WATERLOO - The color guard marched, the band played and another veteran received his diploma.

Gerald Soppe, decked out in a black cap and gown, was awarded the honor by the Board of Education Monday.

The 80-year-old should have graduated from West High in 1946, but dropped out of school. In about 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for two years in Yokohama, Japan, during the Korean War. That made him eligible for Operation Recognition, a state program allowing school districts to award diplomas to veterans of World Wars I and II plus the Korean and Vietnam wars.

West High's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps presented the Iowa and U.S. flags while a school ensemble played the national anthem. Board President Bernice Richard called the award "a fitting tribute" to a veteran.

"Because of the significance of education in our community and the deep sense of gratitude we feel to our veterans, the Waterloo Community Schools confers a full diploma," Richard said, flanked by other members of the board.

Then Superintendent Gary Norris intoned: "Gerald H. Soppe has met the requirements for Operation Recognition." Soppe stepped forward to accept the diploma and shake board members' hands.

He was the 39th veteran who has dropped out of district high schools to receive a diploma through the state program. In November 1999, 37 veterans were given the honor. Another veteran was awarded a diploma in 2002.

"I thought it was wonderful," Soppe said after the ceremony. "When you get over 80 you don't expect those things."

Soppe said he owed the honor to his grandson, who brought his military service to the district's attention. About 1-1/2 months ago, Jacob Soppe inquired of the district to see if his grandfather was eligible for a diploma and found out he was.

"I just remember back in '98 when I was at West High School, they had a graduation ceremony for veterans that had been drafted," said Jacob Soppe, who attended Monday's ceremony with other family members.

Gerald Soppe returned to Waterloo after serving in the Army and worked at Rath Packing Co. for 29 years. In addition, he worked as a taxidermist for 42 years.

When he enlisted in the Army, Soppe went through cooking school at Fort Riley, Kan.

"Mom said, 'You've got to learn how to cook if you want a good woman,'" he recalled. Soppe's wife of 55 years, Kathleen, along with two of their three children were there with him Monday.

Contact Andrew Wind at (319) 291-1507 or andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com.