2010 Scholarship of Honor Presentations Dates

We'd like to highlight our Scholarship of Honor presentations. The Scholarship of Honor pays tribute to our past and present military heroes and is awarded a student entering into the military or a form of public safety or community service.

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

Junior Achievement Business Challenge

Brian's Foundation has been awarding a scholarship since 2004 at the Junior Achievement’s (JA) Business Challenge in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This years' scholarship went to Maikou Lor. She is a freshman at West DePere High School. Maikou enjoys writing, reading, drawing, listening to music and hanging out with her friends. She is also involved in Art Club.

JA's mission is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, understand business and economics, and be workforce-ready. JA brings economics to life by providing K-12 students the marketable skills they will need for future success. Adult volunteers facilitate hands-on activities directly with students during the school day using curricula prepared by JA.

Update on Past Brian LaViolette Scholarship Recipients

Nick Kulkoski, the 2009 Recipient of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship is studying at New York University. His first year is going well. He is taking advantage of what the big city has to offer, meeting a lot of new lifelong friends and undertook 18 credits in his first semester. This semester he is taking Calculus III, Principles of Financial Accounting, Microeconomics and others..nothing like starting strong! He plans to join the Actuarial Society as soon as he begins taking classes towards his major of Actuarial Science.

He writes, "None of the experiences I have and will encounter at college would have been possible without the help of Brian's Foundation. I would like to thank you again for all of your help and I look forward to spending the next three and half years of schooling with you."

Ben Fischl, the 2008 Brian LaViolette Scholarship is currently at the United States Naval Academy. Before his appointment began, he spent some time in Rwanda with some mission work, which he states 'changed his life'. He is back at the Academy studying Arabic, Military History, Law, Economics, Engineering Mechanics and will start flying gliders next month! He is enjoying his time and like Nick, taking full advantage of his learning and life experiences along the way!

Legendary Leader

He led the Packers to five NFL championships in 7 years, leaving his indelible mark on the franchise. Vince Lombardi also left his mark on this signed check from his personal bank account. Framed with Vernon Biever's iconic photo of Lombardi stalking the sidelines.


This family heirloom was donated by Brian LaViolette Foundation board member and Brian's Aunt, Sue LeTourneau. It could be yours to enjoy for years to come!

The Journey Continues Newsletter

Have you ever met anyone that seems to take your breath away by how generous they can be? Our family and Brian's Foundation are fortunate to know many..we are sometimes surprised we are even able to catch our breath on certain days.

Bob Nueske is one of those people. Bob grew up and lives in Wittenberg, Wisconsin where he owns Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats. It is a family-owed company that has been going strong since 1933.

Bob has a generous heart and a calm voice. He serves on our Foundation Board of Advisors and provides us with his thoughts and great copy editing skills.

Bob was key to the establishment of our Poland Scholarship of Honor and is an annual sponsor. He has never hesitated to donate food for our 'Brats for Brian' tailgating, the Medal of Honor Convention or Freedom House- to name a few.

Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats is also our printing sponsor for our new Journey Continues Newsletter which we are happy to announce that we will have them in hand by the end of February!

It will highlight our scholarship recipients since our last newsletter, our different scholarship programs, all we honor, and educate many around the world on Brian's Foundation.

If you are on our mailing list, we will be getting the Newsletters out to you. If you or someone you know would like to be added to our list to receive The Journey Continues Newsletter, please send your address to me at kimrlav@yahoo.com.

Thank you to Humana Military

Dave Baker (President and CEO) and Cathy Wessel (Chief of Planning and Development) of Humana Military Healthcare Services were presented this thank you Scholarship of Honor framed medal for Humana Military's sponsorship. With their support, Brian's Foundation was able to enhance our program with our special Scholarship of Honor Brochure to educate and update thousands about Brian’s Foundation, its scholarship recipients and honorees through the Scholarship of Honor program.
Humana Military's donation ensured that 100% of the Scholarship of Honor endowed donations are awarded to deserving students on an annual basis.

The frame was presented in Louisville, KY on January 29,2010, where Humana Military is headquartered. The last time Doug LaViolette was in Kentucky was 42 years ago to the day when he reported for basic training at Fort Campbell, KY. on January 29th, 1968.

Humana Military Healthcare Services mission is to be the most trusted name in military health solutions. They collaboratively work with U.S. Department of Defense partners in the delivery of high quality, cost-effective, accessible health care services to the military population we serve.

Selco donates beautiful Scholarship of Honor watches

Mark Abels, President and CEO of Selco Companies donated the above Scholarship of Honor watches to Brian's Foundation.

