Nikhitha Murali receives the $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship
Nikhitha is an incredible young woman who has already accomplished so much, including organizing a medical/health camp in a small village in India. She plans to follow her medical passion as she pursues a degree in Neuroscience with a pre-med focus at the University of Chicago.
Happy Mother's Day!
“Let me tell you about a person who was, and is, very special to me. This person I owe my life to, and I’m not exaggerating one bit. She brought me into this world. She has taught me right from wrong and always finds a way to make me grin. One thing that she has taught me that I will never forget is the value of trust. That five letter word has helped me throughout my life. Even more important than trust is a four letter word that will always be between us…love."
Pay it Forward
Paying tribute to others as students welcome new beginnings
Brian enjoying Spring-1979 |
Springtime for Brian's Foundation represents the end of the school year allowing new beginnings for many--students gear up for the end of the school year, teachers plan end of the year exams, and parents prepare for their 'baby' to enter the real world.
Like spring every year, Brian's Foundation has new growth-45 new scholarship recipients become a part of our every-growing garden. Budding young men and women enter the next phase in their life and go through all that is yet to come like a warm breeze.
Scholarship of Honor Presentation Dates
We are honored to pay tribute to 21 heroes annually through one of our programs, the Scholarship of Honor.
Arlington-Remembering, Len Keller |
The programs' mission is: To honor, to remember, those who serve, while recognizing dedication, community service and selflessness in those who follow in their footsteps.
The Scholarships are in the names of our past and present military heroes. They are awarded to a student entering into the military or a form of public safety or community service.
Those we honor with scholarships in their names are:
Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton CO-- May 16, 7:00pm
Joe Welke: Rapid City Stevens High School, SD-- May 16, 7:00pm
John Bradley: Appleton West High School, WI-- May 18, 6:30pm
Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY-- May 18, 2:30pm
Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School, WI- Engler Performing Arts Center-- May 18, 7:00pm
Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School auditorium, WI-- May 18, 8:30am
Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School auditorium, WI-- May 18, 9:00am
James Cathey: Reno High School, NV-- May 19, 7:00pm at Peppermill Hotel Casino
Andrew Brownfield: North High School Akron, OH --Sunday, May 20th, 9:00am
Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School, WI-- May 20, 9:00am
Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School, WI-- May 25, 6:00pm
Nichole Frye: Lena High School, WI-- May 25, 7:30pm
Len Keller: Guildford High School, IL-- May 25, 7:45 am
Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School, PA-- May 25, 7:00pm
Brent Vroman: Omro High School Commons, WI-- May 25, 7:00pm
Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg-Casco High School Gym-- May 27, 9:00am
Ken Hess: Reynolds High School, Asheville NC--May 31, 7:00pm
Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School-- May 31, 9:30am
Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School auditorium, MN-- June 2, 7:00pm
Tom Hudner: EAA-Airventure, Oshkosh, WI-- July 26, 6:00pm
Nainoa Hoe: 1Lt Nainoa K. Hoe Battle Command Training Center, Schofield Barracks, HI August 26
Past Scholarship Recipient has earned the title of Miss Wisconsin
This was her second try at Miss Wisconsin, as she had been Miss Door County in 2008 and hadn't placed that year. But she didn’t give up..her reward was being crowned Miss Wisconsin last year. As it turns out, her sister Katie also competed at Miss Wisconsin that year, and was her first runner-up! A first in Miss America history!
Kimberly earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and a minor in Spanish. She also played on the St. Norbert College softball team, and was a captain during her senior year when they won the conference championship.
As she continues her journey as Miss Wisconsin this year, she has had amazing opportunities and unforgettable and inspiring memories. She represents the Miss America Organization which provides $45 million in scholarships every year to young women across the country, and is also involved with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
She also promotes her personal platform entitled "Service for the Soul" which promotes volunteerism and the importance of matching volunteers with organizations that match their passions, their goals, and schedules so that they may become life-long volunteers with those organizations.
With so many appearances as Miss Wisconsin, her most favorite thing to do is speak to students. She shares with them the importance of believing in themselves and their abilities, dreaming big, setting goals, and making good decisions to reach those goals.
Brian's Foundation becomes a Public Charity
Public charities typically carry out the same type of direct, charitable giving as private foundations. The true definition of a public charity, though, goes well beyond the programs and into the realm of structure and revenue source. One advantage of public charities over private foundations is the ability to attract support from other public charities and private foundations.
