Admiral William H. McRaven (U.S. Navy Retired) - watch up for auction on November 30th

Admiral William H. McRaven served 37 years as a Navy Seal and is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book Make Your Bed.

Admiral McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy Four-Star admiral and the former Chancellor of the University of Texas System. During his time in the military, he commanded special operations forces at every level, eventually taking charge of the U.S. Special Operations Command.

His career included combat during Desert Storm and both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He commanded the troops that captured Saddam Hussein and rescued Captain Phillips. McRaven is also credited with developing the plan and leading the Osama bin Laden mission in 2011.

His Navy Seal 45MM Luminox watch is very special limited edition 33 of 50. It features a stainless steel, matte PVD black gunmetal case and solid link bracelet, screw case back and screw down crown. 12-Hour, Quartz, Blue Dial Analog, Water Resistance: 200 m series 3500-1GBq H-3 LX-200

Admiral McRaven’s watch will be auctioned off on November 30th, 2022 through Rago/Wright Auction at wright20.com. Online bidding starts on November 12th. All proceeds from the sale of this watch will benefit the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation.

Photos by Ty Alexander Photography

Dick Vitale and Terry Bradshaw's personal watches up for auction on November 30th

For the past 3 + decades these men have been best known for their roles in Sports broadcasting.   Both Dick Vitale and Terry Bradshaw we’re also some of the first to step up and donate one of their personal watches to “The Once Upon a Time” Watch Auction.

Their incredible donation came at a difficult time as they selflessly put others before themselves as they both battled cancer.  

We are so grateful their kindness and admire them for their courage. 

Dick Vitale also known as "Dickie V", is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well known for his 41-year tenure as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN.

He is known for catchphrases such as "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy" (outstanding freshman player), as well as his enthusiastic and colorful remarks during games. He has also written nine books, and appeared in several films.

Dick’s Movado ESQ Quartz Venture stainless steel features a black dial with four accent diamond markers. watch to help others.

Widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Terry Bradshaw is known as a tough competitor and for having one of the most powerful arms in NFL history. He played for 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and won four Super Bowl titles. Terry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.

Since 1994, he has been a television sports analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday. Bradshaw is also an actor and singer, having participated in many television shows and films.

Terry bought this watch in Lithuania in 2017 while filming the television series, "Better Late than Never." His limited edition Vostok Europe World Timer Features a world timer function with 24 different cities around the world, local and secondary time zones, a date window, and an alarm. The stunning dial is showcased in a 43-millimeter stainless steel, rose gold plated case under an anti-reflective K1 mineral glass crystal.

Both watches will be auctioned off on November 30th through Rago/Wright Auction House, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Brian’s Foundation.

National Football League- past and present NFL members give back

Seven NFL greats and the former president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame donated their watches…All of the watches tell a story and all of them so unique!

All of them are up for auction on November 30th through Rago/Wright with all proceeds going to Brian’s Foundation.

Watch Project Auction- November 30th!

The Once Upon a Time Watch Auction will take place on November 30th, 2022 through Rago/Wright in Chicago. Online bidding starts on November 12th. 

We have some incredible watches that will be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds going to Brian's Foundation. It has been quite an amazing process and we can't wait to share more details with you. 

First of all, check out these donors! You can also click here to see more details about each watch by clicking on the donor's photo on our website. 

There is also going to be a Watch Auction viewing party at the Automobile Gallery the day of the auction. 

Stay tuned for more details on that!

We didn't do it alone

Evan Krznarich,  Isaiah Hunt Scholarship of Honor recipient from Bay Port High School.  Evan is pursuing a career as a Firefighter Paramedic through NWTC .

Brian's Foundation continues to award scholarships in 17 states and 3 foreign countries. We did not do this alone. The school guidance offices, sponsors, selection committees and presenters go above and beyond to make this a life-changing experience for each and every recipient.

On behalf of the following 55 scholarship recipients, their families and the communities we serve, thank you. We think the 2022 recipients say it best and you can hear from them on our website here.

