Scholarship of Honor announced in Nevada and South Dakota

We are proud to announce that two more Scholarship of Honor awards in Reno, NV and Rapid City, SD. With the help of Major Beck, we have announced two more Scholarships to honor two young men, James Cathy and Joe Welke. Please take the time see the link below for a powerful photo essay feature both young men and Major Beck. The first photo won the Pulitzer prize last year.

The Final Salute: http://www.digitaljournalist.org/issue0604/finalsalute01.html

James Cathy, 24, Reno, NV

In 1998 James graduated from Reno High School in just three years. He went into the Marine Reserves at the age of 17, and worked hard at the University of Colorado to earn a BA in history and anthropology. He was husband to Katherine who was 4 months pregnant when James was killed in Iraq on August 21, 2005. Their son, Jimmy was born on December 22, 2005. He also leaves a loving daughter, Casey, who is now 9 years old. James was looking forward to getting back home to be with his wife and new baby.

Joe Welke, 20, Rapid City, SD

Joe graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 2003. While in high school, Joe played football for four years. His senior year he earned the Greater Dakota Conference All Conference and Honorable Mention All State. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, camping, weight lifting, and cars. Joe was proud to be a United States Marine. Joe’s football coach, Joel Hybertson stated, “If we need someone for our Country, I want someone like Joe Welke”. Joe’s plans of moving to Southern California were cut short when he was killed in Iraq on November 20, 2004.

John Bradley Remembered

John Bradley Remembered With
Scholarship of Honor

Gone, but not forgotten. The memory of John Bradley and his devotion to community and country will live on with a special scholarship being established in his name at Appleton West High School.

The John Bradley Scholarship of Honor will pay tribute to this brave and courageous man who served his country as a Navy Corpsman medic in World War II. Bradley received the prestigious Navy Cross for his bravery in saving lives at Iwo Jima. He was also one of six service members who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima in that famous photo seen around the world.

This scholarship has been made possible by Ron and Colleen Weyers of the Weyers Family Foundation. Thank you Weyers!

Check out the story from wfrv Channel 5: http://wfrv.com/local/local_story_292083656.html

1998 Scholarship Recipient...becoming a Doctor!

Mark Gaulke, a 1998 DePere High School graduate is currently in a combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residence at The Marshfield Clinic-St. Joseph’s Hospital Program in Marshfield, WI. Mark graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin in May of this year. He got his Bachelor’s degree in Human biology with a health science emphasis at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2002.

During Med school he was able to experience a two-month course in Malawi and Zambia, South-central Africa. He worked with the Mwembezhi Lutheran Rural Health Center. “It was amazing,” Mark said. “The Lutheran Rural Health Center brought these two country together with both language and cultures.” Mark worked and observed at a 25-bed hospital, which he said was more like free clinic. “Next to the hospital was a preschool where all kids 6-8 years old. All of their father’s were dead. All have AIDS. All Mal-nutrition. The only green grass they see everyday is at that preschool.” His time in Africa was not only educational, but life changing.

Mark will spend two years in the Pediatrics Program and two years in Internal Medicine. After he become Board certified in 2010, he plans to stay in Primary care. “Ideally, in a rural area in Wisconsin.” What an exciting journey!

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