Scholarship Season has Arrived!

We are truly looking forward to another year ahead and you can be apart of it!  If you'd like to attend any of the presentations in your area, please let us know.

 Joel Gentz: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN-April 19

 Sal Giunta: JFK High School, Cedar Rapid, IA-April 30, 6:30 pm

 General George S. Patton: Pilsen Czech Republic,-- May 4th

 Matt Atkinson Community: Green Bay East, WI-May 14, 7:00pm

 Joe Welke: Rapid City Stevens High School, SD-- May 14, 7:00pm

 Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School, WI-- May 15, 9:00am

 Victoria Parmentier Scholarship: Ashwaubenon High School, WI--May 15 at 6:30

 Rachel Bosveld: Waupun High School, WI-May 15, 7:00pm *first annual presentation

Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School, WI-- May 15, 7:00pm

 Jerome Hatfield: Tunstall High School, Dry Fork, VA-May 16, 8:30am *first annual presentation

Andrew Brownfield: North High School Akron, OH -May 17, 8:30am

 Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School, WI-- May 17, 9:00am

 Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton, CO-- May 20, 6:30 pm

 Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY-- May 21, 2:30pm

 Len Keller: Auburn High School, Rockford IL-May 21, 9:00am

 Brian LaViolette: Partners in Education Youth Celebration, WI--May 21, 7:00pm

 Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School auditorium, WI-- May 22, 8:30am

 Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School, WI-- May 22, 6:30pm

 John Bradley: Appleton West High School, WI-- May 22, 6:30pm

 James Cathey: Reno High School, NV-- May 22, 7:00pm

 Brent Vroman: Omro High School, WI May 22, 6:45pm

Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg-Casco High School, WI-- May 24, 9:00am

Ken Hess: Reynolds High School, Asheville NC-May 14th or May 24 7:00pm

Ollie Bogsted Scholarship: Suring High School, WI-- May 25

 "The Journey is the Reward" Scholarship: Suring High School, WI--May 25

 NWTC Scholarship: Suring High School, WI-- May 25

 Ken Kubsch: Manitowoc High School, WI-- May 29, 7:00pm

 Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School, PA-- May 29, 7:00pm

 Nichole Frye: Lena High School, WI-- May 30, 7:30pm

 Above and Beyond Scholarship: Oconto High School, WI-- May 29, 7:30pm

 Esther Cleveland Safford: Oconto High School, WI-- May 29 7:30pm

 Robert Safford: Oconto High School, WI-- May 29, 7:30pm

 "The Journey is the Reward":Oconto High School, WI--May 29, 7:30pm

 NWTC Scholarship: Oconto High School, WI-- May 29, 7:30pm

 Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School, MN-May 30, 7:00pm

 Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School, WI-June 4, 9:30am

 Tom Hudner: EAA-Airventure, Oshkosh, WI-- July 30, 6:00pm

 Nainoa Hoe: 1Lt Nainoa K. Hoe Battle Command Training Center, Schofield Barracks, HI August 28

 South Africa Scholarship: LEAP School Science and Math, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa--Summer of 2012

 Poland Scholarships (6): Nidzica Foundation Award Ceremony, Nidzica Poland-September 4 *additional annual scholarship established

St. Norbert Scholarships (4): DePere, WI --October 2012

 Junior Achievement-Awarded during Business Challenge to Brenda Adamski in February

The Journey Continues... 11.12.13

Save the date and please join us on 11.12.13 for our next event;

What makes this so unique is not the date but the theme of the evening;  Sharing An American Story. 

Most you know that we established the General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor in Plzen, Czech Republic.  It is awarded during the Liberation Festival every May, which celebrates the liberation of their city by General Patton in 1945.   

Thanks to foundation board member, Bob Nueske and a commitment from Fox 11 News in Green Bay, a 30 minute documentary will be produced after this years celebration on the city, its citizens and Brian's Foundation. 
  
Bob felt everyone in our country should have a chance to learn about the sacrifice of the American solider and how much the citizens of Plzen, Czech Republic still appreciate, care, and love Americans to this day.  
 
11.12.13 will be the premiere viewing of this documentary.
  

Our first scholarship recipient of 2013!

Brenna Adamski received our scholarship through Junior Achievement at last week’s Business Challenge.