Above and Beyond Scholarship (2): Oconto High School- Recipients, Maggie Sohrweide and McKenna Seidl

Ron Anderson Scholarship: Suring High School- Chantelle Van Den Elzen 

Matt Atkinson Scholarship: Green Bay East High School, WI-Amaia Lawrence

Bellin College Scholarship- Green Bay, WI- Madelyn Koenig

Ollie and Helen Bogsted Scholarship: Suring High School, WI- Carley Gennesse

Rachel Bosveld Scholarship: Waupun High School, WI- Mackenzie Grams

John Bradley: Appleton West High School, WI-Aaliyah Xiong

Andrew Brownfield: North High School, Akron OH- Jessica Causey

Mike Colalillo: Denfeld High School, MN- Elliana Jouppi

Jessica Causey is studying Biology and pursing a degree in Pre-Med at Akron University. She received the 2022 Andrew Brownfield Scholarship of Honor.

James Cathey: Reno High School, NV- Chloe Bonnenfant

Esther Cleveland: Oconto High School, WI- Maggie Sohrweide

Danny Dietz: Heritage High School, Littleton, CO- Abigail Lux

Ben Edinger: Green Bay West High School, WI- Dylan Gerou

Wendell and Shanna Ellsworth (2 scholarships): Belding High School, MI-Matthew Massman and Brenden Niemiec

Nichole Frye: Lena High School, WI- Samara VanArk

Robert Foley: United States Military Academy, West Point NY- Ily Park

Riley Garbe: Freedom High School, WI- Grace Hambel

Sal Giunta: JFK High School, Cedar Rapid, IA-  Brian Stubblefield

Joel Gentz: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN- Mitchell Vannoy

David Hatfield: Tunstall High School, Dry Fork VA- Amy Manzano

Kyle Hemauer: Chilton High School, WI- Sofia Billmann

Ken Hess: AC Reynolds High School, Asheville, NC- Sydney Thayer

Ily Park received the LTG Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor at West Point during a special presentation from Medal of Honor recipient, Robert Foley himself.

Nainoa Hoe: Schofield Barracks, HI- to be awarded in August

Thomas Hudner: Fox Valley Composite Civil Air Patrol- Cailey Stolt

Isaiah Hunt: Bayport High School, WI- Evan Krznarich 

Ryan Jerabek: Pulaski High School, WI- Olivia Williquette

Junior Achievement- Business Challenge-Kamden Bay

Len Keller: Auburn High School, Rockford, IL-Gina Fiorenza

Ken Kubsch: Manitowoc High School, WI- Zachary Zdziarski 

Brian LaViolette: Ashwaubenon High School, WI- Brittany Voight

LEAP School Science and Math (2 Scholarships), South Africa- To be awarded in Aug.

Eric McColley: Gettysburg High School, PA- Summer Lefler-Booth

NWTC Scholarship (2 scholarships): Aubrey Williams

Nueske Family: Wittenberg-Birnamwood, WI- Jadalynn Davids

Victoria Parmentier Scholarship: Ashwaubenon High School, WI- Jocelyn McNicoll

Hannah Moe received the Journey is the Reward Scholarship at Oconto High School. She will be studying nursing at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Victoria Robbins Parmentier: Oconto Falls High School, WI-Danielle Darby

General George S. Patton: Pilsen, Czech Republic,- Natálie Jeslínková

Poland Scholarships: Nidzica Poland- September 2022

Robert Safford: Oconto High School, WI- Cole Pierucki

Ron Sager: Fox Valley Lutheran High School, WI- Karina Qualmann

Matt Schmidt: Young Life, Green Bay, WI- To be awarded in July

St. Norbert Scholarships (2 scholarships): DePere, WI --Maria Miller and Nathaniel Lezotte

Ken Stumpf, Elmer Burr: Menasha High School, WI- Evan Rubbert

"The Journey is the Reward": Oconto High School (2), WI- Hannah Moe and Juliana Sieber

"The Journey is Reward": Suring High School, WI- Gavin Fredenburg

Jesse Thiry: Luxemburg Casco High School, WI- McKenna Day

Brent Vroman: Omro High School, WI-Jaelyn Stadler

Bernard Webber: MAST Academy, Miami FL- Carlos Aragan 

Joe Welke- Stevens High School, Rapid City, SD- The Learning Center

Ray Zimmerman: Green Bay West High School, WI- Nadia Mortinson

Woody Wililams, a kind and gentle soul

Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, has died at the age of 98 years old.

Mrs. Bradley, Woody and 2007 John Bradley Scholarship of Honor recipient, Luke Justman.

We met Woody during the 2007 Congressional Medal of Honor convention in Green Bay, WI.  Beyond his battlefield heroics, he was a kind and gentle soul. 

