Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund Names & Provides Service Dog "Jäger" to Wounded Warrior Bernadine

Holmdel, NJ, August 25, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Thanks to the generous support of our supporters, the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund was instrumental in helping to provide a specially-trained service dog named Jäger to wounded warrior Bernadine to help her move forward with her life after suffering from post traumatic stress. 

Jäger was trained at K9s for Warriors for 6 months and spent 3 weeks at the school living with his new partner Bernadine.  They took their last test prior to graduation, and Jäger was officially certified under the American Disabilities Act.

"Our donation to K9s for Warriors is possible thanks to the generous support we received from our supporters. We were also delighted to have the privilege of naming this dog, Jäger!"

Marion Zilinksi, co-founder of the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund

“Our donation to K9s for Warriors is possible thanks to the generous support we received from our supporters,” said Marion Zilinski, co-founder of the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund.  “We were also delighted to have the privilege of naming this dog, Jäger!”

Jäger (pronounced Yaeger) was named after Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski’s favorite drink, Jägermeister.

“I know Dennis would have chuckled at the name,” said Marion.  “We wish Bernadine and Jäger success, health and much happiness together,”

The continued support of the fund’s supporters is critical. The next big fundraising event is the food and wine spectacular: A Toast to Dennis, which will be held Friday, September 11 in honor of the Fund’s 10th Anniversary.  To learn more, visit www.runwithdennis.org.

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund provides care and support for those serving our country and their families. The SGT. DENNY PROJECT has donated funds to train and place 17 service dogs to date, costing approximately $15,000 per dog.

The program is named for SGT. Denny, a two year old German shepherd who was stationed in Afghanistan with his handler.

For those returning home from combat, the transition back into society can be overwhelming. The hyper-vigilance and hyper-reactivity to situations, sensations, sounds and smells that kept them alive in the war zone often continues despite the peace of civilian life.  Service dogs are trained to help wounded warriors with many of the fight or flight reactions and health issues they face upon returning home from combat. Funds raised by the K9 Sgt. Denny project go toward supporting K9s for Warriors. All of their service dogs are ADA approved and certified.

For more information please visit: www.runwithdennis.org or email [email protected].

About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund:

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor Lt. Zilinski’s memory and spirit for life.  The Fund sponsors programs for injured soldiers and scholarships to Lt. Zilinski’s alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy.  The Fund provides support to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.  Additionally, by providing scholarships, the Fund invests in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Lt. Zilinski.

Additional donations may be sent to: Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, PO Box 35, Holmdel, NJ 07733. ​