News from the Brian LaViolette Foundation
This photo was taken 40 years ago and Brian has been driving us to do good ever since.
Today would have been his 42nd birthday and we are forever grateful for the life he shared with us on earth and the spirit he has instilled in many through the Foundation.
Thank you all for coming along for the ride!
2013 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient, Luke Buttke updates us on his first semester of Medical School..
“I was accepted to Saint Louis University for medical school and have just finished my first semester there! I feel like I fit in very well with the mission of the school which is to put humanism in medicine and focus on the patient and their needs. I’ve made a great group of friends that push each other to be as successful as we can and also take an edge off of the stress that comes with being in medical school.
So far I’ve completed statistics, cellular and molecular biology, anatomy, immunology, and am halfway through intro to pharmacology. They have all went really well and it’s been wonderful to begin my journey to becoming a physician. I am currently leaning towards pursuing a residency in emergency medicine, but am keeping my mind open until I go through all of my clinical rotations during my third year.
Thank you for everything you have done for me.”
Luke with his parents at his white coat ceremy
I was told there was a tradition during World War II that when soldiers went off to war, some gave handkerchiefs to the special people in their lives with a poignant embroidered message...Remember Me.
We’re not sure if our dear friend, Reuben Schaetzel, ever gave one to someone he loved, but we do know he will be remembered.
I met Reuben through our friend, John Maino at a Heritage Hill Veterans event in Green Bay that John was hosting. Reuben was sharing his colorful stories with the audience, lifted right from the pages of John’s book, “Frontlines”. They revolved around Reuben driving a M4 Sherman Tank under General George S. Patton’s Third Army and ending his service during World War II in a small town called Pilsen in the Czech Republic that his unit helped liberate.
Click! That was the connection, if we really needed something to bring us together. For those of you who knew Reuben he was magnetic, for those of you who didn’t, it’s a shame because he brought so much joy to everyone he met. That included the 17,000 people that bought a car from him over his 60+ year career as an automobile salesman. He felt the pinnacle of his storied career was selling General Patton’s grandson, Pat Waters, a new Chevy Equinox in 2017. At 94 years old he was selling cars every day at Buss Chevrolet in Shawano.
Thanks to Mark Leland and WLUK Fox 11, the documentary “Return to Pilsen, Sharing An American Story” aired back in 2013. Because of that documentary, Kathy and Lee Anderson came into our lives and ultimately into Reuben’s.
The Brian LaViolette Foundation spearheaded the making of the documentary which was premiered at an event on 11.12.13 featuring the Preble Choir.
Because of the Anderson's kindness, Reuben went to Pilsen twice during their annual Liberation Festival and was honored and adored by hundreds of citizens of the Czech Republic.
Reuben with Lee and Kathy Anderson and Stanley Bartl during the Pilsen Liberation Festival
It was on those Pilsen trips that Reuben became a very close friend of General Patton‘s grandson, Pat Waters. It was a friendship both men cherished.
Last week, God decided he needed a new best friend by his side and Reuben's last full day on earth was Christmas Day. That seems fitting as well, an Angel being called home that night, the day after the most hallowed day on earth.
After Reuben’s first Pilsen trip he mentioned to his daughters, Gail and Lee Ann that if he died now he would die a happy man but for us it’s so sad to see him leave us.
Tomas Hataj received the 2016 General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor in Pilsen. He was honored to meet Reuben during the reception.
Rest in peace Reuben, you will be missed, but you will be celebrated and remembered forever by those you left behind.
Your friend,
Doug LaViolette
57 students received a scholarship that inspired and financially supported them.
Those 57 students joined 781 others who have received scholarships before them for a total of 838 scholarships to date and counting.
78% of the scholarships awarded through Brian's Foundation were presented in honor of someone other than Brian, allowing their spirit to live on.
The total scholarship dollar awarded to date increased to $727,720.
You truly are investing in your community and our future leaders. Thank you.