That same year, he took part in the 1st annual John Bradley Scholarship of Honor presentation at Appleton West with Mrs. Bradley and scholarship sponsors, Ron and Colleen Weyers.  

It was a special time for the school, its students and the Bradley family.

Woody earned his Congressional Medal of Honor during the Battle of Iwo Jima for displaying "valiant devotion to duty." It was presented to him by President Harry Truman in a ceremony at the White House on October 5, 1945. 

Born on a dairy farm in Quiet Dell, West Virginia, in 1923, Williams served 20 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves. In the early days of World War II, Woody delivered telegrams informing Gold Star families that their loved one had died, an experience Woody said helped him appreciate life and better understand the "difference in death in the normal world as expected in life, and those lost serving in the military for their country."

After the war, Woody worked for 33 years in the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also created the Woody Williams Foundation to support and advocate on behalf of Gold Star Families after his time as a Marine.

Woody with scholarship sponsors, Colleen and Ron Weyers

The Publishers Clearing House of Scholarships

"Just another day of my senior year, turned into a day I will never forget. I received with great honor, the Brian LaViolette Scholarship for $10,000.

I was nominated for this scholarship by my school counselor for my hard work and determination as I work to obtain my degree in nursing.

A raw moment, as you can tell

•no fancy outfit

•no makeup

•my crazy hair

Looking back upon this day in 20 years, the way I looked will not matter but the look on my parent’s faces will matter forever.”

Judy Voight, Renee LaViolette, Brittany Voight, Doug LaViolette and Dan Voight at the surprise presentation

Every year we have the privilege of surprising a student with a $10,000 check during one of their school days. And each year, it is so much fun.

The 2022 Brian LaViolette Scholarship was awarded to Brittany Voight. Brittany has already worked unbelievably hard towards becoming a registered nurse. Ultimately, she would like to work as an RN in the neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit.

This year the surprise was at Seymour High School where a team of people gathered in the library waiting for Brittany's class to join them. The team consisted of members of Greater Green Bay Chamber who help administer the scholarship, the principal, the recipient’s parents and Doug and Renee LaViolette.

Brittany has completed over 75% of her general college education while in high school, she works overnight shifts at Bellin hospital on the weekends and works at a local diner.  With all that dedication, she will be entering into the nursing program at NWTC this fall.

Each of the finalists were incredibly worthy of this year’s scholarship.  It was a tough decision and one we didn’t take lightly.  We’d like to thank the Green Bay Chamber for another year of support.  They administer the application and interview process, and it is a crucial part of awarding Brian’s scholarship.

Another BIG thanks to Medal of Honor recipient, Gary Wetzel who is the sponsor of this year's Brian LaViolette Scholarship.

Tom Hudner Scholarship of Honor recipient

Congratulations to Cadet Captain Cailey Stolt, who was presented the 2022 Thomas Hudner Scholarship of Honor at this year’s Wisconsin Wing Conference.

C/Capt Stolt will be pursuing a nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. She stated, "I am grateful to have received this scholarship and represent Thomas Hudner and his legacy."

Presenting the scholarship were Lt Col Stephen Kohler & Col Denese Helgeland

The scholarship is in honor of Thomas Hudner, a fighter pilot in the Korean War, who routinely completed his missions by air. But in a dramatic rescue attempt of a fellow pilot, Hudner executed a wheels-up landing in enemy territory and found himself battling the elements on the ground. The snow and cold of December 1950 in North Korea found Hudner thinking not of himself or the enemy, but of one fellow Navy pilot, Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first African American aviator.

President Truman awarded Thomas Hudner the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 13, 1951 for his courageous actions.

This year’s scholarship is sponsored by Mary and retired Navy Captain Thomas Hennessey.

Lane Lee on Small Towns

Jeff Alexander's Small Towns segment on WBAY-TV2 shares more on the life of Lane Lee a singer songwriter from Suring, Wisconsin.

Lane wrote a song inspired by Brian's Foundation. You can see the video here.

The students of today and yesterday provide HOPE.

This is our 29th scholarship season. It is an exciting time for our applicants, as they enjoy the last couple months of their Senior year. Their minds are also transitioning into the next step of a college education and all the questions and excitement that goes along with that.

