Today, I salute 80-year-old Veteran Linwood Riddick. Linwood put his college education on hold so he could serve in the military. At that time, segregation also presented challenges for the veteran in gaining an education. Over the years, life happened, but Linwood never forgot his promise to himself. That promise was to walk across the stage and graduate before he left the earth. Linwood drove himself to class daily to ensure he did just that. Last week, Linwood did just that and fulfilled that promise, graduating from South Carolina State University with a BA in Music. Congratulations, Linwood, and THANK YOU for your service.