Donald Huisenga Receives High School Diploma At Age 98

Floor Speech

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Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with an incredible and inspirational story to congratulate San Angelo's Donald Huisenga on receiving his high school diploma after nearly 80 years of waiting.

Although originally in the class of 1943, he was drafted into World War II just 3 months before graduation was scheduled.

His service with the U.S. Army Special Forces took Mr. Huisenga behind enemy lines and to the front of the D-day charge.

Recently, after Ms. Tess Gooding of San Angelo's VA clinic met with Mr. Huisenga and heard him mention always wanting to receive his diploma and graduate from high school, she got the ball rolling, and she went above and beyond the call of duty. And so did Mr. Huisenga's original high school district, East Sac County.

Last Wednesday, alongside friends and family, Mr. Huisenga was awarded his high school diploma at the ripe age of 98 years old.

It is touching to hear this story of service. I want to honor not only Mrs. Gooding for her work in the community, for her compassion, and for going above and beyond, but I would also like to honor Mr. Huisenga for his sacrifice to our country in World War II and for his continued desire to learn, teaching us an important lesson that it is never too late in life to learn.

I thank everyone who helped Mr. Huisenga earn his diploma. They have all made us very proud. Congratulations on this incredible achievement.

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