D’Annunzio and Sons, Inc. of Clark support Zilinski Memorial Fund to provide service dog for wounded warrior

CLARK, N.J., Feb. 20, 2017 – Thanks to the generous support of D’Annunzio and Sons, Inc., a construction company in Clark, the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund was instrumental in providing a specially trained service dog named Dozer to wounded warrior Billy to help him move forward with his life after suffering a traumatic brain injury.

Dozer was trained at K9s for Warriors in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. for six months and spent three weeks at the school living with his new partner Billy. They took their last test prior to graduation, and Dozer has been officially certified under the American Disabilities Act. Dozer and his warrior graduated on Jan. 25. Board member Quentin Walk was on hand to represent the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund.

“This donation is possible thanks to the generous support we received from D’Annunzio and Sons, Incorporated,” said Marion Zilinski, co-founder of the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund. She further shared that when Billy was told how Dozer got his name (shortened from bulldozer), he replied that he operated heavy equipment in Afghanistan so he felt that the connection between the sponsor of Dozer and himself created a “match made in Heaven.”

“We wish Dozer and Billy success, health and much happiness together,” said Marion. “The continued support of our patrons is critical.”

Our next big fundraising event will be our K9 Sgt. Denny Dog Walk on June 3 at the New Jersey Army National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt. To join us, visit www.runwithdennis.org, or request a personal invitation at Runwithdennis@yahoo.com.

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund provides care and support for those serving our country and their families. The Sgt. Denny Project has sponsored 40 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 continue 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.

For more information please visit: www.runwithdennis.org or email RunwithDennis@yahoo.com.

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.