Better late…: Vietnam veteran finally gets his HS diploma

David Fair of La Pine joined the Army when he was 17. At the age of 18, he was deployed to Vietnam to serve in the war as a medic. And a high school diploma was something that never came his way — until now.

“It’s really an honor, and it’s something that I’ve wanted to accomplish. It just took a very long time to do it.” Fair said.

Wednesday night, at the age of 66, he was being awarded an honorary diploma at the Ridgeview High School graduation, at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond.

Fair said even though his youth was spent much differently from his fellow 2017 classmates, he harbors no resentment,

“I love every one of them,” Fair said. “They’ve accepted me. I’m happy with them. I have no heartburn at all.”

Along with being awarded the honorary high school diploma, several senior students also put together a video recognizing Fair’s life and accomplishments.

Fair said even though he served in the Army, and is now a member of the Redmond-area Band of Brothers, h was nervous about the upcoming ceremony.

“I’m 66 years old, and getting a high school diploma, I’m very nervous.” he said.

And his advice for the graduates, Fair said, “Continue your education, and go as far as you can — and then decide what you’re going to do with your life.”