As a contributor to the Brian LaViolette Foundation, you become a major part of the life-changing inspiration to individuals throughout the world. We promise you, that with your help, Brian's Foundation will continue to be a source of inspiration as we invest in leaders who continue to make this world a better place.
Please consider Brian's Foundation in your year-end contributions
We were humbled to receive a donation that took our breath away in honor of a true American hero and the wife who stood beside him for over 55 years.
Carl and Helen Kratzer
Bruce and Carol Valk have supported Brian's Foundation for more than a decade as Bruce also serves on Brian's Foundation Advisory Board. When it came time for their year-end planning, they decided to donate in honor of Carol's parents, Carl and Helen Kratzer.
Carl was a true American hero having served as a decorated Bombardier in World War II. It is hard not to be inspired by the heroic actions of Carl Kratzer who served with the 8th Air Force on 30 bombing missions over Europe.
On one mission to Cologne, Germany, 1st Lieutenant, Carl Kratzer recipient of two distinguished Flying Crosses, an Air Medal along with the WWII Victory Medal his plane was so badly damaged it came down in Belgium but by the grace of God and his parachute training, his entire crew was saved.
On another critical mission Carl single-handedly patched a landing gear hydraulic line that ultimately led him to being awarded his Second Distinguished Flying Cross.
1st Lieutenant, Carl Kratzer recipient of two distinguished Flying Crosses, an Air Medal along with the WWII Victory Medal
Carl and Helen met and fell in love after the War in Port Washington, Wisconsin where Carl had just opened a soda shop and confectionery business. Helen taught English at the local High School.
On their wedding day in 1952
Carl sold the ice cream business and established Carl's Drive-In in Saukville, WI, which was a truck-stop and burger place. They never guessed that single burger restaurant would grow to a chain of 22 Burger King's throughout Wisconsin, but it did.
Along the way they would have four loving children, Kris, Steve, Carol and Trina. Their daughter Trina would be tragically lost to cancer later in life but the joy of their 11 grandchildren continually renewed their spirit.
Carl and Helen Kratzer with their 11 grandkids
We are grateful to learn more about Carl, Helen and their family through Bruce and Carol. It was not only humbling to receive this donation in honor of their loved ones but that they shared their inspirational story with us.
Bruce and Carol Valk with their daughter Sylvia and son Carl
For the second time, Brian’s Foundation received a wonderful donation from Frank Frewerd, a gentleman who lives in North Carolina.
Frank Frewerd with his family, Brian, Keri and his late wife Kathy
Frank is a boyhood friend of mine, growing up in Oconto. I actually worked for his father, George W. Frewerd, at a gas station part time after school and on weekends.
His family has a deep heritage of military service. Frank himself served in the Air Force.
I haven’t seen him in a few decades and didn’t even realize he lived in North Carolina until his first donation arrived a couple years ago.
As with all donations, they are so appreciated because, they are in fact the lifeblood of Brian’s Foundation and the work we do.
We were compelled to not only thank Frank, but also find out why he continues to donate, in part because he is supporting a cause outside of his community in NC.
As it turns out, Frank simply wanted to give back to an area he felt has “brain drain” and wants to keep the hard-working, smart students of Green Bay in the Green Bay area. He went on to say, “you realize many parents have to struggle in their job to help pay for college. I just wanted to help them.”
Frank has traveled the world in his military service and has seen the good that can come out of helping others.
He wanted his donation to remember the good in this world, as well as dedicate it to his wife Kathy’s memory. They had been married for 48 years when she passed on 6.16.16 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Frank is also very proud of his entire family to include his five granddaughters and we can’t forget – his co-pilot, his dog, Asia
Frank’s co-pilot, his dog, Asia
Frank’s son, Brian, his wife, Nicol and granddaughters Meredith, Kristina, Catherine, and Madelyn.
Frank's daughter, Keri, her husband, Brian, and daughter Emma.
On this Veterans Day, we not only give thanks to the men and women we pay tribute to through the Scholarship of Honor program, but to all who have served and are currently serving to protect us.
