Moved by a moment thousands of miles from home....a note from Doug LaViolette

Three weeks ago I had the privilege to spend time in Normandy, France and witness one of the most moving moments of my life. 

It was my first visit to one of the most hallowed places on earth. What I will remember most, is one of last things I saw. 

Leaving the Normandy Beach Memorial Museum, 

I discovered a single display that needs no words to describe 

the loss and love of one country to another.

I snapped this photo as a young French student was sharing this moment with a friend.

I will always wonder what she was ''saying'' as she emailed the picture she had just taken.  There is no doubt in my mind, it was profound and moving.

You see, I've learned that in these far away lands, they not only appreciate their freedom....

they remember why they are free and are teaching their children who gave them that freedom.  

Community and Business Come Together to Honor Local Hero and Raise Funds for a Scholarship in his Name

The Grand Opening of Texas Roadhouse in Littleton, Colorado was dedicated in Honor of Navy SEAL Danny Dietz.  

It was also a fundraiser for the Danny Dietz Scholarship of Honor endowment. The night raised $6878.93, which brought the endowment to a point that $1,250 can be awarded annually--forever--in Danny’s name!

David Carter created this beautiful mural which hangs on the wall 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 Scholarship of Honor Program through Brian's Foundation recognizes a graduating high school senior with plans to enlist in the military or pursue a career in public safety or community service. These noble fields include fire safety, police science, teaching, nursing, EMT, ministry and more.  

The mission of the Scholarship of Honor  

'To honor, to remember, those who serve while recognizing dedication, community service and selflessness in those who follow in their footsteps"

Changing the World

"This is such a tremendous honor for me to be able to come back and say I'm giving back to the community that helped raise me," said Sal Guinta at John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 1st.

Medal of Honor recipient, Sal Giunta presented the first annual Sal Giunta Scholarship of Honor at his alma mater.  This scholarship is special, because it honors the two soldiers he tried to save, Sgt. Joshua Brennan and Spc. Hugo Medndoza. 

Abi Gray is this years recipient  She has applied to the United States Air Force Academy and plans on studying Areospace Engineering. In Abi's words, "I want to help my community and country as much as I am able so that I can give others the same feeling of gratuity to this country that I experience every day."

When asked about the Scholarship of Honor, Sal replied, ""I'm so proud of that. I think anytime you have people trying to help people it's a good thing and I want to do a good thing. People helping people is positive," said Guinta.


“I can't even dream this stuff up. It's just wild how not part of my plan this was, and how great of a new plan this has created for me,"

Please take a few minutes to view this wonderful news story on our first annual Sal Giunta Scholarship of Honor at JFK High School in Cedar Rapids, IA as well as the growth of Brian's Foundation

Local scholarship group expands: fox11online.com