Story and photo by WTOL
Monday night marks a huge milestone for Korean War veteran Vince Golembiowski of Clyde, Ohio, who, 70 years later, is receiving his high school diploma. The diploma was given to 88-year-old Vince Golembiowski at the Clyde-Green Springs board meeting.
"At age 88, they just give me my high school diploma, which is a miracle," he said "There are six of us left from the class of 1950 and we still see each other."
The achievement was made possible by his son, Michael Golembiowski, who contacted the Clyde-Green Springs School District and surprised his father on Christmas with the announcement. Then on Monday, it became official with an actual diploma finally handed to Vince.
"I've had the opportunity to be a crew chief on the F-86 jet fighter. Crew chief on the C-54 four-engine transport. I've shaken the hand of Syngman Rhee, the president of South Korea," said Vince Golembiowski. Michael says it's a way of him returning the thanks to his father.
"My dad's always done so much for us. I mean, he's always there so it's just a way of, you know, being able to return something. I know it's always been missing in his life," said Michael.
It's a deserving moment for a war vet who put his country first.
"I never, ever, at 88 years old... I had no idea at all something like this is possible. But boy, I'm totally grateful. Now I can go out and get a job. I got a diploma," said a joking Vince Golembiowski while grinning.
