Bob Bonhomme dropped out of high school to support his family and was later drafted into the Army

A 90-year-old Army veteran has finally checked a significant item off his to-do list — he earned his high school diploma!

Bob Bonhomme, from Portage, Michigan, left St. Augustine School in Kalamazoo during his teenage years to work and support his family, as per a news release from Portage Public Schools.

At the age of 19, he was drafted into the Army and served for 14 months in the Korean War.

After returning, he worked at a paper mill for four decades while raising four children with his wife.

Despite his busy life, Bonhomme never stopped thinking about his missed opportunity to graduate from high school.

“Life just always got in the way,” he reflected in the release.

Following his retirement, Bonhomme dedicated his time to caregiving for his wife, Norma, until her passing 11 years ago.

During a weekly lunch date with his daughter-in-law, Diane Bonhomme, Bob revealed his long-standing dream of earning his high school diploma and attending prom.

“I saw the desire in his eyes when he talked about it,” Diane recounted from the news release. “I wanted to ensure he got to fulfill these dreams before his life was over.”

Diane collaborated with Portage Public Schools superintendent Mark Bielang and state officials to help Bob achieve his dream.

On Monday, June 10, during a board of education meeting, Bonhomme was awarded his diploma.

“We are honored to present Bob with his diploma, something he set aside years ago to support his family and serve our country,” Bielang shared. “Thank you, Bob, for your service to our country.”

For the nonagenarian, it was a truly special moment.

“A few months ago, Diane asked me what I felt I had missed,” Bob told local CBS affiliate WWMT-TV. “I missed graduation and attending prom. Well, I’ve attended prom; now I have my graduation. I’m satisfied.”