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The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Richard Link quit school at age 16 waiting for his 17th birthday, so he could serve his country. He joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and became Airman Second Class as he served in Puerto Rico during the Korean War. While there he took classes and was able to acquire his high school education through the G.E.D. program, however, he never received a high school diploma.
Ater five children and nine grandchildren, and 46 years later, legislation was passed which allowed Veterans to receive a high school diploma who had served in the Korean War between '52 and '56.
Supt. Dean Irlbeck said, "It's wonderful country we have to live in. A lot of people have given up their life to serve our country and it is good to honor someone who interrupted their education to serve our country.
Richard Link of Oquawka was called forward and given his diploma by President of the Board, Mr. Joe Bigger, prior to the UHS graduates receiving theirs. His grandson, Daniel Scott Link, received his diploma with the Class of 2002, and his older brother, Richard Link, Jr. just returned from serving overseas in the U.S. military.
Mr. Link met his wife, Carolyn (Williams) after serving his three years and returning to work at the Air Force base in Missouri. "She worked in the restaurant across the street, he said.
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Above is Mr. and Mrs. Richard Link of Oquawka and Daniel Link, their grandson. Richard and Daniel shared graduation day - Sunday, both receiving Union High School diplomas. -photos by Dessa Rodeffer - Publisher/Owner