We are happy that this status has gone through and we look forward to what it will bring to Brian's Foundation. Thank you all for your support through the years!
Friendship leads to establishing scholarship to remember local doctor
With wife, Mimi in Hawaii in 2008 |
Dr. Ken Kubsch, grew up in Kellnersville, Wisconsin where he graduated from Manitowoc’s Lincoln High School. He graduated from Marquette School of Medicine in 1968 and first worked as a doctor of Internal Medicine and made many house calls.
Kenny loved the Green Bay Packers and attended games regularly through the years. In the 70s Kenny served as one of the Packer doctors for one year. In 2006 Kenny retired from medical practice and enjoyed his retirement. Sadley, he passed away one year ago today.
The Ken Kubsch Scholarship was created to honor a caring and humble Board certified family and internal medicine doctor who was simply called Kenny. In the spring of 2012, a scholarship will be provided to a student at Manitowoc Lincoln High School who is interested in history or science , both passions of Kenny.
John and Kathy Lochner, along with Dan and Carrie Whetter, good friends of the Kubsch's have contributed the seed money to establish this scholarship.
Many of us remember Kenny as the caring friend who was always willing to take care of our families medical needs. If you would like to keep Kenny's memory alive with a donation please contact Kim at kim.laviolette@gmail.com or 828-242-3790.
"What's Right with America" on 11.11.11
We will highlight the cross-section of America, including the following areas:
• Our Armed Forces
• Philanthropic Work
• Business and Commerce
• The Arts and Entertainment Industry
• The Field of Sports
A special thanks to Cambria Suites, Eagle III and Not By Bread Alone for also donating items to this auction.
Thank you again to Jet Air, all those who bid on the items and all who came to support Brian's Foundation and 11.11.11!
If you'd like to become involved in 11.11.11, please contact Kim at kim.laviolette@gmail.com or 828-242-3790.
A father's proud moment
For starters he and his wife April have four children; Anthony, Alexander, Abraham and Annabelle. Enough said.
Tony enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1996, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in May 2000, with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) program. After tours in Okinawa, Japan and two visits to Iraq, Tony reported to Green Bay in late summer of 2005. While in Green Bay, he was very active with Brian’s Foundation- helping at Packer Games, honoring his fellow Marines and also played a key role in the Medal of Honor Convention in 2007.
Tony started his masters’ degree in Military History through Norwich University in Vermont, moved to California when he was deployed to Afghanistan. He was the Company Commander for a Combat Engineer Battalion and returned just over a month ago, when he was able to meet his daughter Annabelle for the first time.
But one of his prouder moments happened last week when he was promoted to Major. His three sons, did the honor of ‘pinning’ him, while April and his daughter Annabelle looked on.
No matter where Tony is stationed, he remains active with Brian’s Foundation. We couldn’t be more proud to have him involved in not only sharing Brian’s Story, but the story of all those we honor.
Scholarships awarded in Poland
Brian's Foundation feels fortunate to have created a partnership with the Nidzica Foundation in Poland. For 7 years, we have awarded life-changing scholarships to students in Poland to support his or her educational journey.
Thanks to sponsors of these scholarships-the Bob Nueske Family, Dr. Mike and Sue Smullen and the Weyers Family Foundation-we have continued to break down the walls and join together in our common dreams and futures.
The photo from the presentation on Saturday includes: Sylwia Zienkiewicz (recipient), Sebastan Kornet (recipient), Barbara Ploska (a member of the Board of the Nidzica Community Foundation), Barbara Margol (the President of the Nidzica Community Foundation), Katarzyna Szamborska (recipient), and Andrzej Zawieska (Nidzica Foundation)
Our other two recipients, Aneta Rudzinska and Ewa Sutkowska were not able to attend the celebration.
Have you ever wondered if they remember America's sacrifice in WWII?
I might have discovered the answer in a small town in the Czech Republic
I recently had the privilege of attending the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. May 6th, 2010 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd Army.
My good friend Bob Nueske, was relentless in making sure I experienced what he had a couple years ago. We both had served in the United States Army back in the late 60's, and not far from this city.
This trip was life changing for me in so many ways, the events of May 1-9 touched me so deeply I wanted to share the following snapshots I took to explain why. Why Pilsen and why every American should visit this city. Because.....
They love America and the American Soldier...
even 65 years later...
the citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you..
From large crowds...
Including this American family's private time to honor and remember their American hero.
This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on.
At the time this 20 year old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory.