15 years ago this week, the Brian LaViolette Foundation established the Scholarship of Honor Program. It is an award that honors the service and sacrifice of our past and present military heroes. At the same time, the scholarship recognizes a graduating high school senior with plans to enlist in the military or pursue a career in public safety or community service.
Thanks to hundreds of donors, 302 Scholarships of Honor have been awarded nationwide. It's with a great deal of pride these annual scholarships allow families, friends, communities and students to give thanks and remember those who serve.
You can learn more about the scholarships in this program and those we honor, here.
The Scholarship of Honor Mission
To honor, to remember, those who serve while recognizing dedication, community service and selflessness in those who follow in their footsteps
Natalia Roska and Karolina Idzikowska received our 2018 International Scholarship of Honor in Nidzica, Poland. Brian's Foundation has been awarding scholarships in Poland for 16 years.
Natalia (left) is studying Linguistics in business at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.
Karolina (right) is studying Economics and Management and production engineering at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.
These scholarships are made possible by Darlene Nueske and Mike and Sue Smullen. The recipinets are pictured during the scholarship presentation with the Vice Governor of The Nidzica County, Leszek Brzozowski and the President of the Nidzica Community Foundation, Barbara Margol.
Kate Russell, the 2018 Danny Dietz Scholarship of Honor recipient sent us a note on her first week of college...
"I wanted to give you a quick update on how life at University of Portland is going. I finished my first week at school and I am loving it! My intro to engineering class is super interesting and we are going to soon start on our projects for the semester, which are building our own small wind turbines.
Other than that I am enjoying the beautiful weather in Portland and meeting a bunch of new people! Here are some pictures from my orientation weekend!
Glad to hear all is well Kate! Thank you for the update.
26 years ago today we woke up to the reality Brian was gone. The news of his drowning was just starting to filter out into the community. The search and rescue teams were out on the Bay of Green Bay and they would continue the search for 5 grueling days. Brian would eventually be found by a volunteer boater, who happened to be his 6th grade teacher. Our family was so blessed by the family, friends and the community who surrounded us during this time of shock and sadness.
Thanks to the many donors at Brian’s memorial service, the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation was created in 1992. That next Spring the first annual Brian LaViolette Scholarship was awarded at DePere High School. At that time, we would have never dreamed that so many great things would happen with the Foundation. On the day of Brian’s funeral, we promised that in his name and memory we would accomplish great things. And thanks to you, we have been able to keep that promise. 838 Scholarships have been awarded to date for a total of $727,720.
One scholarship a year has turned into over 55 annually. We have heard from people and students all around the world how they have been inspired by Brian and the Foundation. And just as importantly, we have been inspired by all of you. On a daily basis we are reminded of hope, love and commitment. Thank you.
Ron and Fran Anderson
Ron Anderson played many roles in our life… not only was he Brian's Uncle, he was a key part of the Foundation. Ron helped us with our website, when websites were new, he was always on hand to help with a special event and served on the Foundation’s Advisory Board.
Sadly, Ron passed away last week at the age of 74. Ron was a kind and witty man. He was a loving husband to Fran, who now plays a pivotal part in the Foundation. Ron enjoyed a 45-year career in multimedia including radio, television, and information technology. He was skilled in writing, public speaking, teaching, videography, photography, and editing.
He was a great encourager of life, travel, the outdoors and the Journey. He will be missed by many.
You can learn more about Ron here: http://www.rembsfh.com/obituaries/Ronald-R-Anderson?obId=3168321#/obituaryInfo
Update from 2015 Brian LaViolette Scholarship Recipient, Donglin Zhang
I am so incredibly thankful for the Brian LaViolette scholarship and for all of the opportunities to which I have been exposed. Reflecting on my undergraduate life since receiving the scholarship, I am grateful to report three years of rich experiences at Williams College and beyond.
