General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor
More than 50 million brave young men and women have served, with honor, for the United States of America, including General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army. As proud Americans, we salute their efforts and we look for ways to instill in others the pride and determination of those who gave so much of themselves for others. Most of all, we have made a vow to remember….
The idea for the General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor was first conceived on May 6, 2010, during the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the city of Pilsen, Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia), by General Patton’s 3rd Army. The General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor will be awarded annually, during the Pilsen Liberation Festival in May.
The goal of the Brian LaViolette Foundation, and the goal of those who contribute to the Scholarship of Honor program, is to assist those who desire to make the world a better place and help them fulfill their dreams and aspirations. 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, etc.).
Recipients
2024
Adam Hečl
Graduates this year from Gymnasium and college Rokycany and is studying history at the Pedagogical faculty.
“The life of a volunteer changed a lot for me and taught me a lot. It brought me some new aspects, for example, richer communication, the ability to ask for help, especially academic help, to be aware
own qualities, but also weaknesses. Every project I started or finished brought new challenges and sometimes failures. But there is no growth without falling. The Totem collective is a synonym for family, and the words that warm the heart are the best reward. So, I'm very grateful that I was nominated for the Křesadlo 2023 award. This gave me additional motivation to continue with volunteer activities with even greater commitment than before.
I am proud of what I have achieved, but I am even more grateful for the opportunities volunteering has given. My heart is full of gratitude for each and every person I have met on this journey project I had the opportunity to work on. And while it hasn't always been a walk in the park, and the path was sometimes thorny, I did not get off it, and I still continue with enthusiasm and determination. Although I don't know whatever the future brings, I know my volunteering journey is far from over. On the contrary, only now begins, and I am sure that I will continue in my mission.
2023
MICHAL PANUŠKA
Michal was a student at František Křižík High School and applied for the studies at the University of Defense in Brno.
“For me personally, values like honor and trying to make the world a better place to live in are very important. Honor seems to me to be a key element between people being the basis of relationships and trust. I think that an honest person must be honest and straightforward, have the courage to admit mistakes and have firm principles he may rely on. It is important for me to try to live according to these values and to create healthy conditions for cooperation with other people.
Another value that I consider very important is trying to make the world a better place to live. I think that each of us has a responsibility to participate in creating a better and fairer world. Many people think that what they do doesn't make a difference, but I believe that even small steps can have a big impact. That's why it's important to be active and try to contribute to positive changes, even with small steps, when we don't feel like it at the moment.”
2022
Natálie Jeslínková is a student of the medical assistant major at the Secondary School of Health and Higher Vocational School of Health in Pilsen, she works at the Four-leaf clover home with a special regime and provides exceptional care to its clients. She is pictured here with WWII veteran George Thompson during the 2022 Liberation Festival.
“I want to dedicate my next life to the follow-up study of general nursing and the subsequent professional work of a nurse. I'm increasingly moving to obstetrics and neonatology, which is a bit of a paradox, because now I'm working where life usually ends. But I am very grateful for this experience, I see how wide the spectrum is needed. I would like me to participate in the quality of nursing care in the Czech Republic in the future and to be proud of my profession. I hope that the position of health professionals in society will improve and be properly appreciated by the public. A well-functioning, accessible and modern medical facility is important, but without a sufficient number of professionally trained and dedicated staff, it is nothing more than an unmanned ship. I want to help change that.”
2021
Simona Schmiedhuberová received the 10th General George Patton Scholarship in Pilsen, Czech Republic. As a volunteer, she first helped in the early care center, and later in the Intergenerational and Volunteer Center TOTEM z.s. as part of internet tutoring and clients with autism spectrum disorder.
She is a student of psychology, first-degree primary school teacher or special pedagogy. She states, “Each of these professions will allow me to better fight ridicule and bullying in collectives. This issue has been discussed for many years and yet the society is still fighting against it. Whether as a psychologist, a special counseling teacher or a teacher, I am ready to help in any way possible.”
