A childhood friend gives back to the green bay area…by Doug LaViolette

For the second time, Brian’s Foundation received a wonderful donation from Frank Frewerd, a gentleman who lives in North Carolina.

Frank Frewerd with his family, Brian, Keri and his late wife Kathy

Frank Frewerd with his family, Brian, Keri and his late wife Kathy

Frank is a boyhood friend  of mine, growing up in Oconto. I actually worked for his father, George W. Frewerd, at a gas station part time after school and on weekends.

His family has a deep heritage of military service. Frank himself served in the Air Force.

I haven’t seen him in a few decades and didn’t even realize he lived in North Carolina until his first donation arrived a couple years ago. 

As with all donations, they are so appreciated because, they are in fact the lifeblood of Brian’s Foundation and the work we do.

We were compelled to not only thank Frank, but also find out why he continues to donate, in part because he is supporting a cause outside of his community in NC.

As it turns out, Frank simply wanted to give back to an area he felt has “brain drain” and wants to keep the hard-working, smart students of Green Bay in the Green Bay area. He went on to say, “you realize many parents have to struggle in their job to help pay for college.  I just wanted to help them.”

Frank has traveled the world in his military service and has seen the good that can come out of helping others.   

He wanted his donation to remember the good in this world, as well as dedicate it to his wife Kathy’s memory.  They had been married for 48 years when she passed on 6.16.16 after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Frank is also very proud of his entire family to include his five granddaughters and we can’t forget – his co-pilot, his dog, Asia

 
Frank’s co-pilot, his dog, Asia

Frank’s co-pilot, his dog, Asia

 
 
Frank’s son, Brian, his wife, Nicol and granddaughters Meredith, Kristina, Catherine, and Madelyn.

Frank’s son, Brian, his wife, Nicol and granddaughters Meredith, Kristina, Catherine, and Madelyn.

 
 
Frank's daughter, Keri, her husband, Brian, and daughter Emma.

Frank's daughter, Keri, her husband, Brian, and daughter Emma.

 

Today and everyday, we'd like to say "Thank You."

On this Veterans Day, we not only give thanks to the men and women we pay tribute to through the Scholarship of Honor program, but to all who have served and are currently serving to protect us.

15 years ago this week, the Brian LaViolette Foundation established the Scholarship of Honor Program.  It is an award that honors the service and sacrifice of our past and present military heroes.  At the same time, the scholarship recognizes a graduating high school senior with plans to enlist in the military or pursue a career in public safety or community service. 

Thanks to hundreds of donors, 302 Scholarships of Honor have been awarded nationwide. It's with a great deal of pride these annual scholarships allow families, friends, communities and students to give thanks and remember those who serve.

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You can learn more about the scholarships in this program and those we honor, here.


The Scholarship of Honor Mission
To honor, to remember, those who serve while recognizing dedication,  community service and selflessness in those who follow in their footsteps