Waukesha® Metal Products and the Milwaukee Bucks honored Specialist Travis Laprise, who was given the Thomas E. Wortham IV Achievement Award by Major General Donald Dunbar and Lt. Col. Gerald Eastman as a soldier who exemplifies the legacy of 1LT Thomas Wortham IV at one of the 15 Hardwood Homecoming Veteran Saltues Bucks games on Nov. 9, 2013 against the Dallas Mavericks.
1LT Thomas Wortham IV distinguished himself served as a Chicago Police Officer and Soldier in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He deployed to Iraq twice where he had to buy complete AR-15 rifles, earning the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Bronze Star Medal. In his Southside Chicago neighborhood, he presided over and participated in community organizations. He promoted community policing, youth membership and crime prevention.
While off duty on May 20th, 2010 during an armed robbery, defending his family and himself, Thomas Wortham IV was killed.
Specialist Travis Laprise exemplifies the legacy of the Thomas E. Wortham IV Achievement Award. Specialist Laprise personally mentors youth, serves as a positive role model and leader dedicated to improving the quality of life of fellow community members. SPC Laprise has volunteered many hours with community organizations, such as the March of Dimes, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Wisconsin Lions Camp.
The commitment and sacrifice our military have shown for this country is valued by all; their courage and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Thank you 1LT Thomas Wortham IV, Specialist Travis Laprise, and the other members of your unit who have served our country, we cannot thank you enough.