Dezil's Dispatch is sponsored by the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund. |
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Welcome to our quarterly newsletter!
In each edition of Dezil's Dispatch, we will share exciting news of our happenings and accomplishments. Family and friends will give us "A Dose of Dennis" so you will learn more about our hero and son.
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Told by Perri Donovan-Howlett |
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This was harder than I thought it would be....I was blessed to have known Dennis since literally before I can remember. Our families are close friends and I had the tremendous honor of growing up with Dennis. Every summer our family went camping with the Zilinski Clan. Oh what a clan they are and OH what fun we had! Most of my cherished childhood memories are with Dennis and the Zilinski's.
Many who knew Dennis through his Army career talk about his leadership qualities. If you don't know this already, Dennis was a natural born leader I think since birth. Not the kind that makes you feel intimidated either. He was the kind of leader you wanted to follow wherever, and forever. He was the type of leader who wanted his followers (or soldiers) to be nothing but successful, in whatever they did! He built you up with his support and guidance. Team work was important.
Our little platoon of "Goonies" as we liked to call ourselves, ruled the campground! With Dennis as our leader of course. From hanging in the arcade, seeing who could keep top score on PacMan the longest, to calling the numbers for candy bingo, to mini-golf, volleyball, our 4th of July decorated bike parades, manhunt, and the DJ dances under the pavilion. The memories are endless and priceless!
At daybreak, after our pancake breakfast from "Chef" Uncle Dennis, we would hit up the "arts and farts" craft of the day and then jump on our bikes and ride into the woods to build our "forts". Dennis just naturally took charge and would instruct us on where the "courthouse" was or how far away the "sheriff's hut" needed to be from the jail. (top left pic is us in our sheriff's hut). He was always coming up with bigger and better ideas, and we couldn't have been more willing to make those ideas come to life!
My time with Dennis on those campgrounds molded much of who I am today. So much so that I now raise my children in the same fashion and with the same principles that we grew up with...Love for the outdoors, Living for the next adventure, all the while Loving God, family, and this great country. ~
*If you'd like to share a short story about Dennis in an upcoming issue, please send us an email at runwithdennis@yahoo.com.
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Our 13th Annual
A Toast to Dennis - A Night of Remembrance
It was an incredible night shared by about 200 people at the 13th Annual "A Toast to Dennis" - A Night of Remembrance. The ballroom at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale was filled with new and continued supporters, service members, and disabled American veterans accompanied by their service dogs - making it a true success.
"We are committed to helping members of our Armed Forces and veterans. I am proud to say that since we founded this nonprofit in honor of our son, Dennis, we have raised more than $1.5 million to improve their lives and show our appreciation for their sacrifices. To date, the Zilinski Memorial Fund has provided sponsorships for more than 100 service dogs for veterans with PTSD and TBI.
This event helps keep our mission moving forward," said Marion Zilinski, Co-Founder and Board Member, The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund.
Special thanks to "Docs of Rock" for donating their talents and to "Especially For You Florist" for the gorgeous, autumnal centerpieces. Our sincere appreciation also goes to all of our generous sponsors who made the evening possible.
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Air Assault School at West Point
The United States Military Academy at West Point selected to recognize 1LT Dennis W. Zilinksi (USMA ’04) by naming the 2021 Cadet Summer Training Air Assault Task Force in his honor. Task Force Zilinksi consisted of seventeen Air Assault Instructors from The Sabalauski Air Assault School at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, sixteen West Point Cadets from the Class of 2022, and two members of West Point Staff and Faculty. Together, the Task Force trained more than 1,200 West Point and ROTC Cadets, Active Duty Soldiers, and National Guard Soldiers.
The rigorous, fast-paced training is known as the ten toughest days in the United States Army. Air Assault School qualifies soldiers to conduct airmobile and air assault helicopter operations, including aircraft orientation, sling load operations, and proper rappelling techniques. On the morning of graduation, students must complete a 12-mile march with rucksack in under three hours before receiving their wings.
This summer, the Zilinski family was presented with an honorary Air Assault School Certificate and coveted Air Assault wings by 1SG Michael Default, the First Sergeant of the Air Assault School and former Team Leader with 1LT Zilinski in Bulldog Company, 1-187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BDE (Rakkasans), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The legacy of 1LT Zilinski was honored throughout the grueling course and served as inspiration to the 1,023 Cadets and Soldiers that graduated from Air Assault School.
Serving with Task Force Zilinski and working with your family has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I speak for all the Air Assault Instructors and Cadet Cadre when I thank you again for letting us honor your son, share his story, and honor his legacy all summer. Numerous Cadets have sought me out this Academic Year with instances of hard times in Air Assault School where they remembered the story of Dennis as a source of motivation to press on to graduation.
CPT Murr, Infantry
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Our "Zilinski Strong Veteran"
Kade Patterson
Kade Patterson, a 36-year-old from Indiana, is grateful to the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund for giving him his life back.
The E3 Private First Class in the Army was severely injured during a deployment in Kuwait in 2005 when he was just 19 years old. During a mission to recover the fallen, Patterson severely damaged his left leg and hip, and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury.
After being honorably discharged the next year, Patterson had to undergo four operations to his leg… but the excruciating pain persisted for more than a decade. While working at Walter Reed Medical Center, he met double amputee Christy Gardner, who is on the U.S. Sled Hockey Team. She told him about how her life changed after the Zilinski Memorial Fund sponsored her double leg amputations so she could walk with prosthetic legs. Christy introduced Kade to our co-founder, Marion Zilinski.
In 2018, the Zilinski Memorial Fund sponsored Kade’s left leg amputation. “I am now married to my wife, Lynn, with this crazy 16-month-old toddler, Frankie, who is currently pinching my ear. And, I am happy to say, I am completely mobile with my prosthetic leg. Of course, I need to be mobile to keep up with this little one,” said Patterson.
“I couldn’t walk for ten plus years. I was in a wheelchair full-time. Now, I am not limited by that chair,” added Patterson, who works as a Recreation Therapist for people with developmental disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injuries.
“I use my own disabilities to help others with challenges. I help them learn to play and have fun, all in a safe way. We go hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping… I teach them how to paint, how to work with clay, how to cook… and I get to do that without the limitation of a wheelchair.”
Kade’s service dog, Draco, who is now retired, has also helped him cope with PTSD. Kade told us, “I had more than ten years of suffering, but now I have an extremely successful business, an active family, and clients I love.”
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Collections for our Troops
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Samoas, Thin Mints, and Tagalongs... oh my! A huge shout out to Girl Scout Taylor Brennan with Troop 942 in Howell for her generous donation to the Zilinski Memorial Fund. Her collection of Girl Scout cookies will surely bring much happiness to our service members overseas. Thank you! |
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Cheers to CBA student Brian Askin, one of our scholarship recipients, for collecting funds that purchased dog beds, toys, and treats for our military working dogs overseas. Our four legged soldiers deserve only the best, and we appreciate you thinking of them! |
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Recent Media Coverage
Coverage of the Toast in the Two River Times:
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Upcoming Events
Golf with Dennis - 10/18/2021 - SOLD OUT!!
Run with Dennis - 11/07/2021 - info coming soon
Wreaths Across America - 12/04/2021 - info coming soon
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Join us for an unforgettable match! The Army Navy Cup X is on October 9th in Philadelphia - soccer at its finest for a great cause... assisting veterans and deployed soldiers. Simply make payment through our PayPal and let us know how many tickets in the comments section.
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The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law (Tax ID # 03-0601077). |
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Shop Amazon? Use AmazonSmile the same way and simply generate donations for us!
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Check us out on social media... |
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