By KIMBERLY ACEVEDO
Now, 59 years later, Karom was asked by an employer for his diploma one that he never obtained.
I panicked, laughed Karom, who has lived in Long Beach for 72 years. He immediately searched online and finally came across Senate bill 6940 Operation Recognition. Enacted in September 2000, the bill enabled veterans of the armed forces who served in WWII to receive a high school diploma. It was based on a Vets' knowledge and experience that was gained while on active duty. In 2001, a similar bill was created for veterans of the Korean War.
On Tuesday, May 28 Karom was finally awarded his high school diploma from the Long Beach Superintendent of Schools Ron Friedman and the Board of Education.
Karom trains new security officers for Long Island Enforcement in Long Beach. When he filed to take an exam as a security trainer, he was asked for his diploma.
I got away with it all these years, Karom laughed. No one ever asked me for a diploma.
When he discovered Operation Recognition, Karom contacted Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D-Long Beach). Weisenberg said he was familiar with the bill and called on Friedman to get it into the works. Unfamiliar with the bill, Friedman contacted the New York State Education Department.
It is not well-known but it is on the books, Friedman said.
During Karom's entire career in security, he said he was never asked for a diploma nor did he ever need one until now.
While Karom was presented with his diploma after 59 years, he feels it's never too late. Karom said many vets are unaware of Operation Recognition, but he hopes to spread the word.
I was surprised, he said. I was the only one in the City of Long Beach that applied for it.
But sadly he said, World War II vets of my age there aren't too many left.
While serving in the military, Karom served as the chief quartermaster on the St. Mihiel for three years. He traveled the world stopping in places like Antwerp, France, Oran, Algeria and Okinawa. He did all the steering on the ship, he said and he even steered through the Panama Canal. Visiting exotic places, places he had never heard of, he said was the greatest experience in the world.
After an honorable discharge on August 15, 1945, Karom returned home and immediately sought work. He met and married his wife Louise and landed a job for Highland Plumbing until 1951. During that year, Karom began a 20-year career as a Long Beach police officer, which ended in 1971. After his retirement from the Long Beach Police Department, he became the director of security at Mays Department Store for six years. In 1977, Karom worked as a security supervisor for Waldbaums until 1995.