And all of us at Brian’s Foundation enjoy this time of year too. Spring is always a time of blossoming and every year, the students of today and yesterday provide us a lot of hope. Thanks to so many donors and volunteers, young men and women are inspired and financially supported in the next step of their journey. And it is not lost on them.

Sarah Ames MacFarland was a scholarship recipient from 1996. She shares more about her journey here.

Coach K's time with Duke Basketball will not be forgotten.

It seems fitting we would share the details of Coach K’s watch on this special day.

Today, Coach “K”, Mike Krzyzewski is coaching his final home basketball at Duke University.  It’s a journey that began 42 years ago and tonight is his 1562nd game played in Cameron Indoor Stadium, on the hardwood floor that bears his name.

Time will tell what the final score will be for Duke vs Carolina, but we do know the time on a watch Coach K wore and owned, will bring joy and reflection to its new owner.  The big question, will it be yours? 

2.22.22!

We have been eyeing the date 2.22.22 for a while now. Many know that Brian's Foundation enjoys these unique days. It all started with a conversation between Brian and his dad, Doug on 8.8.88. The Foundation has hosted events on 9.9.99, 11.11.11, 11.12.13 and today is not lost on us. With that, we’d like to update you on a powerful ‘little’ project.

Since we announced the "Once Upon a Time Watch Project" late last year with a donation from His Holiness, Pope Francis, dozens of others have joined him in supporting Brian's Foundation- American heroes, celebrities, sports figures, heads of states. We are humbled to say the least.

These timepieces will be auctioned live and online to a worldwide audience through Rago/Wright, an industry leader auction house, later this fall or early this winter. Every watch has as story and if you or someone you know would like to be involved in donating a watch, we would be proud to tell your story too.

“Rago/Wright is proud to share our expertise and auction platform in support of The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation. We look forward to the Once Upon Time Watch auction.” Richard Wright, CEO of Rago/Wright stated.

100% of the proceeds will be used to help Brian’s Foundation continue its mission of providing scholarships and inspiration for generations to come. For more details on the Watch Project, please visit briansjourney.com.

2021 brought challenges and hope. It brought unknowns and gratitude. It also brought 56 new scholarship recipients into our lives.

As those 56 young men and women start out on the next chapter of their lives, we are reminded about possibility. Each and every one of them have already achieved so much in their lives. At 18 years old, they understand what it means to make a difference.

This is just a fraction of the Brian LaViolette Foundation's 2021 Scholarship recipients. Please visit www.briansjourney.com for details on each of our scholarships.

Thank you for your continued support and making a lasting impression in the lives of todays students.

Words of Thanks

"I’ve been so inspired by the Foundation and your family turning Brian’s tragedy into triumphs for students like me. I will never forget this day and I will never forget your advice to stay true to myself.

One of the first things people say about me is I’ve got a great smile. After reading Brain’s book tonight, it sounds like he did too. I get the feeling we have a lot in common. I’ll be sure to keep flashing my smile and spreading happiness just like Brian."

Brady Wittig, Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient, Ashwaubenon, WI

“I want to express my gratitude and honor in being a recipient of this scholarship. I am both humbled and inspired by the story of Ken’s life. He epitomizes the person and physician I aspire to be someday. With the generosity of this scholarship fund, I feel my dreams becoming more of a reality. I know with such support; I can go forward and change lives as a physician just as Ken did.”

Mia Strazny, 2021 Ken Kusbsch Scholarship recipient, Manitowoc WI

“I am retiring after 33 years in education. I really enjoyed and appreciated all your support through the years. The David Hatfield Scholarship of Honor was one of my favorites and I loved working with you.”

Jan Daniels, Guidance Office, Tunstall High School, Dry Fork, VA

“This scholarship means a lot to me. I can’t believe I was selected as a recipient. Receiving the scholarship means I have succeeded. A lot of people say there isn’t help out there, but this shows that there are others who help.”

Saraza Byake, Andrew Brownfield Scholarship of Honor Recipient, Akron, OH

The Journey to Pope Francis

Last week was a humbling time for us. We had known for a while about the gift that Pope Francis was donating to Brian's Foundation but sharing it with others was truly surreal and significant.

In a special media announcement, that included members of the media, friends, and board members of the Foundation, we unveiled a watch once owned by his Holiness, Pope Francis.

