tomorrow morning on the hills and slopes of the Garden State Arts center parking lot is the third annual "Run with Dennis" 3.5 mile race the Late Lt Dennis Zllinski....I am running and I will be packing a cooler for the post-race if anyone is around...below is a recap of Denniss's life and untimely death.
Dennis W. Zilinski, II was born on December 23, 1981. He is the son of Dennis W. and Marion R. Zilinski, grandson of Anna Zilinski, brother of Douglas and his wife ToniAnn, Arizona, Michele and her husband David, Arizona, Tiffany and her fiancé James, New Jersey and 2Lt. Matthew J. Zilinski, NJARNG, New Jersey. Dennis has four nephews and two nieces.
Dennis’ greatest loves were God, his family, country, friends, swimming and the United States Army. Dennis was a very willing person who would drop everything to help you. His trademark was his wonderful smile, always beaming.
Dennis grew up in Middletown, New Jersey a member of the Middletown Reformed Church and attended school at Middletown Village, Thorne Middle School and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft. 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.
Prior to attending college, Dennis was a swimmer with the Red Bank YMCA for many years, and continued to swim at Christian Brothers Academy. While attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, he was the Captain of the men’s team as a Firstie (Senior) and was awarded the Class of 1923 Memorial Award for Outstanding Member of Men’s Team and the Captain Michael W. Kilroy Memorial Award for the Captain of the Men’s Swim Team.
Upon completion of Officer Basic Course in Ft. Benning, GA, Dennis was accepted into Ranger School and graduated in March of 2005. Being awarded his Ranger “Tab” was probably his highest achievement as an Army officer. He was so proud of his accomplishment. Dennis truly lived by West Point’s motto of DUTY, HONOR, and COUNTRY, and stood behind the nation’s mission 100%, ready to serve and protect the freedoms so many citizens cherish. He also lived by the Army values of LOYATY, DUTY, RESPECT, SELFLESS-SERVICE, HONOR, INTEGRITY, PERSONAL COURAGE.
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.
At the time of his death, Dennis was engaged to Lt. Marie Cicerelle, who is also stationed with the 101st Airborne Division and they planned to married upon their return from Iraq in 2006. Marie continues to serve in the Army.
In an act of love, the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund has been established by his friends and his family. The first Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Run/Walk was held in November of 2006. The second Run/Walk will be held on November 11, 2007 at the PNC Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ. Proceeds of the run/walk will be utilized to continue to sponsor programs for injured soldiers and for scholarships to Dennis’ high school.
1 comment:
This was a great day. I recommend everyone participate next year. As Mrs. Z said, "Freedom isn't free", and one of this country's greatest treasures is our soldiers...
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