Brian's Foundation teams up with MilSpec Tours!

We are excited to team up with MilSpec Tours for Veterans!  MilSpec Tours will graciously donate $100 to the General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor fund on behalf of every member who participates in their Pilsen Liberation Festival tour.

Every year, the historic city of Pilsen in the Czech Republic gathers to celebrate the liberation of their city by General Patton's 3rd Army. People gather from around the world to enjoy the festivities and say 'thank you'.










As part of the Pilsen Liberation Festival, the first General George S Patton Scholarship of Honor will be ceremonially awarded by General Patton’s grandson George Patton Waters and WW II veteran Marion Kirkham in honor of his brother Virgil Kirkham, killed near Pilsen on April 30 1945, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII.  You can find more details on the scholarship at General Patton Scholarship


Please consider joining MilSpec Tours on a one-of-a-kind tour! Download a copy of their brochure here: Pilsen/European Tour with MilSpecs

We can't thank them enough for partnering with Brian's Foundation! 

We welcome Fran Anderson, Brian's Aunt to our Board of Advisors!

Fran will serve in conjunction with her husband Ron, who is currently on the Board.

Fran is retired from a 30 year career serving in managerial and executive positions in residential and health care facilities.  She enjoys spending time with family, golfing and outdoor activities. Her and Ron have been involved with Brian's Foundation since the beginning and we are excited to have her on board!

20 Years-20 accomplishments

35 years ago today, Brian came into this world. 
20 years ago this year, we established the Brian LaViolette Foundation.

When we established Brian's Foundation, we had no idea what would become of it.  We had a vision of keeping our promise to him to accomplish great things in his name and memory, but we weren't sure how it would all go. 

Establishing a non-profit 501c3 foundation was something we had never done.  There were dozens of questions, but one stood out, 'would we continue with just one scholarship at Brian's High School or would we expand?' The only way to know was to try.  So we did.

20 years, 20 milestone accomplishments

It is hard to single out 20 accomplishments over our 20 years as a Foundation, but again, we will try.
  1. Building on the $21,000 we received at Brian's funeral, we successfully became a 501c3 Foundation, awarding our first Brian LaViolette Scholarship at DePere High School in 1993.
  2. Creating "The Journey is the Reward Collection"-a series of inspirational prints and Green Bay Packers Hats embroidered with the Packer's NFL emblem.
  3. Expanding from one scholarship to eight in 1997. 
  4. Partnering with Scholarships Inc. to award the Distinguished Student Awards in Brown and Door County, WI.  We presented 26 scholarships in 1999!
  5. That same year, on 9.9.99, we held our first Celebrity Autograph Auction, including a Mercedes Benz raffle.
  6. Publishing "The Journey is the Reward" book, co-authored by Karoyn Gazella.
  7. Having a successful "Journey to the Stars" event with Henry Winkler.. yes, the 'Fonz'.
  8. Creating the Scholarship of Honor Program in 2003 to honor our military heroes.
  9. Expanding worldwide to Poland, eventually awarding 7 annual scholarships there.
  10. Hiring the Foundation's first and only full-time employee in 2006, Brian's Sister, Kim.
  11. Spearheading the national 2007 Medal of Honor Convention in Green Bay, WI, involving the entire community and nation in 26 memorable events.
  12. Expanding 'headquarters' to another rent-free location in North Carolina.
  13. Establishing a scholarship in South Africa..
  14. Being granted a Public Charity Foundation designation.
  15. Trademarking "The Journey is the Reward".
  16. Having part of our website in the Czech language after the General George Patton Scholarship was established in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
  17. Honoring and remembering 30 others, in addition to Brian, with scholarships in their names.
  18. Celebrating 'What's Right with America' on 11.11.11 inspiring a worldwide audience and awarding the first Brian LaViolette Spirit Awards.
  19. 2012 marks the year that we will grow and award scholarships in 13 states and 3 foreign countries.
  20. This year also marks the year that we will present our 500th scholarship!