2020
Martin Volf is studying at Secondary Technical School of Mechanical Engineering and Secondary Vocational School of Professor Švejcar, Pilsen
“General George S. Patton's honorary scholarship has shown me that there are people who can appreciate the work of others, and I am grateful and thank you for that. Receiving this scholarship is an honor for me, but also a great commitment for the future. I appreciate that someone can acknowledge my work with volunteer firefighters. It will definitely motivate me to do what I fully enjoy.”
2019
Adéla Machová is studying medicine and plans to focus on cancer research. She also plays guitar and she is voluntary firefighter.
Adéla will receive the General George S. Patton Scholarship in May 2019 during the Liberation Festival.
“I am happy that I met other people that share the same values. It was great experience plus it gave me hope in a better future. Everyone who has their heart in the right place should try to send an application.”
2018
Barbora Lavičkova is studying and continuing her degree in Social Work. She graduated Střední zdravotnická škola and she continues on Vyšší odborná skola zdravotnická (social works). She volunteers with babies, children and seniors.
She is pictured here during the General Patton Scholarship of Honor presentation during the Liberation Festival. Darlene Nueske, Pat Waters and Doug LaViolette are also shown here.
2017
Václav Šlehofer received the 2017 General George S. Patton Scholarship. This photo was taken by Roman Muchka at the presentation. Václav is studying social work and teaching.
2016
The 2016 Scholarship of Honor was awarded to Tomáš Hataj. . He is currently studying at College of Economics & Business Administration in Prague.
2015
The 2015 Scholarship of Honor was awarded to Alena Vebrová. Alena is currently studying for a career in social work, particularly in the area of working with families with handicapped children. She would like to study Special Education at university.
2014
The 2014 Scholarship of Honor was awarded in the name of General Ernest Nason Harmon. In 1942, General Harmon became commanding general of the famous “Hell on Wheels” 2nd Armored Division which invaded North Africa, then commanded the 1st Armored Division in Italy, and returned to command the 2nd Armored Division in Belgium in 1944. In 1945, Harmon turned his command over to the British and moved his Corps Headquarters to Dýšina, Czechoslovakia (near Pilsen).
The 2014 Scholarship of Honor was awarded to Barbora Petermannová.
Barbora Petermannová is currently studying for a career in social work, particularly in relation to children and youth.
2013
The 2013 Scholarship of Honor was awarded in the name of Col. Charles H. Noble who was the commanding officer of Combat Command B, 16th Armored Division, part of General Patton’s Third Army, which spearheaded the thrust into Czechoslovakia in May 1945.
The 2013 General Patton Scholarship of Honor was awarded to Adéla Tanzerová
Adéla Tanzerová is studying for a career in Psychology and Special Education.
She is pictured here from left to right, George Patton Waters, Bob Nueske, Doug LaViolette, and Adela's family.
2012
In 2012, the General Patton Scholarship of Honor was awarded in the name of, Virgil Kirkham. He was the last USAAF pilot that was killed in WWII. It was Lt.Kirkham's 82nd mission and one he volunteered to go on.
The 2012 General Patton Scholarship of Honor was awarded to Kristýna Otásková
Kristýna Otásková is studying for a career in Social Work.
Photo below from left to right, Bob Nueske, Doug LaViolette, Mayor of Pilsen, Martin Baxa and George Patton Waters at the 2012 liberation festival.
Contributors
4-Star
George Patton Waters
Sue LeTourneau
3-Star
Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats
2-Star
Marc Cannizzo in honor of his parents, Marianne and John.
Charles Noble Jr., in honor of Colonel Charles H. Noble
Dale Rieb, in honor of WWII Veteran, George Thompson
George Thompson
1-Star
Elena and David Bowers
James H. Duncan, Sr.
Tom and Leslie Duncan
Nelson and Lori Havel in memory of Edward Vaughn Havel.
Col. Robert Gilbert
Robert Gilbert, Jr.
Kathy and Mickey Hoffman, Donated in honor of U.S. Army Veteran Charles Lemmons
William Jannace in memory of SFC Anthony E. Jannace, 2ID Pilsen 1945
Marion Kirkham
MilSpec Tours for Veterans
Earl Ingram
Col. Steve Rohlena
Bill Welter
More information
If you would like to know more about the background of the General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor, please see our story on our News section.
