Roger Post graduated with the Valley High School Class of 2012, nearly 50 years after he left high school to fight in Vietnam.

“It’s something I never thought would happen,” said 65 year old Roger Post of Middlebourne on finally receiving his high school diploma, almost 50 years after leaving high school to join the war effort in Vietnam. “It took me 50 years, but I got it!”

Post was among the 38 graduates of Valley High School who donned their caps and gowns for commencement on May 24 as an honorary graduate.

“We were so proud . . . he was so proud . . . it was wonderful,” said his wife Cathy. “The graduates the teachers, coaches, alumni, former classmates and just everybody was so kind to him, and so appreciative for his military service. All I can say is that it was a wonderful experience.”

Roger Dale Post was in the first freshman class to attend the newly consolidated Valley High School in Pine Grove, when just two weeks after turning 17, he left his carefree school days behind him and enlisted in the United States Navy.

He went from boot camp in Great Lakes, IL to Signalman School in Rhode Island. For the next four years, he was aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Randolph, CV 15 stationed in Norfolk, VA. He sailed the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans, visiting many countries and taking the time to earn his G.E.D.

His final rank was E5 SM 2nd Class Petty Officer. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Medal.

Upon his return home, he was hired at Union Carbide, retiring after 34 years as a first line supervisor.

Next next month he and wife Cathy Darlene Reed will celebrate 33 years of marriage. Of their four children, Rhonda, Richie, Jason and Amanda, the two boys followed their father into the Navy.

He is the grandfather of one grandson, two granddaughters and the great-grandfather of one great-granddaughter.

Post never forgot his military roots: he holds the office of Adjutant of the Sistersville American Legion Post #67; is a member of the American Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard. He serves as an escort for United States Warriors killed in action as well as services for all veterans in all wars. He is a past member of the Honor Guard and Color Guard of Post #67 and the Sistersville V.F.W.

The new Valley High School Alumnus said is very appreciative of the opportunity to finally receive his diploma from his high school and offers his sincere thanks to the class of 2012 for allowing him to graduate with them, to the Wetzel County Board of Education, and Rudy Yost, a classmate that helped to initiate this most important event in his life.