Doug LaViolette was able to meet with him at the PPAI tradeshow in Las Vegas last week and presented him this special plaque:

On behalf of its many scholarship recipients, The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to:

Mark Abels
Selco Companies

Through the generous support of Selco Companies, the memory of our nation's service men and women, and their commitment to duty, honor and country, live on through the Scholarship of Honor. Thanks to the donation of Selco’s beautiful timepieces, that message will continue to be spread by those scholarship recipients who share a passion for community service and love of country.

St. Norbert College Scholarship Recipient studies in England

Adam DeCleene of DePere, Wisconsin will graduate from St. Norbert College in 2011. He is one of 4 students who received our St. Norbert College scholarship. Adam is currently in England where he is studying at Lancaster University. He sent this photo of his travels to Rome along with the thoughtful thank you below.

Thanks for the update Adam!

Remembering Not Only a Hero, but a Great Man--Len Keller

Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient, Leonard "Len" Keller, 62 was laid to rest November 30th in Arlington Cemetery, over a month after he was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Brian's Foundation had announced in 2008 and was in the process of completing the endowment drive for the Len Keller Scholarship of Honor at Guilford High School in Rockford, IL. Len was going to present the first award.

Len was killed only minutes after being honored at the U.S. Navy Fleet Reserve Association in Pensacola, Florida. He was a two-tour Army veteran and recently retired after a 28-year career as a civilian in the supply unit at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Sergeant Keller was cited for heroic action in May, 1967 when his unit was assaulted by superior enemy forces near Ap Bac, South Vietnam.

Photo by: Nick DelCalzo

Saying goodbye to an American Hero at Arlington-Doug LaViolette


"What humbled me the most on that rainy Monday was after everyone left Len's Memorial service. I had the privilege to privately say goodbye. Here in front of me, was a bigger than life American hero, being laid to rest in these hollowed grounds at Arlington in the basic military issued casket...nothing fancy. But then there was nothing Len would have liked more than to be treated like every other soldier he ever served with. I can guarantee he did so with respect and his soldiers respected him.

We promised Len we would honor him perpetually with the Leonard Keller Scholarship of Honor at Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois...we will keep that promise. We will miss Len presenting the first scholarship this coming May, but we will never forget..."

-Doug LaViolette-U.S. Army Sgt 1968-70.

Photo was taken by Doug at the beginning of Len's funeral procession overlooking the Pentagon.

Save the Date for 11.11.11

We pull through challenging times by pulling together. That is the foundation of this great country and we’d like to invite you to join us on 11.11.11 for a historic occasion as we celebrate “What’s Right With America.” We will salute the extraordinary people who believe that “The Journey is the Reward.”

We can’t think of a better way to honor Brian’s memory than to recognize those who follow in his footsteps and continue to make a difference. The evening will feature several guests of honor and special entertainment.

The Brian LaViolette Foundation thinks it is only fitting that we take an evening to celebrate those who make this country great!

A Journey without Borders-Poland Scholarships presented October 31, 2009

Brian's Foundation teamed up with the Nidzica Community Foundation in Nidzica, Poland in 2003 and now awards seven scholarships annually.

Thanks to sponsors: Bob Nueske Family, Casey Cuene Family, Dr. Michael Smullen Family, the Weyers Family Foundation and the Brian LaViolette Foundation, seven students receive a life changing scholarship.

Pictured here are: Halina Pyszko (a member of the Board of the Nidzica Community Foundation), Andrzej Zawieska, Renata Bruzdziak, Aneta Rudzinska, Szymon Kowalski, Marta Jablonowska, Alicja Suberlak, Tadeusz Miecznikowski (the President of the Co-operative Bank in Nidzica, member of the Board of the Nidzica Community Foundation), Barbara Margol (The President of the Nidzica CF ). Sylwia Lubian and Renata Adaszynska could not attend the ceremony.