Donglin with her family in 2015 after we surprised her at Ashwaubenon High School with the news that she received the $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship
The first year was filled with building new friendships and learning to navigate my independence as a college student. I joined a dance group on campus that explores West African inspired dance and movement to expand my love for dance. After my first year, I earned an internship with a healthcare non-profit / thinktank in Boston. This internship helped me become aware of broader issues of the US healthcare system and opened my mind to thinking critically about the career I hope to pursue.
My second year was blissfully spent living with close friends I made during my first year. I decided to major in math and stay on the pre-med track. I joined a different dance group called Ritmo Latino to learn Latin dance forms such as Salsa and Bachata. In the summer following, I interned at San Francisco Free Clinic to provide care to uninsured patients in San Francisco. However, because of the fairly intense academic demands of Williams, I was feeling a little burnt out at the end of Sophomore year, prompting my decision to study abroad my Junior fall.
Donglin with her siblings, 2018
This past academic year, I spent fall semester in London and spring back at Williams College. London is a fabulous city that captured my heart. I loved having access to original works of art all around me with the myriad of museums (most of which were free to all visitors). The international nature of London and King's College, where I took classes, exposed me to peers and perspectives from around the world. Here I continued to explore my love for dance by joining the dance society and participating in various Latin dance socials.
Once I returned to Williams, I had renewed energy to focus on academics and my goals to pursue medicine. I completed spring semester with my first 4.0 semester at college, and earned a 98th percentile score on my MCAT (medical college admissions test). This summer, I am in New York city working as a clinical research associate and working on my med school applications.
All this to say, I am so grateful for the experiences I have had. Honestly, I wake up every morning excited for my day and the new possibilities for my future. My family and I am so thankful that the Brian LaViolette scholarship has helped to support my pursuits, and for your family's confidence in me.
We think you will find our latest member of our Advisory Board's story interesting, as her mom was one of the labor and delivery nurses when Brian was born....
Hello everyone!
Stepping up and becoming a part of something larger than my immediate world has been nagging my heart for some time now. As we all know, life is short and the twists and turns can be awful and amazing in the same breath.
Then it came to me! Brian's Foundation was a good fit.
One of my biggest influences in my life is my sweet mother. We just celebrated her 85th birthday this past February. Some of you may have met her at the gathering at Lambeau Field last August. She was there to represent Brian as the Labor and Delivery nurse that was there on his birthday.
Kristin Coleman with her mom, Marion Skelton
She has been an amazing role model that caused me to follow her footsteps into nursing. She taught at Bellin College of Nursing prior to my graduating there.
I also worked in Labor and Delivery, as a Surgical Technician prior to graduation. Our lives further parallel as I have since embarked as a Nurse Educator after obtaining my Master's Degree in Nursing Education.
I was born and raised in Green Bay, the youngest of 5 daughters. Yes the "estrogen pool" is very deep! I live in the shadow of Lambeau Field with my husband Jeff and our children Jacob (age 17) and Emily (age 13). Jeff and I will celebrate 25 yrs of marriage on August 14th of this year.
Mom was excited to have me mail the traditional "apple cap" she knits for the new babies of our family. The one pictured is for Kim's baby. Mom was thrilled to make one for her.
Kim LaViolette Mosteller's son, Walker in Marion's handmade apple hat... he has room to grow into it for the winter months ahead!
I look forward to helping in any way I can to promote education and help those that are reaching for higher ground. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with chapters yet to be written.
Sincerely, Kristin Coleman MSN/Edu RN
Executive Director, Kim LaViolette Mosteller and her husband Isaiah, along with some happy grandparents, are proud to welcome an addition to our family. Walker Lune Mosteller was born on 5-29-18 at 9:07pm. He weighed 6lbs, 5 oz and is 18 inches long and growing.
Isaiah and I realized how hard it was to name a baby, but we did agree we wanted it to have meaning in our lives...
"Walker" is a nod to the grounded mode by which we enjoy experiencing our neighborhood and our world. And like our walk together on the Camino de Santiago, we think of becoming parents as a long pilgrimage walk - a journey that we can never really be prepared for in the whole, but the magic happens amid the accumulation of thousands of small daily steps.
