Jimmie Turpin was only 17 years old when left the halls of Alvin High School as a junior to serve his country in Vietnam in 1961. He completed many missions in the battlefield, but there was one at home that he had not been able to accomplish: Graduating from High School.

54 years after leaving the school, Turpin, who is now retired, finally has been awarded the diploma that eluded him all those years. Alvin Independent School District honored the war veteran during an honorary ceremony, complete with a saber arch.

“It’s amazing. I’m just floored,” he told KHOU 11 News reporters.

Jimmie Turpin talks to reporters

“I’m now an official alum. Now I can find a job now with my new credentials,” he joked.

But what makes his graduation so special is that he’ll walk across the stage at the formal commencement ceremony in June, on the same day as his granddaughter Julia.

After the long wait, Turpin now gets the chance to do something he never thought possible: graduating the same year, the same day as his granddaughter.

Mission accomplished! Thank you for your service, Sir!

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