Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald Stevens awarded a U.S. Marine veteran his high school diploma through New York’s Operation Recognition program, which allows eligible vets to earn high school diplomas if they left school before graduating.
Sgt. Robert S. Taylor, United States Marine Corps, served two separate tours of duty during the Cold War period (1969-1971) and (1971-1977). He enlisted in the Marines Corp without completing his high school education. Sgt. Taylor was assigned to reconnaissance operations, which were classified. Recon training allowed troops to be assigned anywhere in the world they were needed — but due to the sensitive and risky nature of their work, the locations of recon teams and their missions were kept under wraps. For service to his country, Sgt. Taylor was awarded the National Defense Medal and he received an honorable discharge at the conclusion of his first tour of duty. He also earned his GED – an alternative to the high school diploma – during that time.
Sgt. Taylor re-enlisted with the U.S. Marines and was promoted to Staff Sergeant during his second tour of duty, during which he was assigned to the military police. As a member of the military police, Staff Sergeant Taylor was responsible for enforcing military rules, conducting investigations and maintaining security. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal prior to being honorably discharged a second time in 1977.
Sgt. Taylor currently resides in Menands. We thank him for his service to our country and are proud to call Sgt. Taylor an honorary Cannoneer! Congratulations!
Sgt. Robert S. Taylor, a local U.S. Marine veteran, received a Watervliet High School diploma through New York’s Operation Recognition program. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald Stevens presented the diploma to Sgt. Taylor on April 4. Board of Education President Mary Beth Whited and Thomas Mullins, a representative of the Reverend Francis A. Kelly Society – an organization that advocates for military veterans – joined the celebration.