 A note from Brenna: “I would just like to say how INCREDIBLY grateful I am. Words cannot describe what a blessing this scholarship is and will be for me. It has brought the confidence I need to continue to fill out scholarship applications.

 You could never fully understand the impact this money and your generosity has had on me. I'm forever grateful.”

A call to our past Scholarship Recipients

We are reaching out to our past scholarship recipients to provide advice and guidance to our recipients to come.
As we all remember, high school graduation brings feelings of both excitement and fear of the unknown. A call or an email from someone that has experienced this may provide a sense of calm and inspiration.

If you have received a scholarship through Brian's Foundation over the past 20 years and would like to be apart of this movement, please email me at kim.laviolette@gmail.com. Thanks!!

An update from the 2008 Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor Recipient, Rhett Kicklighter in his last semester

Rhett with his mother, Joellen and Renee and Doug LaViolette in 2008

Thanks again for allowing me to receive the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Award. I still remember putting the amount towards a laptop for my freshmen year. It has served me crucially over the past five years.

I am now in my final semester of college at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in Atlanta and will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering. 

I started in August of 2008 and have taken 5 years to complete school due to being a part of the Co-op Program at school. Since my second year in school I have spent 5 semesters working in the field of mechanical engineering for both Toyota Industries and then later by Delta Air Lines in their Propulsion Engineering department. 

For Delta I have worked closely with Senior Engineers in daily engine operations for the entire fleet of Delta aircraft. I am currently still employed with Delta working part time my last semester with plans to stay on full time upon graduation. It truly has been a blessing as I love the job and never feel like I am having to go to work.

In school I have been active in the Yellow Jacket Flying Club since my freshmen year, including serving as an officer for the club over the past 3 years. I have enjoyed a lot of my classes and was apart of a research project for the school of Aerospace Engineering that designed and tested new avionics for planes. This was a truly valuable experience for me that provided a lot of experience.  

Waupun High Alumni Remembered With Scholarship Of Honor

We are proud to announce the establishment of the Rachel Bosveld Scholarship of Honor.  It will be awarded this coming spring at Waupun High School, where Rachel graduated from in 2002.



Bob and Darlene Nueske have known the Bosveld family for years and were touched by Rachel’s story. She was the first woman from Wisconsin to die in the Iraqi conflict and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and her 2nd Purple Heart on what would have been her 20th birthday.   The Nueske’s are the generous sponsors of this annual award at Waupun High School, where she graduated from in 2002.  Rachel joined the Army upon graduation.

“Darlene and I have known Rachel’s family since our teenage years.  After Rachel was lost, we always wondered, just what could we do?  As I became closely involved with the Brian LaViolette Foundation, the vision was clear,” Bob Nueske states.  “The Rachel Bosveld Scholarship of Honor means a great deal to us, as we know the community and students of Waupun High School will always remember this brave young woman and also be inspired to make a difference in their life.”
Her brother Craig described his sister as an artist who loved to draw forest scenes, play the violin and act in her high school drama club. She hoped one day to become a graphic artist.



“I’m grateful for the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation and to Bob and Darlene Nueske for making the scholarship possible,” said Marvin Bosveld, Rachel’s father. “She was honored to serve, to be able to go and I was proud to have her serve.”

The Rachel Bosveld Scholarship of Honor will be awarded to a student who plans to enter into our armed forces or into the fields of public safety or community service.  These noble fields include education, ministry, police science, fire safety and medical fields.

“Rachel was a very energetic, happy go lucky, giving person and I think her thoughts were always helping other people in any situation and those who were less fortunate,” said Rachel’s mother, Mary Bosveld.  

We look forward to paying tribute to this amazing young woman every year.

Living with Honor

This past May, Brian’s Foundation established the Sal Giunta Scholarship of Honor at JFK High school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where Sal graduated from in 2003. It was a very special evening for this Medal of Honor Recipient as he presented the first annual scholarship in his name paying tribute to Sgt. Joshua Brennan and Spc. Hugo Mendoza.


Sal was back in his home town last week for his first ever book signing. Living with Honor was released today. He has now put his experiences serving into a memoir by himself with Joe Layden.

