Nainoa Hoe Scholarship of Honor presented by our next generation

The US Army ROTC program on the Manoa Campus of the University of Hawaii has a unique legacy. It is the only Army ROTC Unit authorized a "Campaign or Battle Streamer" earned in the days following the attack on Pearl Harbor 70 years ago. 

On Friday another chapter opened in the Warrior Battalion's proud legacy. It marked the beginning of a journey of service for another proud son of Hawaii selected as this year’s Nainoa Hoe Scholarship of Honor Recipient, James C. Mahoney.


James C. Mahoney, a 2011 graduate of Roosevelt High School was selected for his academic achievements, his leadership in the Hawaii Junior ROTC program and his dedication to public service.

This year was also extra special because sponsor and board member of Brian’s Foundation, Ohelo Kaopio’s 14 year old son, Maverick gave the presentation.




COL Doug Mulbury, the Garrison Commander and ROTC alumni with 26 years of service presented the Scholarship of Honor medal.


James is pictured here with Nainoa's dad, Allen and Maverick Kaopio.


Following the presentation, the cadets who had accompanied James, including last year's awardee Haley Okamura toured the US Army’s Battle Command Training Center at Schofield Barracks, named in honor of Nainoa K. Hoe.



When notified of the scholarship award, James was surprised and very honored. “I’m humbled and honored to receive this award and excited to learn and grow and hopefully continue in the Warrior Battalion's tradition of exemplary service as an Army Officer,” James said.

Pop Artist Nicolosi, special guest at 11.11.11's Celebration of 'What's Right with America"

One of Hollywood’s most acclaimed artists, Nicolosi, will be unveiling three of his original works of art which he created exclusively for our 11.11.11 auction.

This 9-11 10th Anniversary Commemorative Portrait is one of the original works of art that will only be available at the 11.11.11 auction.

Nicolosi joined forces with the Brian LaViolette Foundation after having learned of its mission and dedication to celebrating the indomitable spirit of American ingenuity and all that is right with the United States of America.

In addition to his celebrated works of art which are privately commissioned for such luminaries as American Presidents, Clint Eastwood, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Gary Sinise, Helen Mirren and a who’s who of Hollywood’s “Glitterati”, Nicolosi has been the preeminent artist for all of the Major Award shows in Hollywood, including: The Golden Globe Awards, The Academy Awards, The Grammys, The Emmy’s and The SAG Awards.

His unique signature-styled artwork has been seen by millions on National television, in feature film, as well as being at the center of many other prestigious events around the world, including The Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.

Margaret Viola presented the Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor at EAA


Margaret Viola graduated from the University of Chicago in 2010 with a BA in Physics and is currently working as a science teach in Somaliland, East Africa.

She is participating in Flight Lessons to obtain her private pilot's license. Margaret was presented the Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor at EAA Airventure, one of "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" in Oshkosh, WI.

She is pictured here with Doug and Renee LaViolette, her brother Adam and parents, Laurie and Joel.

Welcome New Board Member Lou LeCalsey!

We are excited to welcome the newest member to the Brian LaViolette Foundation Board of Advisors…  Lou LeCalsey III.  

Lou is the immediate past President and CEO of a publicly traded company, Tufco Technologies headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  He continues as a member of its Board of Directors.

He grew up in Philadelphia, PA where he graduated from Franklin and Marshall College.  He still holds the record for most goal keeping saves on the soccer team. He later attended UW-Oshkosh for his Masters in finance and marketing.

Lou is very involved with UW-Green Bay and currently serves as the founding and current Chair of the Chancellor’s Council of Trustees for UW-Green Bay and Chair of the UW-Green Bay Foundation Board of Directors.  He was also the founding head soccer coach in 1969-1970 and was inducted in the Phoenix Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.



Lou served six years in the Marine Corps where he was a Platoon Sergeant in Force Reconnaissance parachute and scuba qualified special operations unite and saw deployment in the Cuban Missile crisis and the early days of the Vietnam War. 

He is very involved with the community. In addition to what was mentioned above, he is a member of the Advisory Board of Bradford Ventures in White Plains NY and has served on the board of the Green Bay YMCA, TriMark, Inc and Independent Printing Company.

Lou and his wife, Sue, have been married over 32 years and are residents of Ledgeview, WI.  They are actively involved with the breeding and showing of champion Boston Terries. 

Welcome aboard Lou!  We are honored to have you a part of Brian’s Board of Advisors! 

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

George Thompson
A donation to the General George Patton Scholarship of Honor in Pilsen, Czech Republic was made in honor of George Thompson and the men of the 16th Armored Division, by George's son-in-law, Dale Rieb.  George Thompson spent three years on active duty in the United States Army  and continued to serve by staying in the reserves earning retirement as a 1st Sergeant.  


The skills he learned in the Army provided him a lifelong career as a mechanic. He remains actively involved in the 16th armored division annual reunions. George made his first trip back to the Czech Republic in 1991 and has attended the liberation celebration eight times visiting and making new friends. 


If you ask him about the war he says they were just doing their jobs and that he only made a small contribution to the war effort.  He will also tell you he has great respect for the Czechs and they have always impressed him with their optimistic outlook on life despite all the country has been through.


For more information on the General Patton Scholarship of Honor, please visit our website and blog post.

Happy Father's Day!


