Friendship leads to establishing scholarship to remember local doctor

“To sum up Kenny in a few words would be a tribute to a great man. Kenny simply cared about all of God’s children. Those special enough to have met him are all better off because of his caring. His caring spirit must serve as a guide for all on how to live life. Because of Ken, we must all care about the people we meet. In this way we honor Kenny’s life.” –John Lochner, a good friend of Kenny’s.

With wife, Mimi in Hawaii in 2008

Dr. Ken Kubsch, grew up in Kellnersville, Wisconsin where he graduated from Manitowoc’s Lincoln High School. He graduated from Marquette School of Medicine in 1968 and first worked as a doctor of Internal Medicine and made many house calls.

Kenny loved the Green Bay Packers and attended games regularly through the years. In the 70s Kenny served as one of the Packer doctors for one year. In 2006 Kenny retired from medical practice and enjoyed his retirement.  Sadley, he passed away one year ago today.

The Ken Kubsch Scholarship  was created to honor a caring and humble Board certified family and internal medicine doctor who was simply called Kenny. In the spring of 2012, a scholarship will be provided to a student at Manitowoc Lincoln High School who is interested in history or science , both passions of Kenny.

John and Kathy Lochner, along with Dan and Carrie Whetter, good friends of the Kubsch's have contributed the seed money to establish this scholarship.

Many of us remember Kenny as the caring friend who was always willing to take care of our families medical needs.  If you would like to keep Kenny's memory alive with a donation please contact Kim at kim.laviolette@gmail.com or 828-242-3790.

"What's Right with America" on 11.11.11

Last Sunday at the Jet Air open house, Brian's Foundation officially announced our next event which will take place on historic 11.11.11. A BIG thank you to Jet Air for allowing us to kick off 11.11.11 with a silent auction and providing a sneak preview of some of the items that will be available for auction the night of 11.11.11.

On 11.11.11, we will celebrate, "What is Right with America" as we recognize the extraordinary people who have helped change the lives of countless individuals throughout the world.

We will highlight the cross-section of America, including the following areas:
• Our Armed Forces

• Philanthropic Work

• Business and Commerce

• The Arts and Entertainment Industry

• The Field of Sports

A special thanks to Cambria Suites, Eagle III and Not By Bread Alone for also donating items to this auction.

Thank you again to Jet Air, all those who bid on the items and all who came to support Brian's Foundation and 11.11.11!

If you'd like to become involved in 11.11.11, please contact Kim at kim.laviolette@gmail.com or 828-242-3790.

A father's proud moment

Board Member, Tony Mitchell is only 33 years old, but if you saw his ‘life’ on paper, you would guess he had lived an entire life thus far.


For starters he and his wife April have four children; Anthony, Alexander, Abraham and Annabelle. Enough said.

Here he is with two of his boys helping at the Quantico and Gettysburg wreath project paying tribute to Eric McColley, who we honor with a scholarship at Gettysburg High School. Fellow Board Member, Stan Clark plays the key role in Eric's Scholarship and wreath project.

 Tony enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1996, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in May 2000, with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science.  Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) program.  After tours in Okinawa, Japan and two visits to Iraq, Tony reported to Green Bay in late summer of 2005. While in Green Bay, he was very active with Brian’s Foundation- helping at Packer Games, honoring his fellow Marines and also played a key role in the Medal of Honor Convention in 2007.



With fellow Board Members, Vicki Parmentier and Sue LeTourneau helping with ‘Brats for Brian’

On a serious side, one of Tony’s many duties as a United States Marine remains to honor Gold Star Families and our Fallen.   Tony conducted Casualty Assistance Calls Officer duties five times while in Green Bay.



Honoring United States Marine Corps Cpl. Brent Vroman, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2004 serving his country. Brent has a scholarship in his name at Omro High School in Wisconsin, which is sponsored by John and Kathy Lochner. 

 Tony started his masters’ degree in Military History through Norwich University in Vermont, moved to California when he was deployed to Afghanistan. He was the Company Commander for a Combat Engineer Battalion and returned just over a month ago, when he was able to meet his daughter Annabelle for the first time.

But one of his prouder moments happened last week when he was promoted to Major. His three sons, did the honor of ‘pinning’ him, while April and his daughter Annabelle looked on.

The Mitchell’s plan is to stay in California until summer of 2012. And some day Tony’s dream is to be the Mayor of Green Bay. :)



No matter where Tony is stationed, he remains active with Brian’s Foundation. We couldn’t be more proud to have him involved in not only sharing Brian’s Story, but the story of all those we honor.

Scholarships awarded in Poland

Rarely as a city, country or international community are we able to break down the walls that separate us and join together our common bonds, dreams and futures.

