Medal of Honor Recipient, John Finn turns 100

Happy 100th Birthday John!

John Finn was born on July 24th, 1909 and is the oldest of the 96 living Medal of Honor Recipients. He enlisted in the navy in 1926, following his 17th birthday. John had to have his mother sign him up because he was so young.

Even though he only had a grammar school education, he became an Aviation Ordnance man and worked his way though the enlisted ranks, finally being promoted to Chief Petty Officer in only nine years. John received a commission in 1942 and retired as a Lieutenant in 1956.

He earned his medal for actions at his Naval Air Station during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Admiral Chester Nimitz awarded John his Medal of Honor in ceremonies on board USS Enterprise. His citation was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

He is one of our nation’s treasures…and true American hero. Happy Birthday John!

John is pictured here at the 2007 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention Green Bay Packers Game and also with his Medal of Honor from a U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

One of a kind Jeep Golf Cart--signed by Medal of Honor Recipients

When the living Medal of Honor Recipients were invited to Green Bay, Wisconsin for their annual Society convention in 2007, we started working on a unique way to escort them around the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, where they were staying.

This new Golf Cart was turned into a replica of a military Jeep that carried our troops into battle from World War II through Vietnam.

The Golf Cart is signed by the majority of the Medal of Honor Recipients who attended the 2007 Medal of Honor Society Convention. It was the first time the group of living Recipients were on Wisconsin soil at the same time-it truly is priceless.

This photo is Medal of Honor Recipient, Jack Lucas signing the golf cart. Unfortunately, Jack is no longer with us, he passed away on June 5, 2008.

For more information on how this could be yours, please contact Doug and Kim LaViolette at 920-405-9927.

3rd Annual Brian LaViolette Scholarship Awarded to DePere High School Graduate

"As always, it was a hard choice, but Nicholas shares the same core values as Brian did and we know he will go onto accomplish great things. He has been very active in helping the community and his peers, he is humble, a leader, genuine and respectful. " Doug LaViolette stated.

This year's $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship was presented to Nicholas Kulkoski, a student from DePere High School, at the Partners in Education Youth Celebration.

The selection process included a committee made up of representatives from Partners in Education along with the LaViolette family who narrowed down 18 high school seniors’ applications--one outstanding student chosen by selected staff from each high school in the Partners in Education school district. The committee then narrowed it down to five students who were interviewed.

Nicholas will be attending the University of New York to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science.
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Nicholas picture here with Doug, Renee and Kim LaViolette at the Youth Celebration on May 18th, 2009

Recognizing Courage and Commitment

The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation announced today Humana Military Healthcare Services' support in the Scholarship of Honor program. Humana Military’s gift of $10,000 will be used to create special marketing materials to educate and update thousands about Brian’s Foundation, its scholarship recipients and honorees through the Scholarship of Honor program.

"Humana Military is proud to be affiliated with the Scholarship of Honor," said Dave Baker, president and CEO of Humana Military. "This is an opportunity to recognize young adults who strive for a career in the armed forces, public safety or community service. We honor their willingness to make the sacrifices necessary to protect our community and country. These honorees are our future and we wish them complete success in their endeavors."

Humana Military Healthcare Services is headquartered in Louisville, KY and its mission is to be the most trusted name in military health solutions. They collaboratively work with U.S. Department of Defense partners in the delivery of high quality, cost-effective, accessible health care services to the military population we serve.

The donation announced today will ensure that 100% of the Scholarship of Honor endowed donations are awarded to deserving students on an annual basis.

New Board Member--Stan Clark, Gettysburg, PA

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." ~Flavia Weedn. That is the way we feel about Stan Clark.

Not only did he raise over $40,000 for the Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor Fund at Gettysburg High School, but he has one of the biggest hearts anyone can ask for. He is pictured here with Medal of Honor Recipient, Wes Fox in 2007 at the first Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor presentation.

Stan served in the 2nd and 3rd Marine Divisions, as well as recruiting station duty in the Harrisburg, PA area. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1976 after six years of active duty service.

Stan has lived in Gettysburg, PA with his wife Candi for the past 24 years. Stan worked in real estate and construction industries until 2003 and is currently involved in the antique and military book business. He is also a member of the the Gettysburg Battlefield Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Forty & Eight and is active in various Veterans activities and programs, in particular the Wounded Warriors and also a Board Member of the SGTMAC Foundation.