Medal of Honor Recipient who attended 2007 Green Bay Convention was killed on Sunday

We just found out this sad, tragic news about our dear friend, Len Keller. This is sad for so many reasons as we had announced and were in the process of completing the endowment drive for the Len Keller Scholarship of Honor at Guilford High School in Rockford, IL. Len was going to present the first award. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to donate to the Len Keller Scholarship of Honor, please sent donation to:

Len Keller Scholarship of Honor
1135 Pleasant Valley Dr.
Oneida, WI 54155

Len is shown here with his granddaughter, Angela during the 2007 Medal of Honor Convention

Photo: Nick DelCalzo

Local Medal of Honor recipient dies at 62
Len Keller killed on Sunday in motorcycle accident
Louis Cooper • lcooper@pnj.com • October 20, 2009

A Milton resident who was a Medal of Honor recipient died Sunday in a motorcycle crash as he was leaving a veterans club. Leonard "Len" Keller, 62, died at Sacred Heart Hospital after the accident outside the Fleet Reserve Association in Milton. Keller served for two years in Vietnam, then worked for 28 more as a civilian in the supply department at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Capt. Bill Reavey, commanding officer of Pensacola NAS, called Keller's death "a national loss."
"Len was a very humble guy. What he did was just amazing," said Reavey, who spoke at Keller's retirement party in December."If you met him and then you read his citation, you'd never know it was him. What he did was super human. He saved numerous lives that day."

Keller served as an Army sergeant in Vietnam. President Lyndon Johnson presented him with the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony in 1968.The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military honor. It is presented by Congress for risk of life in combat beyond the call of duty.

Keller received the medal in recognition of "conspicuous gallantry" as he and another soldier came under fire from the Viet Cong in a number of enemy bunkers and in nearby trees. "Sgt. Keller quickly moved to a position where he could fire at a bunker from which automatic fire was received, killing one Viet Cong who attempted to escape," according to the citation.

"Leaping to the top of a dike, he and a comrade charged the enemy bunkers, dangerously exposing themselves to the enemy fire," according to the citation. He then charged a second bunker, killing its occupant, and five more bunkers, killing the enemies in them.

"During their furious assault, Sgt. Keller and his comrade had been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire as the enemy desperately sought to stop their attack," the citation reads. After his ammunition was exhausted, Keller returned to his platoon to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. "His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army,'' the citation states.

Upon retirement, Keller placed his actions firmly in the midst of those performed by his fellow soldiers. "I'm not any different than any of the other people who were there," he said in an interview. "I just received a medal. A lot of guys out there deserved medals too, they just didn't make it."

Sunday's crash occurred at 3:18 p.m. as Keller was leaving the fleet center on his Harley Davidson three-wheeled motorcycle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Keller made a sharp left and "was traveling too fast for the turn and left the paved surface of the road," the Highway Patrol reported. The motorcycle overturned several times and came to final rest on top of Keller. He was not wearing a helmet

Bellin College of Nusing Recipient, Amy Rader

Amy Rader of Green Bay, Wisconsin received this years' Brian LaViolette Scholarship at Bellin College last night at their Scholarship Salute Ceremony.

Amy graduated from Notre Dame High School and St. Norbert College and has recently returned to school after having 5 children.

Bellin College is dedicated to preparing health-care professionals by providing an intellectually stimulating environment focused on leadership, community service, and lifelong learning that promotes excellence in health-care practice and the advancement of the profession. Their celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.

Andrzej visits from Poland!

Andrzej Zawieska from the Nidzica Community Foundation in Poland was in Wisconsin last week and was able to spend time with a few of the important people to Brian's Foundation.

Here he is pictured with Bob Nueske (above) and Ron Weyers (bottom), two of our sponsors of our Poland Scholarships. He also serenaded them with his great accordion playing.

Andrzej is instrumental in coordinating our seven annual scholarships in Nidzica Poland. We couldn't do it without him!

Scholarship Recipient Following in his Family’s Footsteps and Local War Hero

Mikael Anthony Torres, a 2009 graduate of Waipahu High Schools in Oahu, Hawaii was awarded the 3rd annual Nainoa Hoe Scholarship of Honor on August 28 at the 1Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe Battle Command Training Center located on Schofield Barracks.

It was a special day for many reasons, especially because it would have been Nainoa’s 32nd birthday. The scholarship honors the memory and service of 1Lt. Nainoa Hoe, of Maunawili, Oahu, who was leading a combat patrol in Mosul, Iraq when he was killed in action on January 22, 2005.

The scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman in the University of Hawaii’s Army ROTC “Warrior Battalion.” The Warrior Battalion ROTC program is singularly unique as it is authorized to display a “Campaign or Battle Ribbon” earned by the Cadets in Defense of Hawaii in WWII.

Mikael’s selection recognizes his scholastic abilities and JROTC leadership. The eldest child in a “Career Army Family” young Mikael learned at an early age the true meaning of “Duty, Honor, Country.”

Today’s Army Family presents many challenges, parents on deployment, multiple moves, attending different schools and adjusting to a life of uncertainty and stress. The motto “Army Strong” is meaningful only in conjunction with “Family Strong.” Mikael is a shining example of both.