Mike Colaillo, WWII Medal of Honor Recipient passes away at 86

We are sadden by the loss of Minnesota's last living Medal of Honor Recipients, Mike Colalillo.  In 2005, Brian's Foundation established the Mike Colalillo Scholarship of Honor at Denfeld High School in Duluth, MN.
Mike Colalillo holding the Scholarship of Honor Medal in  2005

Mike graduated from Denfeld High School in 1944. One year later, while serving in World War II, Colalillo went above and beyond the call of duty leading his men on an attack against enemy forces in Germany. In the face of savage artillery, machinegun fire, and almost certain death, he was committed to protecting others on the battlefield, and our freedoms here at home. President Truman presented Colalillo the Medal of Honor on December 18, 1945.
Mike with Guy and Karen Smith, good friends of Mike's and sponsor of the
Mike Colalillo Scholarship of Honor at Denfeld High School

He was a wonderful, humble man who will be missed by his community and his country.

'What's Right with America" on 11.11.11

On 11.11.11, Brian's Foundation's event, "What's Right with America" reassured everyone in attendance that there is hope...there is good. Enjoy the following photos by Kim Klein.
Ben Fischl, 2008 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient came from Air Force Academy in Colorado to join us.


Mrs. Bradley, John Bradley's wife was the first to be escorted by Navy Chief Joel Stewart.  John Bradley will always be remembered for helping raise the flag on Iwo Jima, but his greatest accomplishment during WWII was saving the lives of combat Marines, for which he received the Navy Cross.
The LaViolette's with Green Bay Packers, Donald Driver. He was our first "Brian LaViolette Spirit Award" recipient for his work in our community and his foundation who help and inspire  the homeless.

USMC Sgt Alvin Dupree blessed the dinner and our evening

Tyler Hopkins, our first Scholarship of Honor Recipient in 2004.  He had returned from Afghanistan just weeks before and came from Louisiana. 

Brian LaViolette Spirit Award Recipient, George Patton Waters, General Patton's Grandson signs a portrait by Hollywood Artist Nicolosi, of his Grandfather

Nick Del Calzo, creator and photographer of the Medal of Honor Portraits of Valor.  He was another recipient of the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award for his work in Literature. 


Hollywood Artist, Nicolosi with his original works of art done just for the 11.11.11 auction

The powerful and talented Great American Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble


Our hard working volunteers at Check in and Registration

Zach Sites, 2007 Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor Recipient from Gettysburg, PA received the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award and spoke of how Brian's Foundation has helped him through the years.
We can't thank everyone who was involved to make 'What's Right with America' a night to remember!

Packers Donald Driver to Receive ‘Spirit Award’ on 11.11.11

We are proud to announce that the Green Bay Packers' Donald Driver (#80) will receive our first ever Brian LaViolette Spirit Award the night of 11.11.11!! Donald was chosen for his tireless work in helping the homeless, inspiring students and supporting community organizations and causes.


Donald Driver is one of those individuals who started with nothing and has worked hard to better not only his life but the lives of so many around him and we think he is the perfect choice for the Spirit Award.

Like all Packers fans worldwide, we are proud of Donald's great accomplishments on the field, but more importantly he was selected for the qualities he demonstrates off the field……his strength of character, perseverance, hard work, dedication, love of family and community spirit.

Other honorees have been selected in the fields of philanthropy, literature and community service and will be recognized during this historic evening.

If you'd like to be there to witness Donald Driver receiving the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award, please contact us at 920-655-4098 for ticket information.

New Board Member, Chris Schuler, was also Brian's Friend

The Schuler family has been in our lives since I was a young girl.  Chris played soccer with Brian and our parents became good friends.  Some of you remember that Chris' mom, Connie, joined our Board of Advisors a couple of years ago and Connie and her husband, Bill have always been very supportive of Brian's Foundation.

When Chris approached our family to see if he could also serve on our Board of Advisors, it didn't take long for us to decide what a wonderful fit this would be.  Chris is Brian's first peer who will be on the board and we have our first 'mother/son' team. 
Chris Schuler is third from the left (top row), Brian is the third from the right
Chris recently moved back to Green Bay after earning his MBA with an emphasis in Strategic Management and Finance from the University of Minnesota.  After he received his BA from UW-Madison, Chris lived in Chicago for eight years, where he worked in Marketing. 

When I asked Chris why he wanted to get involved with Brian's Foundation, he said "Since moving back to Green Bay, I have been looking to get involved with our community and having followed your foundation since it began, I wanted to get involved at a different level.  It seemed like a good fit, because of my friendship with Brian for so many years and all the positive things you guys are doing."

We know Chris will bring a lot to Brian's Foundation as we continue to serve our future leaders.

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!

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.