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Frerichs' Bill Allowing Veterans to Recieve High School Diplomas Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Legislation which allows Vietnam Veterans to receive their high school diploma recently passed the Illinois House. The bill, introduced by State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign), would help many Vietnam War veterans who were drafted before they could finish high school.

"This is something that should have been done a while ago," said Senator Frerichs. "These veterans risked their lives for our nation and this is something we can do to recognize their service."

Senate Bill 2682 stipulates that veterans must have lived within the school district and been honorably discharged from the military. A similar law allowing World War II and Korean War veterans to receive their diploma exists and this measure would simply include Vietnam War veterans to that category.

"We owe much of this legislation to Raymond Collins who struggled to get his diploma after 37 years," said Senator Frerichs. "Senator Durbin and I were able to help Raymond out, but after dealing with the lengthy, difficult process, it was apparent that we needed new legislation."

Raymond Collins of Catlin was drafted before he could earn his final 1 1/4 credits at Catlin High School. Collins earned his GED certification while fighting in Vietnam by scoring a 199 out of a possible 210. He was told that he could return it to any high school for his diploma. However, when he returned from Vietnam, he was surprised to find that the school district refused to award him a diploma.

Last year, Collins was able to receive his diploma. However, the effort took phone calls, emails, and letters. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Senator Frerichs got involved last year and helped move the process along. Collins indicated that he wouldn't give up on his diploma because he felt he would be letting his fellow veterans down if he did.

"I am glad to see this piece of legislation moving along," said Senator Frerichs. "Hopefully we will be able to sign this into law, because I'm sure Raymond's determination will encourage many other veterans to go after the diploma they deserve."

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