Brian's Foundation feels fortunate to have created a partnership with the Nidzica Foundation in Poland.  For 7 years, we have awarded life-changing scholarships to students in Poland to support his or her educational journey.

Thanks to sponsors of these scholarships-the Bob Nueske Family, Dr. Mike and Sue Smullen and the Weyers Family Foundation-we have continued to break down the walls and join together in our common dreams and futures.

The photo from the presentation on Saturday includes: Sylwia Zienkiewicz (recipient), Sebastan Kornet (recipient), Barbara Ploska (a member of the Board of the Nidzica Community Foundation), Barbara Margol (the President of the Nidzica Community Foundation), Katarzyna Szamborska (recipient), and Andrzej Zawieska (Nidzica Foundation)

Our other two recipients, Aneta Rudzinska and Ewa Sutkowska were not able to attend the celebration.

Have you ever wondered if they remember America's sacrifice in WWII?

Story and photos by Doug LaViolette

I might have discovered the answer in a small town in the Czech Republic

I recently had the privilege of attending the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. May 6th, 2010 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd Army.

My good friend Bob Nueske, was relentless in making sure I experienced what he had a couple years ago. We both had served in the United States Army back in the late 60's, and not far from this city.

This trip was life changing for me in so many ways, the events of May 1-9 touched me so deeply I wanted to share the following snapshots I took to explain why. Why Pilsen and why every American should visit this city. Because.....

They love America and the American Soldier...

even 65 years later...

the citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you..

lining the streets of Pilsen for miles..... 

From large crowds...

To quiet reflective moments..

Including this American family's private time to honor and remember their American hero.

This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on.

At the time this 20 year old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory.

For 65 straight years , Zdenka, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil's crash site and memorial near her home.

On May 4th she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka's home town of Trhanova, Czech Republic, for her sacrifice and extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.

Another chapter in this important story.....the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.

American Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these children and their parents want autographs from..

Yes, Rock Stars ! ... As they patiently waited for his autograph, the respect this little Czech boy and his father have for our troops serving today was heartwarming and inspirational.

After witnessing these magical moments Bob Nueske asked how could we not start a scholarship in Pilsen?

We're proud to announce The Brian LaViolette Foundation has established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.

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)

Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to General Patton's memory and their mission to liberate Europe. The first award will be presented in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20 year old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII.

Presenting Virgil's award will be someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice... someone who looks a lot like Virgil...

Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army - Air Corps. !!!

In closing... Here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of General Patton's grandson. George Patton Waters ( another Rock Star! ) we're proud to say, serves on Brian's Foundation board.

And it's front page news.. not hidden in the middle of the social section..

And I was lucky enough witness all of this... Doug LaViolette along with a new friend, Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka - 1st Deputy Chief of Staff - Ministry of Defense - Czech Armed Forces.

So please join us on this amazing journey...

Come visit Pilsen in the Czech Republic during the first part of May 2011. Bob Nueske and I have a feeling it will also be a life changing experience for you. The scholarship will be officially announced this year.  The first scholarship will be presented to a worthy recipient in 2012.

And please share this blog (and follow this continuing story at www.briansjourney.com )with your family and friends and ask them to do the same.....every American should hear this story.

Two Oconto High School Received Scholarships to NWTC

Two students from Oconto High School received a scholarship for the Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). John Kuntz will be entering in the Machine Tool program and Alexis Gilles will be studying in the Physical Therapist Assistant program.

They are pictured here with Doug and Renee LaViolette at the NTWC scholarship award banquet on August 5, 2010.

Shelly Schaub awarded Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor at EAA

It was another special year for the Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor presentation at the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Shelly Schaub received the award paying tribute to Medal of Honor Recipient, Tom Hudner. She attended last years presentation when her good friend, Irene Trujillo, received the scholarship. This year was her turn. Shelly graduated from Ripon High School in 2008 and is now attending the University of Eau Claire as an Elementary Education major. This summer she obtained her private pilots license. Her dream is to teach students, inspire them to follow their dreams and include flying in her career.

This year, we were grateful to have our good friend and member of Brian's Foundation Board, George Patton "Pat" Waters, help present. Pat is the grandson of General George Patton. He enjoyed his day at EAA, where the focus this year was honoring our Veterans.

Congrats Shelly! We know you will follow in the footsteps of Tom Hudner and make a true difference in this world.

Pictured here from left to right: George Patton "Pat" Waters, Shelly Schaub, Doug LaViolette, Stephanie Schaub, Kathy and Mike Schaub

Donation to General Patton Scholarship of Honor in honor of Past Hero

In May 2011 we will present the General George S. Patton Scholarship of Honor for the first time in the city of Pilsen, Czech Republic.

