Donation to General Patton Scholarship of Honor in honor of Past Hero

In May 2011 we will present the General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor for the first time in the city of Pilsen, Czech Republic.

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!

Photos courtesy of Kathy Hoffman: Charles Lemmons in both his police uniform (before being drafted in 1943) and in his Army uniform.

"The Journey is the Reward" to the World Cup

As many of you know Brian loved soccer-playing it, watching it and being a part of the different teams he played on. Neil Buethe was one of those teammates that Brian became close too.

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 can't tell you how much it meant to us that Neil reached out and for keeping Brian and his Foundation in his heart after all these years. We felt honored that Jay also showed his support and believes in the mission of Brian's Foundation.

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

Doug LaViolette 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.

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 events of May 1-9 were truly life-changing in so many ways. We hope the following snapshots that Doug captured will help share his time there. What he witnessed was the love of America and the American Soldier- even 65 years after the liberation of their city.

To show their respect, thousands of Czech citizens lined the streets for miles to pay tribute to General Patton and the American Soldier.

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 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, Zdenky Sladkove, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory.

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..

After witnessing these magical moments Bob Nueske asked how could we not start a scholarship in Pilsen?

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

After interviewing six outstanding students from six different high schools in the Green Bay area, we had a hard decision to make. All of the students were more than qualified to receive the $10,000.00 Brian LaViolette Scholarship. All will make a difference in this world-all for different reasons.

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

The LTG Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at West Point was presented on May 18th to a Cadet who excels in all areas, despite personal hardship while a cadet. This year, the honor was awarded to Cadet Todd Lambka.

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

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