Throughout the pregnancy we referred to him as little "lune" which is french for "moon" since he was conceived on our honeymoon. When he decided to enter the world under a full flower moon, we decided to keep it as his middle name.
Full moon outside of Mission Hospital 5/29/18
Grandparents Renee and Doug, Kim, Walker, Isaiah and El Guapo
We look forward to introducing Walker to the importance of community and family... and share stories of all of you that have joined the Journey along the way.
Kim, Isaiah and Walker
Today, Brian's Foundation surprised Bailey Conradt during his AP Psychology class at Ashwaubenon High School. A team of staff and others shared the news that he was selected as this years' recipient of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship for $10,000!
He is pictured here with his parents and Doug and Renee LaViolette.
One student from the 17 high schools in the Partners in Education school district apply. The top 5 finalist are interviewed by the LaViolettes and members of Partners in Education. Bailey will be attending UW-Madison to pursue a degree in Engineering, Political Science and/or Music.
The recipient of this scholarship is a student who has a thirst for knowledge, the ability to be a team player, and the desire to be a future leader…aspects of life that were important to Brian while he was growing up and attending school in De Pere. Find more details on the Brian LaViolette Scholarship here.
Isn't it refreshing to hear good news on TV? One of our advisory board members, Bill Welter, saw a news story on a young man graduating from UWGB last year. He and his wife, Pam, were inspired by his story and said, "this is the type of man who needs to be acknowledge."
Thanks to the Welters, the Riley Garbe Scholarship will be awarded at Freedom High School over the next 10 years. Riley graduated from there in 2013, went on to UW-Green Bay and is now a full-time Spanish teacher.
Going to college was a far-fetched idea for Riley, as he grew up surrounded by drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and violence. Despite the adversity Riley faced throughout his childhood, he persevered and achieved his goals. He has chosen to react to his tough life by sharing love with the world.
The Riley Garbe Scholarship is a $2000 award. Riley was taken by two of the applicants and decided to split the funds and award a scholarship to both.
This years' recipients are Taylor Witthuhn (left) who will be studying Neuroscience and Psychology at UW-Madison and Maya Kwasny (right) who will be studying Psychology at UW-Milwaukee.
To read Riley's powerful speech from last week's presentation, click here.
You can also view the latest story on WBAY-TV2 by clicking the photo below.
I read about the Liberation Festival and was told by Doug LaViolette that you have no idea how moving it is until you are there in person. Well, from ‘Doug’s lips to God’s ear’ it was true.
The 6 days of celebrations and moving speeches is hard to capture in words. I witnessed 123 wreath laying at various memorials and each one was more moving than the last.
Brian’s story was the impetus for the Scholarship of Honor award. The citizens of Plzen heard Brian’s story and were moved by the generosity of so many contributors.
2018 General Patton Scholarship of Honor recipient, Barbora Lavičkova
General Patton’s grandson, Pat Waters, was in all events and told the Brian story repeatedly with emotion and respect.
I was fortunate enough to help with a contribution to the scholarship in honor of my brother-in-law, Jim Wilson, who accompanied us to Plzen. He told me it was the highlight of his life.
Jim Wilson
But what touched me the most was the unbelievable love the people of Plzen and the Czech Republic have for Americans. It was so emotional and I cried many times.
I came to Plzen believing the U.S. cannot be the policemen of the world and left with the truism…FREEDOM IS NOT FREE….IF NOT US THEN WHO? .
Bill Welter
Thanks to the Brian LaViolette Foundation's Scholarship of Honor program... it changed my life.
Dominika Wozniak receiving the International Scholarship of Honor
medal in Poland from Barbara Margol
of the Nidzica Foundation
Last month we sent you a list of over 750 scholarship recipients who are making a true difference in the lives of others. Over the next few months 53 students will become part of our 'Foundation Family'.
We are proud to announce our 2018 scholarship presentation dates...a proud moment for not only the students, but the families we serve and the communities involved.
