The Story Behind The Scholarship Of Honor

The program was unveiled in the Spring of 2004 at Menasha High School in Menasha, Wisconsin. It is one of the few high schools in the United States proud to recognize two Medal of Honor Recipients.

Of the more than 50 million Americans who have served our country in uniform, fewer than 3,500 have been awarded the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for Valor. Today, there are fewer than 100 of these great men living.

The two Medal of Honor Recipients, Ken Stumpf and Elmer Burr both began their educational and inspirational journeys at Menasha High School.

Elmer Burr was a 34-year-old First Sergeant stationed with the Army’s 32nd Infantry Division in New Guinea during World War II where his actions saved the life of his commanding officer. His commitment to his country earned him the Medal of Honor, but sadly cost him his life.

Ken Stumpf was a 23-year-old Specialist Four stationed with the Army’s 25th Infantry Division where he fought so heroically for the lives of the men in his squad also with disregard for his own life. Ken survived that fight in the Village of Duc Pho, Vietnam to later accept the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson. Ken went on to serve 29 years in the United States Army, achieving the highest rank of a non-commissioned officer; Sergeant Major.

The Scholarship of Honor began to take on deeper meaning with the loss of several local soldiers from Northeast Wisconsin serving in the war on Terror. Brian’s Foundation, with the help and support of others throughout the area, has honored these brave young men and women by establishing similar endowed Scholarships of Honor in their names at their respective high schools.

While taking into account the men and women who serve our country fighting for peace, the Scholarship of Honor expanded to include community service and public safety fields (i.e. law enforcement, police science, fire safety, EMT services, nursing, teaching and ministry. )

Our Heartfelt Thank You to the Scholarship of Honor Contributors

You will find on each Scholarship of Honor page, our generous sponsors under 'star' ratings.

Thank you to all who make these everlasting tributes possible.