Lt. Dennis Zilinski Memorial Fund Donates to Military Youth Programs

Holmdel, NJ, January 9, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Representatives of the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund recently visited the youth center at McGuire Air Force Base to make a special donation of gift cards to aid struggling military families during the holiday season.

The fund was created and founded in 2006 to honor local resident 1st Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II, United States Army, who was killed in action while deployed in Iraq on November 19, 2005.

"We shared your wishes for a Merry Christmas, while we shared your tears too. Dennis' story is very heartwarming, and we shared it with the Army families that received the gift cards. They truly appreciated your donation."

Kevin Hansen, Chief of Youth Services Program

“We shared your wishes for a Merry Christmas, while we shared your tears too. Dennis’ story is very heartwarming, and we shared it with the Army families that received the gift cards,” said Kevin Hansen, Chief of the Youth Services Program.  “They truly appreciated your donation.”

About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund:

Lt. Dennis Zilinski II grew up in Middletown, NJ and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, where he was a member of the swim team.  He received his nomination to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 2004.  He also completed Airborne School while a student at West Point.

After graduation from Ranger School, he was assigned to the 1/187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) “Rakkasan”.  He deployed with the 101st Airborne Division on September 17, 2005.  Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II died in Iraq on November 19, 2005 as a result of a roadside bombing near Bayji, 155 miles north of Baghdad.  Lt. Zilinski’s medals include: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Global War on Terror,  Iraq Campaign Service Medal and the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

As an act of that love, Dennis’ family and friends founded The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund, whose mission is to continue to serve and assist returning men and women who were wounded in service to our nation and to provide support and to provide support that improves the welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. The fund also supports scholarships at CBA.

For more information please visit: www.runwithdennis.org.