For 65 straight years , Zdenka, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil's crash site and memorial near her home.
On May 4th she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka's home town of Trhanova, Czech Republic, for her sacrifice and extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.
Another chapter in this important story.....the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.
Yes, Rock Stars ! ... As they patiently waited for his autograph, the respect this little Czech boy and his father have for our troops serving today was heartwarming and inspirational.
After witnessing these magical moments Bob Nueske asked how could we not start a scholarship in Pilsen?
We're proud to announce The Brian LaViolette Foundation has established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.
The General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor will be awarded annually to a student who has graduated from one of the 40+ high schools in Pilsen, Czech Republic, and who has chosen to enter the military or pursue a career in public safety or community service (e.g. police, firefighting, emergency medical services, healthcare and medicine, education, social work, humanitarian work, church or religious service)
Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to General Patton's memory and their mission to liberate Europe. The first award will be presented in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20 year old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII.
Presenting Virgil's award will be someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice... someone who looks a lot like Virgil...
Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army - Air Corps. !!!
In closing... Here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of General Patton's grandson. George Patton Waters ( another Rock Star! ) we're proud to say, serves on Brian's Foundation board.
And it's front page news.. not hidden in the middle of the social section..
And I was lucky enough witness all of this... Doug LaViolette along with a new friend, Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka - 1st Deputy Chief of Staff - Ministry of Defense - Czech Armed Forces.
So please join us on this amazing journey...
Come visit Pilsen in the Czech Republic during the first part of May 2011. Bob Nueske and I have a feeling it will also be a life changing experience for you. The scholarship will be officially announced this year. The first scholarship will be presented to a worthy recipient in 2012.
And please share this blog (and follow this continuing story at www.briansjourney.com )with your family and friends and ask them to do the same.....every American should hear this story.
Two Oconto High School Received Scholarships to NWTC
They are pictured here with Doug and Renee LaViolette at the NTWC scholarship award banquet on August 5, 2010.
Shelly Schaub awarded Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor at EAA
Donation to General Patton Scholarship of Honor in honor of Past Hero
To help perpetuate this scholarship, we received the first donation for the endowment from Kathy and Mickey Hoffman following the lead of Bob Nueske. The Hoffman's met Doug LaViolette in his recent trip over the anniversary of the Liberation of the Czech Republic by General George Patton's 3rd army in 1945. (See the previous blog post for more information on the Liberation festival.)
Since the scholarship will be awarded to a High School Senior who will be entering the military or a form of community service, the Hoffman’s made their contribution in honor of Kathy’s father, Charles Robert Lemmons. He served as a MP in the 16th Armored Division during the European campaign. In civilian life, his career spanned 36 years on the Police Force in Covington, KY. He never missed a day of work, retiring in 1979 at the age of 65 with the rank of Lt. Detective.
Kathy stated, ‘that he always told them that we are only on this earth to help people and that is how he lived his entire life.’ The Hoffman’s definitely have the same values as Charles Lemmons. Thank you for all you do.
We look forward to sharing more details about the General George Patton Scholarship of Honor...stay tuned!
"The Journey is the Reward" to the World Cup
A couple weeks ago, Neil approached us, to our surprise, as the Senior Manager of Communications for the U.S. Soccer Federation.
He told us that he has never forgotten Brian and their friendship. He wrote : " his inspirational story has stayed with me for all these years. I actually still keep some of the material about the "Journey is the Reward" that was handed out during his funeral in my wallet as a symbolic way to keep Brian with me at all times."
He went on to say that Jay DeMerit, defender for the U.S. Soccer World Cup Team, had an amazing journey on how he got to where he is today. For Neil, it really speaks the phrase "The Journey is the Reward."
--Jay DeMerit at the World Cup. Photo by ISIphotos.com--
Jay began his soccer career at Bay Port High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin where he graduated from in 1998.
Jay didn't start playing soccer until his sophomore year in high school. He then played at the University of Illinois. After graduation, he decided to take advantage of his European Union work status (due to his Danish grandfather) and moved to England in 2003. He started off playing in the ninth tier of English football for Southall Town F.C.
In July 2004, DeMerit joined Northwood, a seventh-tier team, to play in some of their pre-season matches. He went on to sign a one year contract with Watford that season and has been a regular in the Watford lineup ever since. Jay played in all of the World Cup games for the United States.
Wow. Not starting soccer till he was 16 years old to a ninth-tier team to the World Cup... "The Journey is the Reward" is fitting.
