A lot of former military servicemen never got the chance to pursue a college education.  Instead, they had to go right to work to support their families.  And often, they worked for many years in the same area of specialized technical skill they learned during their service.

North Central Vocational Technical College wants to recognize them with a Veterans Honorary Associate Degree of Technical Education.

NCKTC President Clark Coco, whose own dad and son are military vets,  says the veterans’ diplomas will look exactly the same as that of any other graduate, with an added flourish of stars and stripes.  The veterans will participate in commencement ceremonies next May on the campuses in Hays and Beloit.

There’s no fee involved.  Coco believes it’s just the right thing to do.

Nominations are open for honorably discharged U-S veterans at least 50 years old.   Nomination forms are available on the North Central Kansas Technical College website www.ncktc.edu.

Watch Street Beat ECTV Channel 14 tonight for more details.