The General Patton Scholarship was awarded to Dominik Reiterman from Plzeň

The General George S. Patton Scholarship was accepted on Monday, May 5, 2025, by Dominik Reiterman, a student at the František Křižík Gymnasium in Pilsen. Along with the medal, he received a check for one thousand US dollars. The presentation of the scholarship is part of the program of the Freedom Celebration. The ceremony took place at the Pilsen City Hall.

Dominik Reiterman impressed the jury with the path he wants to take after graduation. "Values such as dedication, honour and service to others are not just empty words for me. They are principles that guide my every decision and shape my path. I want to dedicate my life to fighting evil, whether in the military or in the field of security policy. I know the path will not be easy, but I am prepared to sacrifice myself for the greater good. If I can help protect the lives of others, then I know my decision makes sense," he said in the conclusion of his essay, titled My Journey. Dominik is interested in the activities of the Army of the Czech Republic, participated in the EuropaSecura competition, visited the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, is interested in shaping the defence policy of our country, and is therefore also going on an internship to the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic this May. After graduation, he plans to study at the University of Defence.

The award was presented to Dominik Reiterman on behalf of the City of Pilsen by Deputy Mayor Lucie Kantorová, and First Deputy Mayor Pavel Bosák was also present. The ceremony was also attended by distinguished guests: scholarship founder Doug LaViolette, General Patton's grandson George Patton Waters, American Centers Director Monica Davis, General Patton Scholarship Committee Chair Petr Liška, and other guests including family members of U.S. veterans.

"We are here today to pay tribute not only to the heroes of the past, but also to the heroes of the future as part of the extraordinary celebration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen. And one of them may be Dominik - the student to whom we are presenting the General George S. Patton Honorary Scholarship today. He was a symbol of courage, determination, and an unwavering belief in the values we need today more than ever: honor, service to others, and a determination to stand up to evil. Dominic decided to dedicate his life to these values," said Deputy Minister Lucie Kantorová, recalling a sentence that stuck in her mind from Dominic Reitman's essay. "I already know that one hero alone can overcome evil only in a movie, but the army is one big team in which I would like to hold the highest positions in the future." Lucie Kantor stressed that this is a powerful line, "It conveys a deep understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves, and at the same time Dominik shows that courage is not just the ability to face danger. Courage is not only about being able to live up to what is necessary, but also about being willing to take responsibility. And a desire to change the world - not just with words, but with actions."

The General Patton Honorary Scholarship is awarded by the Brian LaViolette Foundation, established by the LaViolette family in memory of their late son and brother Brian. It was Brian's strong commitment to serving his community that inspired the Foundation in its efforts to enable other young people to realize Brian's dreams and plans. Students from vocational schools in the Pilsen region are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It is intended for courageous young people who are planning to join the military, firefighters, paramedics, or other public safety or social services after graduating from high school. Students must write an essay expressing and justifying their decision to pursue this career. The winner is then selected by a panel of judges comprised of members of the General Patton Scholarship Committee. The scholarship is $1,000. The Foundation was established in 2010, with the first scholarship awarded in 2012.

Dominik Reiterman impressed the panel with the path he plans to take after graduation. "Values like dedication, honor and service to others are not just empty words to me. They are principles that guide my every decision and shape my path. I want to dedicate my life to fighting evil, whether in the military or in the field of security policy. I know the path will not be easy, but I am prepared to sacrifice myself for the greater good. If I can help protect the lives of others, then I know my decision makes sense," he said in the conclusion of his essay, titled My Journey. Dominik is interested in the activities of the Army of the Czech Republic, participated in the EuropaSecura competition, visited the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, is interested in shaping the defence policy of our country, and is therefore also going to do an internship in the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic this May. After graduation he plans to study at the University of Defence.

During the ceremony, Foundation officials presented a commemorative medal to Petr Liška for his many years of service to the Brian LaViolette Foundation.