Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) recently presented an Operation Recognition diploma to Joseph Camillery of Bellmore. Camillery dropped out of high school after his junior year to serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He enlisted in the Air Force in August 1952, and then served as a member of the Air National Guard from October 1963 until October 1966.

“Our veterans have made an incalculable sacrifice for our country, and for some like Mr. Camillery, the passion to serve came at the expense of a high school diploma,” said McDonough. “Through Operation Recognition, these men and women are honored for their devotion and sacrifice on behalf of the community and the nation. I am pleased to present Mr. Camillery with his diploma from James Madison High School and extend the thanks of all the residents of the 14th Assembly District for his service to our country during the Korean War.”

War veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam Era veterans who left school early due to their military service can now receive their high school diploma under New York State’s newly-expanded Operation Recognition Program. For more details on the program, please visit http://www.veterans.ny.gov/content/operation-recognition-0. To nominate a local veteran for an Operation Recognition diploma, please contact McDonough’s office at 516-409-2070.