Chuck Grassley: “this month brims with milestones for students across America. In Iowa, more than 34,000 students are among the class of…”

“this month brims with milestones for students across America. In Iowa, more than 34,000 students are among the class of 2025. I congratulate our graduates and encourage you to keep working hard. The sky is the limit. You get to define your future because you live in the land of the free. That is because we have extraordinary patriots who have answered the call to serve and defend our cherished freedoms. One of these extraordinary patriots is a member of the class of 2025. His name is Orville Von Ehwegen. Orville's journey to East Sac County High School's commencement ceremony this past weekend took an unusual detour and extended timeline. He missed out on the pomp and circumstance as a teenager because he answered history's call to serve. You see, Orville is 107 years old. He was born in 1917 and dropped out of school at age 14 to help on the family farm during the Great Depression. Later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and fought in the South Pacific during World War II. When he returned, he opened an appliance store and was a successful small business owner alongside his wife. On Sunday, this remarkable World War II veteran received an honorary diploma from East Sac County High School, 93 years after his last day as a student. Orville's inspiring life story is an example of sacrifice and service, which his fellow graduates can emulate. I congratulate Orville and thank you for your service.”