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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Navy veteran Ron Stephens had no thought he would ever get the prospect to stroll throughout a commencement stage. Stephens stated he was drafted to serve within the Vietnam Battle in 1968 earlier than he ever had the prospect.
Nonetheless, that every one modified on Friday through the College of Tennessee’s Fall Graduation.
“My junior yr, I solely took 9 hours. And I received behind. Again then there was the draft, and so through the summer season I used to be working and I received referred to as in to have my bodily. In fact I handed it with flying colours. And I requested the sergeant ‘how lengthy earlier than I am going?’ And he stated ‘effectively two weeks.’” shared Stephens.
Again then, Stephens shared {that a} household buddy with the U.S Naval Reserve Base down on Alcoa freeway helped him to get into the Navy reserve permitting him to go forward and graduate however with no ceremony.
“I graduated in December, and I needed to depart about two days earlier than the ceremony, and I didn’t get to have a good time. So my spouse has framed me right here to return again, and I admire that very a lot,” stated Stephens.
Stephens’ spouse Lynn Turner, a two-time graduate of the College of Tennessee, stated she’s been planning the shock commencement for 2 months.
“It was kinda tough ‘trigger he is usually a little tough at instances. I went in and ordered all of his gear. He wanted his hat and his robe, and I hid issues for some time. I simply informed him ‘I want you to take this Friday off, and we’re doing one thing particular,’ and I stated, ‘don’t ask me any questions,’” stated Turner.
Stephens, who majored in accounting stated he really had no thought he could be strolling within the commencement ceremony on Friday. Nonetheless, he’s grateful he can lastly say he received to do it, after regretting lacking his ceremony 54 years in the past.
The Navy veteran stated his diploma was mailed to his mother and father’ home whereas he was serving in Vietnam, and he opened it as soon as he received again dwelling.
When requested how did it really feel to stroll with so many youthful graduates, Stephens laughed and smiled, saying he has a grandson who must be graduating faculty in a couple of years.
Copyright 2022 WVLT. All rights reserved.
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