The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, in partnership with the County of San Bernardino Department of Veterans Affairs, is accepting applications for the third annual San Bernardino County Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project - a nationwide effort to recognize men and women whose high school education was interrupted due to military service or internment in a Japanese American camp.

Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project provides veterans and internees, who were unable to complete high school due to military service or internment, the opportunity to receive a high school diploma. Veterans who served in and received an honorable discharge from World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War; or individuals who were interned in a Japanese American relocation camp and are San Bernardino County residents are eligible to participate. There is no charge to participate in the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project.

Diplomas will be awarded to qualified applicants at a ceremony in June. Applicants will be notified of their status by April 22, 2011, and qualified applicants will be provided with the date, time, and location of the ceremony.  United States Congressmen Jerry Lewis and Joe Baca will serve as this year's Honorary Co-Chairs.  Sponsors for this year's event will include various California State Legislators and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

The Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project fact sheet, application and project flyer can be downloaded from the links below.  You can also obtain additional information at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools website (click here).  For assistance with verification of military service and/or discharge papers, contact the County of San Bernardino Department of Veterans Affairs at (866) 472-8387 or (909) 387-5516.  The deadline to submit an application is Friday, April 8, 2011, at 4:30 p.m.