This scholarship is made possible by Waimanalo businessman and Brian LaViolette Foundation Board member, Ohelo Kaopio.

Pictured here: Staff Sgt. Nakoa K. Hoe, brother of 1st Lt. Nainoa, Mr. Allen K. Hoe, Father of 1st LT. Nainoa Hoe, Mikael Torres, Sgt. Maj. Anthony Torres, and Sgt. 1stClass Jean J Torres, Father and Mother of Mikael Torres

2nd in the Seidler Family Receives Brian LaViolette Scholarship at NWTC

Suring High School graduate, Will Seidler received the Brian LaViolette Scholarship at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) this past week. Will plans to study Manufacturing Engineering Technology at NWTC. His brother, Paul received the scholarship in 2007 and studied in the Diesel Mechanic Associate Program.

Pictured left to right: Mrs. Seidler, Paul (Will’s brother, who received the scholarship in 2007) Mr. Seidler, Will, Renee and Doug LaViolette

Medal of Honor Recipient, John Finn turns 100

Happy 100th Birthday John!

John Finn was born on July 24th, 1909 and is the oldest of the 96 living Medal of Honor Recipients. He enlisted in the navy in 1926, following his 17th birthday. John had to have his mother sign him up because he was so young.

Even though he only had a grammar school education, he became an Aviation Ordnance man and worked his way though the enlisted ranks, finally being promoted to Chief Petty Officer in only nine years. John received a commission in 1942 and retired as a Lieutenant in 1956.

He earned his medal for actions at his Naval Air Station during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Admiral Chester Nimitz awarded John his Medal of Honor in ceremonies on board USS Enterprise. His citation was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

He is one of our nation’s treasures…and true American hero. Happy Birthday John!

John is pictured here at the 2007 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention Green Bay Packers Game and also with his Medal of Honor from a U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

One of a kind Jeep Golf Cart--signed by Medal of Honor Recipients

When the living Medal of Honor Recipients were invited to Green Bay, Wisconsin for their annual Society convention in 2007, we started working on a unique way to escort them around the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, where they were staying.

This new Golf Cart was turned into a replica of a military Jeep that carried our troops into battle from World War II through Vietnam.

The Golf Cart is signed by the majority of the Medal of Honor Recipients who attended the 2007 Medal of Honor Society Convention. It was the first time the group of living Recipients were on Wisconsin soil at the same time-it truly is priceless.

This photo is Medal of Honor Recipient, Jack Lucas signing the golf cart. Unfortunately, Jack is no longer with us, he passed away on June 5, 2008.

For more information on how this could be yours, please contact Doug and Kim LaViolette at 920-405-9927.

3rd Annual Brian LaViolette Scholarship Awarded to DePere High School Graduate

"As always, it was a hard choice, but Nicholas shares the same core values as Brian did and we know he will go onto accomplish great things. He has been very active in helping the community and his peers, he is humble, a leader, genuine and respectful. " Doug LaViolette stated.

This year's $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship was presented to Nicholas Kulkoski, a student from DePere High School, at the Partners in Education Youth Celebration.

The selection process included a committee made up of representatives from Partners in Education along with the LaViolette family who narrowed down 18 high school seniors’ applications--one outstanding student chosen by selected staff from each high school in the Partners in Education school district. The committee then narrowed it down to five students who were interviewed.

Nicholas will be attending the University of New York to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science.
-

Nicholas picture here with Doug, Renee and Kim LaViolette at the Youth Celebration on May 18th, 2009

Recognizing Courage and Commitment

The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation announced today Humana Military Healthcare Services' support in the Scholarship of Honor program. Humana Military’s gift of $10,000 will be used to create special marketing materials to educate and update thousands about Brian’s Foundation, its scholarship recipients and honorees through the Scholarship of Honor program.

"Humana Military is proud to be affiliated with the Scholarship of Honor," said Dave Baker, president and CEO of Humana Military. "This is an opportunity to recognize young adults who strive for a career in the armed forces, public safety or community service. We honor their willingness to make the sacrifices necessary to protect our community and country. These honorees are our future and we wish them complete success in their endeavors."

Humana Military Healthcare Services is headquartered in Louisville, KY and its mission is to be the most trusted name in military health solutions. They collaboratively work with U.S. Department of Defense partners in the delivery of high quality, cost-effective, accessible health care services to the military population we serve.

The donation announced today will ensure that 100% of the Scholarship of Honor endowed donations are awarded to deserving students on an annual basis.