Dad Accepts Airman's Diploma
By: Heidi McGuire, KUSA
Updated: May 11, 2009
When Ben Seidl decided to go to college at 35, he says it was because of his kids.
He wanted to set a good example, no matter his age.
He signed up for classes at Colorado Christian University, and for three years juggled class work, with a full-time job, and raising two kids.
It wasn't easy, especially when he learned he was going to be deployed to Afghanistan with just three classes left to go.
"I knew if I didn't do it, I would never do it," he said of getting his degree.
Seidl continued his class work while overseas, turning his work in online.
"It wasn't always easy, because I wasn't always at camp, I was out in the field," explained Seidl.
On Saturday, the big day arrived.
Excited graduates and their families filled Cherry Hills Community Church for the commencement ceremony marking the students' accomplishments.
Seidl's family got front row seats for the big event, even though, the Air Force Master Sergeant wasn't able to be there.
"At this time we would like to honor one student's success under particularly difficult circumstances," said the school's president.
Video of Seidl popped up on a big screen for everyone to see.
He was awarded his degree in Afghanistan where he's currently serving.
"I'd like to take this time to thank my family for their support, it's not easy to have a family member that's going to school full-time and working full-time," said Seidl.
The story doesn't end there.
Ben said he wanted to get his degree for his kids, and one other person.
"Ben said his father was a good example to him," said Bill Armstrong, president, Colorado Christian University.
Armstrong presented Seidl's father Robert with his son's degree.
"I was pretty shocked, but I jumped at the chance to come down here and do this," said Robert Seidl.
The elder Seidl admits he never thought much of going to college.
When he was growing up, learning a trade seemed more important.
But on this day, you couldn't find a dad more proud of his kid stepping out of his father's footsteps to earn a degree, something no else in his family has ever done.
"I say, well done, you made me very proud," said Seidl to his son.