Joel Gentz: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN- April 21, 6:00 pm
Sal Giunta: JFK High School, Cedar Rapid, IA- April 23, 6:00 pm
Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton, CO- May 1, 9:15 am
General George S. Patton: Pilsen, Czech Republic,- May 5th
Len Keller: Auburn High School, Rockford, IL- May 8, 6:00pm
Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School, WI-May 9, 7:00 pm
Samantha Rose Cuene: DePere High School, WI- May 9, 6:30 pm
David Parmentier: DePere High School, WI- May 9, 6:30 pm
The Ken Kubsch Scholarship at Manitowoc Lincoln High School was awarded to Megan Wech
Matt Atkinson: Green Bay East High School, WI- May 14, 7:00 pm
Victoria Parmentier Scholarship: Ashwaubenon High School, WI-May 16, 6:30
John Bradley: Appleton West High School, WI- May 16, 6:30pm
Ken Kubsch: Manitowoc High School, WI- May 16, 7:00pm
Rachel Bosveld: Waupun High School, WI- May 16, 6:00 pm
Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School, WI- May 17, 6:00 pm
Jerome Hatfield: Tunstall High School, Dry Fork VA-May 18, 8:45am
Thomas Hudner: Fox Valley Civil War Patrol- May 19th
Riley Garbe: Freedom High School- May 20th
Ken Hess: AC Reynolds High School, Asheville, NC- May 22, 6:00 pm
Jim Wilson Scholarship: Nequa Valley High School-May 23, 8:30am
James Cathey: Reno High School, NV- May 23, 6:00 pm
Wendell and Shanna Ellsworth (2 scholarships): Belding High School, MI- May 23, 7:00 pm
Nueske Family (2 scholarships): Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, WI- May 23, 7:00 pm
Emma Harvey received the Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor from Gettysburg High School. She is pictured here with Eric's Parents and co-chair of the scholarship, Stan Clark
Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School, PA-May 25, 7:00 pm
Brent Vroman: Omro High School, WI-May 23, 6:30 pm
Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School, WI- May 23, 7:00 pm
Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School, WI- May 23 6:30pm
Ray Zimmerman: Green Bay West High School, WI- May 23, 6:30 pm
Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg Casco High School, WI, May 23, 9:00 am
Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY- May 24th
Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School, WI- May 25, 9:00 am
Andrew Brownfield: North High School, Akron OH- May 25, 9:00 am
Brian LaViolette: Partners in Education- Late-May
Ollie and Helen Bogsted: Suring High School, WI- May 26th
Aaron Lin of received the Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
"The Journey is the Reward": Suring High School, WI- May 26th
NWTC Scholarship: Suring High School, WI- May 26th
Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School, WI-May 29, 9:00 am
Nichole Frye: Lena High School, WI-May 30, 7:30 pm
Above and Beyond Scholarship: Oconto High School, WI-May 30, 6:30 pm
Esther Cleveland Safford: Oconto High School, WI- May 30, 6:30 pm
Robert Safford: Oconto High School, WI- May 30, 6:30 pm
Corrina Dart was this years' recipient of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship at Bellin College. She is pictured here with Renee and Doug LaViolette
"The Journey is the Reward": Oconto High School, WI-May 30, 6:30 pm
NWTC Scholarship: Oconto High School, WI- May 30, 6:30 pm
Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School, MN-May 31, 6:30pm
Nainoa Hoe: 1Lt Nainoa K. Hoe Battle Command Training Center, Schofield Barracks, HI- August 28th
LEAP School Science and Math, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa-2018
Poland Scholarships: Nidzica Poland- September 2018
Bellin College Scholarship- Green Bay, WI- October 2018
St. Norbert Scholarships (2 Scholarships): DePere, WI --October 2018
Junior Achievement- Business Challenge-Awarded February 2018
The Junior Achievement Business Challenge in Brown County, Wisconsin had 56 students, 28 mentors/volunteers and many other visitors. First place winner David Winther (left), from Pulaski High School was the happy recipient of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship!
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.