To help perpetuate this scholarship, we received the first donation for the endowment from Kathy and Mickey Hoffman following the lead of Bob Nueske. The Hoffman's met Doug LaViolette in his recent trip over the anniversary of the Liberation of the Czech Republic by General George Patton's 3rd army in 1945. (See the previous blog post for more information on the Liberation festival.)

Since the scholarship will be awarded to a High School Senior who will be entering the military or a form of community service, the Hoffman’s made their contribution in honor of Kathy’s father, Charles Robert Lemmons. He served as a MP in the 16th Armored Division during the European campaign. In civilian life, his career spanned 36 years on the Police Force in Covington, KY. He never missed a day of work, retiring in 1979 at the age of 65 with the rank of Lt. Detective.

Kathy stated, ‘that he always told them that we are only on this earth to help people and that is how he lived his entire life.’ The Hoffman’s definitely have the same values as Charles Lemmons. Thank you for all you do.

We look forward to sharing more details about the General George Patton Scholarship of Honor...stay tuned!

Photos courtesy of Kathy Hoffman: Charles Lemmons in both his police uniform (before being drafted in 1943) and in his Army uniform.

"The Journey is the Reward" to the World Cup

As many of you know Brian loved soccer-playing it, watching it and being a part of the different teams he played on. Neil Buethe was one of those teammates that Brian became close too.

A couple weeks ago, Neil approached us, to our surprise, as the Senior Manager of Communications for the U.S. Soccer Federation.

He told us that he has never forgotten Brian and their friendship. He wrote : " his inspirational story has stayed with me for all these years. I actually still keep some of the material about the "Journey is the Reward" that was handed out during his funeral in my wallet as a symbolic way to keep Brian with me at all times."

He went on to say that Jay DeMerit, defender for the U.S. Soccer World Cup Team, had an amazing journey on how he got to where he is today. For Neil, it really speaks the phrase "The Journey is the Reward."

--Jay DeMerit at the World Cup. Photo by ISIphotos.com--

Jay began his soccer career at Bay Port High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin where he graduated from in 1998.

Jay didn't start playing soccer until his sophomore year in high school. He then played at the University of Illinois. After graduation, he decided to take advantage of his European Union work status (due to his Danish grandfather) and moved to England in 2003. He started off playing in the ninth tier of English football for Southall Town F.C.
In July 2004, DeMerit joined Northwood, a seventh-tier team, to play in some of their pre-season matches. He went on to sign a one year contract with Watford that season and has been a regular in the Watford lineup ever since. Jay played in all of the World Cup games for the United States.

Wow. Not starting soccer till he was 16 years old to a ninth-tier team to the World Cup... "The Journey is the Reward" is fitting.

Jay visited Green Bay and his alma mater, Bay Port High School on July 9th where he signed and talked with hundreds of fans. Jim Schmitt, the Mayor of Green Bay, presented Jay with a key to the city and delcared July 9th, 'Jay DeMerit Day'.

After a long day of signing hundreds of autographs, Jay was kind enough to meet with Brian's Dad, Doug LaViolette and signed a few soccer balls, just liked those used during the World Cup for the Brian's Foundation fundraiser efforts.

We can't tell you how much it meant to us that Neil reached out and for keeping Brian and his Foundation in his heart after all these years. We felt honored that Jay also showed his support and believes in the mission of Brian's Foundation.

We are so touched that Jay has joined in on Neil's journey, our Journey and Brian's journey.

The General George Patton Scholarship of Honor in Pilsen Czech Republic

Doug LaViolette recently had the privilege of attending the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. May 6th, 2010 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd Army.

Our good friend Bob Nueske, was relentless in making sure he experienced what he had a couple years ago. Both he and Doug had served in the United States Army back in the late 60's, and not far from this city.

The events of May 1-9 were truly life-changing in so many ways. We hope the following snapshots that Doug captured will help share his time there. What he witnessed was the love of America and the American Soldier- even 65 years after the liberation of their city.

To show their respect, thousands of Czech citizens lined the streets for miles to pay tribute to General Patton and the American Soldier.

The week was filled with large crowds to private reflective moments, including this American family's private time to honor and remember their American hero. This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded American USAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on.

At the time this 20 year old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenky Sladkove, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory.

For 65 straight years , Zdenky, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil's crash site and memorial near her home.

Another chapter in this important story.....the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.
American Soldiers, young and old, are the ''Rock Stars'' these children and their parents want autographs from..

After witnessing these magical moments Bob Nueske asked how could we not start a scholarship in Pilsen?

So we're proud to announce starting next year, The Brian LaViolette Foundation will established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.

Thanks to Bob Nueske, we have the start of the endowment fund to make this possible.