From Brian’s autobiography assignment in 8th grade:

“Enough about me, let’s talk about my dad.  His childhood reminds me of Tom Sawyer’s.  You may be wondering why I chose to tribute him.  Well, he puts everything he’s got into everything he does.  He had a paper route that still puts a spark in his eye.  Throughout his lifetime he must have had twenty jobs.  Not because he was fired, my dad just had to keep moving.  Out of all these reasons, the main reason I wrote a tribute to my dad is because I love him.” 

Nikhitha Murali receives the $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship

The 5th annual Brian LaViolette Scholarship was awarded to Nikhitha Murali at the Partners in Education Youth Celebration.

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!

From Brian’s autobiography assignment in 8th grade:

“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."

Well said, Brian, well said.  

Pay it Forward

Our very own Kim Klein, a member of our Board, won a beautiful ring through jen Hough Jewelry for our 11.11.11 auction!
  
Through the power of Facebook, Jen Hough had a competition to win her original ‘My Darling 
Clementine’ ring.


You had to post a three word phrase to Jen Hough Jewelry's ‘wall’ and whatever post had the most ‘likes’ won this ring.  

Kim Klein’s post:  PAY IT FORWARD.  And she just did just that by donating it to our 11.11.11 auction!!  And did I mention she won by a landslide?  Thank you Kim-and Jen- for paying it forward!

Paying tribute to others as students welcome new beginnings

Brian enjoying Spring-1979
There is nothing like Spring. Winter dissolves into green grass, budding flowers, the growth of vegetables and warm breezes.

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

Kimberly Sawyer, a past scholarship recipient of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship went on to be crowned Miss Wisconsin in June of 2010. Her story is pretty remarkable…

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

Brian's Foundation has officially become a public charity as of January 1, 2011. We were established as a private foundation 18 years ago when we awarded one scholarship in memory of Brian LaViolette. Now awarding over 40 scholarships worldwide annually, the foundation has legally become 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


“To sum up Kenny in a few words would be a tribute to a great man. Kenny simply cared about all of God’s children. Those special enough to have met him are all better off because of his caring. His caring spirit must serve as a guide for all on how to live life. Because of Ken, we must all care about the people we meet. In this way we honor Kenny’s life.” –John Lochner, a good friend of Kenny’s.
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

Last Sunday at the Jet Air open house, Brian's Foundation officially announced our next event which will take place on historic 11.11.11. A BIG thank you to Jet Air for allowing us to kick off 11.11.11 with a silent auction and providing a sneak preview of some of the items that will be available for auction the night of 11.11.11.



On 11.11.11, we will celebrate, "What is Right with America" as we recognize the extraordinary people who have helped change the lives of countless individuals throughout the world.


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

Board Member, Tony Mitchell is only 33 years old, but if you saw his ‘life’ on paper, you would guess he had lived an entire life thus far.


For starters he and his wife April have four children; Anthony, Alexander, Abraham and Annabelle. Enough said.


Here he is with two of his boys helping at the Quantico and Gettysburg wreath project paying tribute to Eric McColley, who we honor with a scholarship at Gettysburg High School. Fellow Board Member, Stan Clark plays the key role in Eric's Scholarship and wreath project.
 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.

With fellow Board Members, Vicki Parmentier and Sue LeTourneau helping with ‘Brats for Brian’

On a serious side, one of Tony’s many duties as a United States Marine remains to honor Gold Star Families and our Fallen.   Tony conducted Casualty Assistance Calls Officer duties five times while in Green Bay.

Honoring United States Marine Corps Cpl. Brent Vroman, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2004 serving his country. Brent has a scholarship in his name at Omro High School in Wisconsin, which is sponsored by John and Kathy Lochner. 
 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.

The Mitchell’s plan is to stay in California until summer of 2012. And some day Tony’s dream is to be the Mayor of Green Bay. :)



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

Rarely as a city, country or international community are we able to break down the walls that separate us and join together our common bonds, dreams and futures.

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?

Story and photos by Doug LaViolette

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..















lining the streets of Pilsen for miles..... 












From large crowds...
To quiet 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, 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.

American Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these children and their parents want autographs from..


















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


Two students from Oconto High School received a scholarship for the Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). John Kuntz will be entering in the Machine Tool program and Alexis Gilles will be studying in the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

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

It was another special year for the Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor presentation at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Shelly Schaub received the award paying tribute to Medal of Honor Recipient, Tom Hudner. She attended last years presentation when her good friend, Irene Trujillo, received the scholarship. This year was her turn. Shelly graduated from Ripon High School in 2008 and is now attending the University of Eau Claire as an Elementary Education major. This summer she obtained her private pilots license. Her dream is to teach students, inspire them to follow their dreams and include flying in her career.

This year, we were grateful to have our good friend and member of Brian's Foundation Board, George Patton "Pat" Waters, help present. Pat is the grandson of General George Patton. He enjoyed his day at EAA, where the focus this year was honoring our Veterans.

Congrats Shelly! We know you will follow in the footsteps of Tom Hudner and make a true difference in this world.

Pictured here from left to right: George Patton "Pat" Waters, Shelly Schaub, Doug LaViolette, Stephanie Schaub, Kathy and Mike Schaub

The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation is proud to have received the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator. 

This four-star rating designates Brian’s Foundation as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria.