Receiving a high school diploma is one of life's greatest moments. But sometimes that moment comes later in life. Like in Richard Gould's case.

Born and raised in upstate New York, Gould quit school and joined the United States Air Force in 1952. He was stationed in England and North Africa as a member of SAC Bomber Command, and he served four years and three months. He earned his GED while in the service.He was a mechanical engineer and a member of Sheet Metals Workers Local 19. He had served on his local school board and also served as a volunteer firefighter and was an assistant chief.He and his wife of 62 years, Audrey, moved to the West End twenty years ago. Now retired, he is very active. He is an avid trap shooter, a member of Pocono Slate Belt Shooting Association, the Blue Ridge Cherry Valley Rod & Gun Club, St. Peter's UMC, Hamilton Day Lodge Masonic Lodge and the J. Simpson Africa Masonic Lodge. He and his wife have four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.Pleasant Valley School District has been honoring its veterans in a special program called Operation Recognition. Gould is the 10th veteran the district has presented a high school diploma to. It did so at the May 22 school board meeting in a special graduation ceremony.Pleasant Valley High School Principal John Gress said it was tradition for the valedictorian to give a speech at a graduation ceremony, so he introduced PVHS's 2014 valedictorian, Patrick Rimple.Rimple said that as valedictorian, it was an honor to recognize Gould and "as a class, we'd like to thank you protecting our liberties and freedoms."On behalf of the class of 2014, Rimple presented Gould with a medal that read "Pleasant Valley Honorary Graduate" inscribed with his name.School board President Russell Gould presented Gould with a diploma.Christopher Fisher, assistant to the superintendent, told Gould, "On behalf of the board, we're most privileged to recognize you this evening and thank you for your service."Gould said he was very proud to receive it and was overwhelmed by it.