4th Annual $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship

After interviewing six outstanding students from six different high schools in the Green Bay area, we had a hard decision to make. All of the students were more than qualified to receive the $10,000.00 Brian LaViolette Scholarship. All will make a difference in this world-all for different reasons.

It was one of those years (like most years) we wish we could present all six with Brian's scholarship, but in the end, one stood taller to us- Brigitte Juppe from DePere High School.

Brigitte will be attending Marquette University in the fall with plans to major in biomedical science and minor in Spanish. She'd like to continue her education at medical school and enter in the medical field as a bilingual Neonatalogist or Family Practitioner. We have no doubt that wherever life's journey takes her, she will make a positive change in this world.

In her essay she states: "The recipient of Brian's scholarship needs to keep his memory alive and serve as a positive role model, both of which I feel I am capable of accomplishing by working hard to obtain the successful future life I know he would have led." We know Brigitte will make us and Brian proud.

Brigitte is pictured here with Nancy Schopf of Partners in Education. Their team provides the best scholarship guidance and managerial help we can ask for!

Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at West Point

The LTG Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at West Point was presented on May 18th to a Cadet who excels in all areas, despite personal hardship while a cadet. This year, the honor was awarded to Cadet Todd Lambka.

CDT Lambka is an inspiration and a true role-model for cadets and other young adults. He serves as a great example of personal determination.

After CDT Lambka received the award, 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 on 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!”

Congratulations Todd...thanks for all you do!

Pictured here with his father and brother.

2010 Scholarship of Honor Presentations Dates

We'd like to highlight our Scholarship of Honor presentations. The Scholarship of Honor pays tribute to our past and present military heroes and is awarded a student entering into the military or a form of public safety or community service.

The programs' mission is: To honor, to remember, those who serve, while recognizing dedication, community service and selflessness in those who follow in their footsteps.

Andrew Brownfield: North High School Akron, OH --Sunday, May 16, 2:00pm

Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton CO-- May 17, 7:00pm

Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY-- May 18, 2:30pm

John Bradley: Appleton West High School-- May 19, 6:30pm

Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School- Engler Performing Arts Center-- May 19, 7:00pm

Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School auditorium-- May 19, 8:30am

Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School auditorium-- May 19, 9:00am

Joe Welke: Rapid City Stevens High School-- May 24, 7:00pm

James Cathey: Reno High School, NV-- May 25, 7:00pm at Peppermill Hotel Casino

Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School-- May 26, 6:00pm

Nichole Frye: Lena High School-- May 26, 7:30pm

Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School-- May 26, 7:00pm

Brent Vroman: Omro High School Performing Arts Center-- May 26, 7:30pm

Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School-- May 28, 9:00am

Ken Hess: Reynolds High School, Asheville NC--May 28 at 8:30am or June 1st, 7:00pm

Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg-Casco High School Gym-- May 28, 9:00am

Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School-- June 1, 9:00am

Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School auditorium-- June 3, 7:00pm

Tom Hudner: EAA-Airventure, Oshkosh, WI-- July 27, 6:00pm

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

Junior Achievement Business Challenge

Brian's Foundation has been awarding a scholarship since 2004 at the Junior Achievement’s (JA) Business Challenge in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This years' scholarship went to Maikou Lor. She is a freshman at West DePere High School. Maikou enjoys writing, reading, drawing, listening to music and hanging out with her friends. She is also involved in Art Club.

JA's mission is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise, understand business and economics, and be workforce-ready. JA brings economics to life by providing K-12 students the marketable skills they will need for future success. Adult volunteers facilitate hands-on activities directly with students during the school day using curricula prepared by JA.

Update on Past Brian LaViolette Scholarship Recipients

Nick Kulkoski, the 2009 Recipient of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship is studying at New York University. His first year is going well. He is taking advantage of what the big city has to offer, meeting a lot of new lifelong friends and undertook 18 credits in his first semester. This semester he is taking Calculus III, Principles of Financial Accounting, Microeconomics and others..nothing like starting strong! He plans to join the Actuarial Society as soon as he begins taking classes towards his major of Actuarial Science.

He writes, "None of the experiences I have and will encounter at college would have been possible without the help of Brian's Foundation. I would like to thank you again for all of your help and I look forward to spending the next three and half years of schooling with you."

Ben Fischl, the 2008 Brian LaViolette Scholarship is currently at the United States Naval Academy. Before his appointment began, he spent some time in Rwanda with some mission work, which he states 'changed his life'. He is back at the Academy studying Arabic, Military History, Law, Economics, Engineering Mechanics and will start flying gliders next month! He is enjoying his time and like Nick, taking full advantage of his learning and life experiences along the way!