During the hour we spent together, Brian’s best friend, Austin Rios joined in. Austin, an Episcopal Priest who has led a church in Rome, Italy for the past decade shared how we approached him with this idea, how it came to fruition and more about his friendship with Brian.

The “Once Upon a Time Watch Project” is one of our greatest fundraising efforts with the upcoming live and online auction to take place in the summer of 2022. (Details will be released on 2.22.22)

Pope Francis' wristwatch will be front and center in the auction, alongside timepieces worn over the last few decades by the likes of Priscilla Presley, Jerry Lewis, Jan Stenerud and Medal of Honor recipient, Sal Giunta.

Doug LaViolette is pictured here with Mike Calawerts, endowment Campaign Chair and friend of the Foundation. They proudly unveiled the watch from his Holiness and a letter to the Foundation at Nicolet National Bank where the watch is held in safekeeping.

We really hope you take some time to read the rest of the story in the Green Bay Press Gazette article by Natalie Eilbert here. You can also see the news stories by WBAY-TV2 and WFRV-TV5.

The journey continues! Thank you for being a part of it.

Divine Intervention

First annual Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship presentation

The first annual Matt Schmidt Kindness Scholarship presentation through Young Life was awarded to Gabe Vasquez from the Schmidt family.

Gabe wrote a beautiful essay about how he has seen kindness from a Young Life leader and plans on paying that kindness forward. In Gabe's essay, he stated: "Kindness is a gift God intended for every human to experience in their lifetime."

Matt Schmidt

The inspiration for the scholarship is Matt Schmidt. Matt was a 2008 graduate of Green Bay Southwest High School and attended UW Stout before coming back to live in Green Bay.

In his element, you could find Matt hanging out with friends and family, running, fishing, golfing, watching the Packers, picking on his younger siblings, hunting, boating, listening to music, grilling out juicy steaks and hanging out in Door County. Although those things were significant in his life, Matt had a true passion to serve the youth in the community through the organization, Young Life. During his last two years, Matts work schedule made it difficult to participate as much as he would have liked, but he still found time to head to camp to be a counselor, participate in the annual Young Life Glow Run, and set up a curling event for the organization.

Everyone who had the pleasure to meet Matt during his short life knew he had a big heart. He was always there for anyone at any time, and was quick to give them everything he had. He was one to always give, and never to take. Matt radiated kindness wherever he went, having the ability to step in and help in any situation. As his final act of kindness here on Earth, Matt donated his organs so that six people could continue his legacy. 

Matt’s family wanted to honor him and help a young man or women on their educational journey. The Matt Kindness Scholarship will be presented annually to a Young Life Student who exemplifies the legacy Matt left here on earth. 

" This is an example that you and your family have set for me and for all who come to know of Brian's legacy. "

I am writing simply to say thank you again,  more than 5 years after receiving the award, I still feel so motivated by your family's choice and belief in me in making a difference in the world. This past year, going through medical school (and in a pandemic no less) has been the most challenging year of my life in terms of rigor and academic stress.

Donglin in 2015- surprise presentation of the Brian LaViolette Scholarship

In preparation to apply for some research fellowships, I was reminded of that morning in high school when your family and mine came to my school to surprise me with the award. Whenever I think of that moment, my heart is filled with warmth and a bit more strength to keep working.

Now, in the clinical rotations of 3rd year, I am learning medicine on the wards and not just from the books. This comes with it its own set of challenges but also rewards - the chance to contribute to the care of another person while learning from it. I should do well to remember that "the journey is the reward," especially on the most challenging of days. 

The other lesson I am learning is that in choosing medicine, I have chosen a field that will always encounter suffering, pain, and loss. There is no easy way to cope except to understand that my calling is to work with my colleagues to face these challenges with hope, innovation, and kindness. This is an example that you and your family have set for me and for all who come to know of Brian's legacy. 

Donglin with her medical school roommates during the white coat ceremony

Thank you for believing in me.

Warmly, 

Donglin Zhang 

We say goodbye and thank you to Ron Weyers, a true treasure.

Ron Weyers (right) with Andrzej Zawiesk learning more about the need for scholarships in Nidzica, Poland.

“Ron was a master of managing by walking around.  He would frequently kick off his shoes somewhere during the day and have to backtrack to find them at the end of the day. He wanted input from everybody on how they could "do better" and always made sure to celebrate success.  He listened. He cared about people and their lives.”