Jay visited Green Bay and his alma mater, Bay Port High School on July 9th where he signed and talked with hundreds of fans. Jim Schmitt, the Mayor of Green Bay, presented Jay with a key to the city and delcared July 9th, 'Jay DeMerit Day'.
After a long day of signing hundreds of autographs, Jay was kind enough to meet with Brian's Dad, Doug LaViolette and signed a few soccer balls, just liked those used during the World Cup for the Brian's Foundation fundraiser efforts.
We are so touched that Jay has joined in on Neil's journey, our Journey and Brian's journey.
The General George Patton Scholarship of Honor in Pilsen Czech Republic
Our good friend Bob Nueske, was relentless in making sure he experienced what he had a couple years ago. Both he and Doug had served in the United States Army back in the late 60's, and not far from this city.
The week was filled with large crowds to private reflective moments, including this American family's private time to honor and remember their American hero. This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and o
ne that he volunteered to go on.
For 65 straight years , Zdenky, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil's crash site and memorial near her home.
Another chapter in this important story.....the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.
American Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these children and their parents want autographs from..
So we're proud to announce starting next year, The Brian LaViolette Foundation will established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.
Thanks to Bob Nueske, we have the start of the endowment fund to make this possible.
4th Annual $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship
It was one of those years (like most years) we wish we could present all six with Brian's scholarship, but in the end, one stood taller to us- Brigitte Juppe from DePere High School.
Brigitte will be attending Marquette University in the fall with plans to major in biomedical science and minor in Spanish. She'd like to continue her education at medical school and enter in the medical field as a bilingual Neonatalogist or Family Practitioner. We have no doubt that wherever life's journey takes her, she will make a positive change in this world.
In her essay she states: "The recipient of Brian's scholarship needs to keep his memory alive and serve as a positive role model, both of which I feel I am capable of accomplishing by working hard to obtain the successful future life I know he would have led." We know Brigitte will make us and Brian proud.
Brigitte is pictured here with Nancy Schopf of Partners in Education. Their team provides the best scholarship guidance and managerial help we can ask for!
Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at West Point
CDT Lambka is an inspiration and a true role-model for cadets and other young adults. He serves as a great example of personal determination.
After CDT Lambka received the award, he wrote a very long, heartfelt letter part of which included:
I am humbled and extremely honored to be chosen to receive this significant award, the LTG (R) Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor, and I am equally touched that I can now be part of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation and can only promise that I will serve humbly and honorably to the best of my ability in Peacetime and in combat in part to honor the memory of Brian and all that he did on earth, as well as continue the proud tradition in joining the Long Gray Line and living “DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY.”
Today, I finish on significant chapter in my life, graduating from West Point, but I begin to embark on a more significant chapter… leading soldiers in our Military, representing the greatest Nation… indeed, as I begin my life as an Officer in the Profession of Arms… it is clearly evident to me… the “Journey is the Reward!”
Congratulations Todd...thanks for all you do!
Pictured here with his father and brother.
2010 Scholarship of Honor Presentations Dates
The programs' mission is: To honor, to remember, those who serve, while recognizing dedication, community service and selflessness in those who follow in their footsteps.
Andrew Brownfield: North High School Akron, OH --Sunday, May 16, 2:00pm
Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton CO-- May 17, 7:00pm
Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY-- May 18, 2:30pm
John Bradley: Appleton West High School-- May 19, 6:30pm
Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School- Engler Performing Arts Center-- May 19, 7:00pm
Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School auditorium-- May 19, 8:30am
Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School auditorium-- May 19, 9:00am
Joe Welke: Rapid City Stevens High School-- May 24, 7:00pm
James Cathey: Reno High School, NV-- May 25, 7:00pm at Peppermill Hotel Casino
Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School-- May 26, 6:00pm
Nichole Frye: Lena High School-- May 26, 7:30pm
Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School-- May 26, 7:00pm
Brent Vroman: Omro High School Performing Arts Center-- May 26, 7:30pm
Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School-- May 28, 9:00am
Ken Hess: Reynolds High School, Asheville NC--May 28 at 8:30am or June 1st, 7:00pm
Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg-Casco High School Gym-- May 28, 9:00am
Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School-- June 1, 9:00am
Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School auditorium-- June 3, 7:00pm
Tom Hudner: EAA-Airventure, Oshkosh, WI-- July 27, 6:00pm
Nainoa Hoe: 1Lt Nainoa K. Hoe Battle Command Training Center, Schofield Barracks, HI August 28