More than 300 people turned out to the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Cedar Rapids to pick up his new book and hear Sal speak. "I didn't expect this, not in a million years, this is cool,he states. "I think it's a story that needs to be told because us, as Americans, enjoy so many freedoms every single day without having to worry about it personally, but there are people that go out every single day and worry about our freedoms. They worry on our behalf and fight on our behalf and I think that's very important.”

Sal's interview from the Today Show aired December 2nd and can also be accessed here: Today Show interview

Pick up a copy of Living with Honor today at a bookstore near you.

THANK you.

It is getting cold out there. Even though it happens every year, it seems to take awhile to adjust to the cool days and dark nights. Yet, this time of year reminds me of the simple things I am grateful for... a warm place to live, blankets, winter hats and warm hugs.
Brian LaViolette
After our simple needs are met, we are able to reflect on other aspects of our lives we are grateful for.

Through Brian's Foundation, we are blessed to work with a lot of amazing individuals. Many we communicate with on a regular basis and some our paths may cross only once, but they remain in our hearts. We have the privileged to work with many families and be a small part of their lives.

Working with schools worldwide, we experience eye-opening cultures and the differences in each. The recipients we assist and inspire warm our hearts on these cool nights.

 Our family is so, very thankful.

The Times are a Changin'

Social media has made a big impact in this world. Please help us keep up with this effective way of sharing our story through our website, facebook and linkedin. By clicking on the icons below, you can share with friends, family and coworkers.

If you are a proud sponsor of Brian's Foundation, a past scholarship recipient or have seen the impact we have in the communities we serve, we encourage you share with others.

These changing times allow us to share in each others journey!




A big thanks to Envano for working with Brian's Foundation on our interactive marketing!  

Five Scholarships presented in Poland

It is hard to believe that 9 years has passed since we awarded our first scholarship in Poland.  Brian's Foundation has presented 53 scholarships so far through the Nidzica Foundation.  Thanks to this years' sponsors, the Robert Nueske Family, Dr. and Sue Smullen and the Weyers Family Foundation 5 students received scholarships the first part of September.


They were awarded to (left to right):  



Mateusz Smoliński-Management and Engineering  Production, The Main School of  Rural Farm  in Warsaw

 Daniel Traczewski-Economics /Finance and Accounting/Computer Science and Econometrics, University of Warsaw

 Karolina Pawlowska, National Security, Naval Academy in Gdynia

 Magdalena Dobrowolska- Internal Security, University of Warsaw

 Renata Bruzdziak-Finance and Accounting, The Main Trade School in Warsaw

2008 Scholarship recipient donates back to Brian's Foundation

When Ben Fischl received the Brian LaViolette Scholarship in 2008 he stated, "As if I wasn't excited enough to go into the Academy, now I have a great legacy to carry with me," referring to Brian LaViolette and the mission of his foundation.

 As with all of our scholarship recipients, he is special to us. Over the last 4 years, we have seen him grow even more passionate and more determined to make a difference.

Ben with Doug and Renee LaViolette in 2008

When we met Ben at the age of 18, we knew he had great compassion for others and life in general. We see it shine through him even more as he begins his last year at the Air Force Academy. 

Last year, we received an email from Ben stating that his loans have been paid off and he knew that this scholarship was meant for school expenses. After figuring out what other school costs he'd have this next year, he knew he'd have some of the funds left over. He donated $1,000 back to Brian's Foundation. Compassion.

Ben joined us at 'What's Right with America' on 11.11.11 and inspired the audience.

"I think it is so important to do for others exactly what has been done for you. I want future generations to be blessed by Brian's scholarship in the same way that I was," Ben stated on why he decided to give back to the Foundation.

After his sophomore year, Ben....Continue reading here!

Part of Jet Air event proceeds to benefit Brian's Foundation!

The Jet Air Group of Green Bay, Wisconsin is throwing a big event on October 19th and graciously donating the proceeds to Brian's Foundation and the Honor Flight Network.   

It is going to be a good one!  Let Me Be Frank Productions is performing an all new musical that you will not want to miss. There will be dinner, vintage photos, live auction and more!


Please join us on October 19th...you won't be sorry!  For more details, please see below and call Jet Air at 920-494-2669.

You'll be glad you did!

A fresh look to Brian's Foundation!

20 years ago on August 8th, we knew our lives would never be the same. And they weren't. What we didn't know was that so many lives would also change because of the loss of Brian on August 8, 1992.

