By Timothy Cox
tcox@dailystandard.com A Korean War veteran who dropped out of high school to serve in the nation's military was honored with a surprise graduation party and high school diploma last week.
Howard Coats, 75, a Celina native who now lives in Sebring, Fla., was given the diploma under a state program aimed at World War II and Korean War veterans. Coats, a cook for the Army's 1st Calvary Division, served from 1948-1952, spending time in Japan and Korea.
Family members were forced to spring the surprise a few minutes before Celina City Schools board of education President Matt Gilmore gave Coats his diploma because Coats knew something was up. Family members, including his wife Joan, and the couple's four children, Cathy Schreima, Tammy Ault and Michael and Doug Coats had gathered at the Celina American Legion Post for a family dinner. But as more and more old friends began showing up, Coats knew his family was planning more than a meal.
"This was a shock," Coats told the crowd of well-wishers. "If I'd have known about it, I wouldn't have shown up."
Coats' son Doug teased him that he now must serve a detention for missing class for more than 50 years. Coats' daughter, Cathy Schreima, delivered a statement on behalf of the family members who organized the party.
"Although Dad quit school ... his experiences have provided him with a vast array of knowledge in many subjects," she said. "Some people spend a lifetime earning awards and degrees. Dad earned his degree in life."
Coats' family was the first in Mercer County to apply for a diploma after the program was opened to Korean veterans. Two others have since applied for and received their degrees, said Mercer County Veterans Services Officer Tom Risch, who attended Coats' graduation party.
Any World War II or Korean War veteran or their family members can apply for a degree simply by contacting Risch's office. Even local residents who are not native to the area can receive a degree from the local school district they now live in, Risch said. |
