY
By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 25, 2017 | 06:37 AM | CALLOWAY COUNTY, KY
The Calloway County Board of Education recently awarded World War II veteran Robert William Smith of Kirksey with his high school diploma, even though he was a student more than seventy years ago.

In accordance with a Kentucky Revised Statute, veterans who were unable to complete high school due to being drafted into military service are eligible to receive a high school diploma.

In March of 1945, Smith was drafted into the US Army. After basic training, Smith was sent to take part in the Asian Pacific campaign. He served overseas building roads and bridges, and as a cook. He was honorably discharged in November 1946 at the conclusion of the war. 

Smith acknowledged one of his teachers from Backusburg School, Ms. Frances Suiter. 

“She changed my life,” he said. “Without her influence I’m not sure what would have become of me.”

Suiter was a young teacher just out of college, and Smith said that she won the hearts of the parents, students, and the community.

The Calloway County Board of Education thanked Smith for his service to his country. 

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