Brian in the Summer of 1992

This feeling is bittersweet. We miss Brian so so much. But we are also very proud of what the foundation in his name and memory has become.

We are pleased to announce the fresh look to the Brian LaViolette Foundation. The changes are subtle, but important.

We are bringing Brian into the redesigned logo. Our original logo shown below had 3 people over water. Now 4 people are represented. Brian is represented by the white figure and the spirit he left behind.

The other three figures symbolize Doug, Renee and Kim LaViolette who established the foundation in Brian's name and memory 20 years ago this month.

The wave below continues to represent the Bay of Green Bay where Brian drowned. Three steps in the wave symbolize the steps filled with hope by the LaViolette family and the journey to higher education for our scholarship recipients.

Arketype's talented team contributed the new design. 

Brian and Kim during a Florida vacation

As we reflect on this hard day for our family, we are thankful for all that the Foundation has accomplished in Brian's name.  We look forward to continuing this amazing journey with you...

Thank you, 

Doug, Renee and Kim

Everyday We Are Reminded...

Everyday we are  reminded of the courage and sacrifice of our brave men and women serving our country in uniform.

On a daily basis, we have the privilege of sharing their stories and today as a family we wanted to share that of 1st Lieutenant Todd Lambka, who wrote in part '' I will serve humbly and honorably to the best of my ability in Peacetime and in combat leading soldiers in our Military, representing the greatest Nation''


Todd with his twin brother Jordan who also serves and father Brian.
Todd graduated with honors from the United States Military Academy in 2010 and we were lucky enough to be introduced to him when he received the 2010 Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor.

His life has always been an example of personal determination, a true role-model for his family, friends and the men and women he lead in battle.


Sadly, on August 1st, First Lieutenant Todd W. Lambka was killed along with Private First Class Jesus J. Lopez of San Bernardino, CA while on patrol. They died in Paktika Province of wounds sustained during an attack with a roadside bomb and another improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, Kansas.

Paying tribute to 1LT Todd Lambka and PFC Jesus J. Lopez 
After Todd received the scholarship, 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 a 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!”--2nd Lt. Todd W Lambka, 22 May 2010.

 We too are humbled and promise to honor and remember you now and always.

 Doug , Renee and Kim LaViolette

Special night at EAA

It was a special night for Brian’s Foundation at yesterday’s EAA AirVenture. We awarded the 9th annual Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor at EAA’s First Wing Dinner. Medal of Honor recipient and great man, Tom Hudner was in from Maryland to present the scholarship to Lucas Benish.

2012 Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor recipient, Lucas Benis with Tom Hudner
Ever since he can remember, Luke has been fascinated with flight.Whether it was attending the annual EAA AirVenture or just looking up as any aircraft flew overhead. It’s an understatement, to say he’s excited and proudly looking forward to a future in the aviation industry and would like to study a branch of engineering. After college he would like to join the U.S. Military or pursue a civilian engineering career and work as an aerospace engineer for an agency like NASA or a company like Boeing.

Last years recipient, Margaret Viola was also able to join!

A community coming together to honor a local hero...

"I don’t think we could possibly honor Danny enough or his family for their service to our country and the hard work and sacrifice they have all made to defend our freedom."-Steve Miller of Texas Roadhouse in Sheridan, Colorado.

The Grand Opening of Texas Roadhouse in Sheridan, Colorado was dedicated in Honor of Navy SEAL Danny Dietz.  
David Carter created this beautiful mural which hangs on the wall of the restaurant.
They went above and beyond.  Not only does this beautiful mural of Danny and his fellow men hang in the restaurant, but the funds raised from their opening night went to the Danny Dietz Scholarship of Honor endowment. The night raised more than they had envisioned...$7227.81.   $1,250 will now be awarded annually--forever--in Danny’s name!
Danny's mom, Cindy is pictured here Jake Hart and Steve Miller of Texas Roadhouse

The Danny Dietz Scholarship of Honor was established 6 years ago at Heritage High School.  Danny was a 1999 graduate there and joined the Navy three months later.  While in high school, he played football his senior year and was active in weight training and swimming.  Danny had two weeks left of service in Afghanistan when he was killed on June 28, 2005.  


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.