For those of you who knew Ron Weyers, you knew his unique thoughtfulness.  For those of you who didn’t have a chance to know Ron, we’d like to introduce you to him. 

Sadly, the quote above is from his obituary.  But as I read it, I had to smile.  I could envision Ron kicking off his shoes, getting comfortable and making those around him feel comfortable by doing so.   He had a gift for that.

Ron’s schooling started in a one-room schoolhouse and continued in the Army.  He started and ran several successful companies, all embodying a family atmosphere.  In the meantime, he and Colleen raised a beautiful family of their own. 

Ron and Colleen Weyers (right) with Mrs. Betty Bradley (left) and the first John Bradley Scholarship of Honor recipient, Luke Justman in May 2007.

Ron and his family have been one of our biggest contributors and one of our biggest encouragers of Brian’s Foundation.   The Weyers Family Foundation was one of our first sponsors for our scholarships in Poland.  They sponsored the John Bradley Scholarship of Honor at Appleton West High School.  They were a large contributor to the Ken Kubsch Scholarship and continue to provide an annual donation to our Scholarship of Honor program to cover the expenses of the scholarship medal so that 100% of the scholarship funds could continue to go directly to the recipients (this was Ron’s idea and he approached us).

Ron and his wife, Colleen, received the Brian LaViolette Spirit Award in 2015 for all their support to Brian’s Foundation and all they have done for the community.  If we listed everything, it would be a very long list. 

Renee LaViolette, Ron and Colleen Weyers, Doug and Kim LaViolette during the 2015 Brian LaViolette Spirit Award luncheon.

We have no doubt that Ron has touched the lives of tens of thousands of people throughout the years--through his companies, his support to organizations and universities, their Brown County Library branch, and those he met along the way.  We always told him we couldn’t thank him enough for all his belief and support in Brian’s Foundation.  We still can’t, but we will say it once again, “Thank you for everything, Ron.”

The next time I have to backtrack for my shoes, I will think of Ron Weyers.

Gary Wetzel continues to make a difference

By Julie Hoerth with Doug LaViolette

One of the common traits among the Medal of Honor recipients is their modesty. Ask any one of them about their heroic efforts and they’ll all say the same thing. “I’m just a regular guy. Nobody special. Just doing my job.”

None of the honorees exemplifies this more to me than Gary Wetzel.

Meeting Gary for the first time, one might find himself intimidated. A highly-decorated Vietnam War Veteran, Gary worked as a heavy equipment operator in South Milwaukee. A prosthetic arm replaces the one he lost when he was blown into a rice paddy by a homemade grenade while defending our freedom at the age of 19.

On the inside, Gary has a heart of gold. He’s a true Wisconsinite – a proud Harley Davidson-driving Milwaukee man who epitomizes the down-to-earth attitude and strong work ethic that Midwesterners are known for.

Photo by Nick DelCalzo

At the age of 18, Gary joined the United States Army. During his first tour, he was assigned to the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company, the Robin Hoods, where he served as a door gunner. Just ten days away from being shipped home from Vietnam, Gary was gunned down for the fifth time on January 8, 1968. He and his crew found themselves deep in enemy territory, surrounded by hostile fire.

Two of Gary’s fellow crew members were killed outright in the battle. While going to the aid of his aircraft commander, Gary was hit by a grenade that caused severe wounds to his right arm, chest and left leg, and severed his entire upper left arm. Under the circumstances, Gary continued fighting for the next 12 hours.

Despite the fact that he continued to lose blood and pass in and out of consciousness, Gary forged on, grabbing the wounded soldiers around him and dragging them across the rice paddy to safety.

The following morning, Gary and the other survivors were rescued. He was taken to a field hospital where he spent just over a week on the critical list. Gary had suffered spinal damage, and his left arm was amputated. Once they were able to stabilize him, they sent him to a hospital in Tokyo.

Gary was a young man when he sustained these life-changing injuries. He could have become bitter, or hardened, but he chose to move on. Gary spent about five months at Ft. Simmons, outside of Denver, Colorado, where he had various skin grafts, learned to walk again and got adjusted to using his new prosthetic arm.

