He’s 83, a war vet and finally getting his high school diploma

At 83 years old, a Korean War veteran received his high school diploma.

Marty Sullivan missed his own graduation more than 60 years ago when he left school during his junior year to fight in the war, according to Bay News 9.

Friday, Sullivan received an honorary high school diploma during graduation at Newsome High School in Hillsborough County, Bay News 9 reported.

He filled out the paperwork to receive an honorary diploma, which Florida offers to any eligible military veteran who left high school to serve, according to Bay News 9.

“The service officer asked me if I wanted her to help me get my diploma,” Sullivan told Bay News 9. “I was like, ‘OK, go ahead,’ ”

And once it was all said and done, Sullivan told the television station he was glad he went through with it.

“When I got this in my hand, I said, ‘Okay I guess it was worth it,’ ” Sullivan told Bay News 9.

He hopes other veterans take advantage of getting their diplomas as well, telling Bay News 9 if they get the opportunity and don’t take it, they’re a “damn fool.”

This story was originally published May 19, 2017 at 6:08 PM with the headline "He’s 83, a war vet and finally getting his high school diploma."