It is worth repeating, Gary is a true Wisconsinite. Not surprisingly, he is a Green Bay Packer fan through and through. He’ll tell you he’s a fan of “the old black and blue division – when football was football.” During the Medal of Honor Convention in Green Bay that was spearheaded by Brian’s Foundation, we arranged for all of the recipients to attend a Packer game. Gary, along with the other Wisconsin recipients, took part in the coin toss. Gary wore a Bart Starr jersey that day. Standing on the field he made eye contact with Brett Favre and said, “No offense pal. This is my hero.”

Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers, photo by Doug LaViolette, circa 1971

Years earlier, during recovery in Tokyo, Gary had the honor of meeting his hero in person. It was a down time for Gary – he was learning to come to terms with the fact that his arm was gone and the trials he would face as he transitioned back into the civilian world. There were professional football players visiting on the U.S.O. Tour, and someone asked if anyone on the ward was from Wisconsin. The next thing he knew, Bart Starr was in his room. Gary says chatting with Bart lifted his spirits and was just what he needed. When Bart Starr returned home from the tour, Gary read an article about him in American Legion Magazine where he was asked about his most memorable moments from the tour. Bart said what he remembered most was meeting “a little ‘ole red-headed guy that lost his left arm from Wisconsin.” I think it’s kind of neat that Bart Starr and Gary Wetzel had an impact on each other.

That same year, while working as an expediter back in Wisconsin, Gary was approached by three men – a colonel,  a major and a first sergeant – who told him to pack his bags for a trip to Washington to receive the Medal of Honor.  Gary didn’t believe them. He had already been honored with the Distinguished Service Cross – the second highest military honor. In his words, “Nobody thinks they’re going to receive a Medal of Honor.”  It took the men two weeks, but they were finally able to convince Gary that they were sincere. On November 19, 1968, Gary Wetzel received the highest military honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Still, Gary says his heroic efforts were no big deal. He just did what he had to do.  

Today Gary speaks to high school students throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest, relaying his story and trying to teach them about the meaning of sacrifice and patriotism. He teaches them about the realities of war – that it is horrifying, not glorifying – and tries to pass on the message of what it truly means to give back to your country.

While in Green Bay for the 2007 Medal of Honor Convention, he spoke to West DePere High School students.   Gary said that the school visits were his favorite during the convention and if he can change just one student’s life, then he did his job.  Gary continues to make a difference in the lives of students.  And he will make a big one next year, as the sponsor of the $10,000 Brian LaViolette Scholarship. 

Gary Wetzel can say what he wants about being just a regular guy. In my eyes, he is a true American hero.

Once Upon a Time...

While Brian LaViolette's childhood idol, Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud was playing for the Green Bay Packers from 1980 - 1983, Brian began wearing his very first watch in August 1981 at the age of 4.

That watch was the Green Bay Packers watch shown here.

As the Brian LaViolette Foundation eyes its 30th anniversary next year, the passage of time is not lost on the LaViolette family. In seeking to grow an endowment that can fund scholarships for the next 30 years and beyond, Doug LaViolette came up with an idea after hearing about Paul Newman’s famous Daytona watch selling for $17.8 million.

Brian himself loved watches, he was really passionate about watches. In his short life, Brian collected seven watches, and now, the foundation is on a mission to collect some famous ones for its “Watch Project."

“We’re looking to gather watches from people who have helped shape this country and the world and eventually auction those watches off. Right now, according to what I’ve been able to research, there’s over four billion watches in the world and we’re only looking for 22,” says LaViolette.

The foundation is off to a great start, with watches from Jerry Lewis, Priscilla Presley, Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta, and Brian’s childhood idol, Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud, already in safe keeping at Nicolet National Bank.

“What Doug and his family have done is phenomenal, I know he’s getting a lot of help but to keep Brian’s memory alive and be able to help people from law enforcement families, military, first responders is a phenomenal cause, I’m so proud of them and it’s humbling to be part of such a wonderful cause,” said Jan Stenerud during an interview with Jeff Alexander of WBAY-TV 2.

Brian took the liberty of drawing Jan's football card he had hanging on his bulletin board in his bedroom. One unique thing about Jan Stenerud is he also played soccer which drew Brian to him. Pictured below is Jan’s Green Bay Packers watch.

You can learn more about the Watch Project and hear from Jan himself during this WBAY-TV 2 story here.Brian's Foundation will roll out its collection of watches to be auctioned on February 22, 2022.

For more details on the "Once Upon a Time Watch Project", please contact Doug LaViolette 920-655-4098 or doug@thelaviolettegroup.com or visit our website here.