Wounded warrior Justin receives service dog from anonymous Monmouth County donor

Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund

Provides Service Dog Scout to Wounded Warrior Justin

HOLMDEL N.J., May 15, 2017 – Thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor in New Jersey, the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund was instrumental in providing a specially trained service dog named Scout to wounded warrior Justin to help him move forward with his life after suffering a traumatic brain injury.

Scout was trained at K9s for Warriors in Ponte Vedre, Fla. for six months and spent three weeks at the school living with his new partner Justin. They will take their last test prior to graduation, and Scout will be officially certified under the American Disabilities Act. Scout and his warrior will graduate on May 18.

“This donation is possible thanks to the generous support we received from a very caring family in Monmouth County, who wish to remain anonymous," said Marion Zilinski, co-founder of the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund.

“We wish Scout and Justin success, health and much happiness together,” Marion said. “The continued support of the public is critical to the continuance of our success in aiding our wounded warriors. Our next big fundraising event will be our K9 Sgt. Denny Dog Walk on June 3, at the NJ Army National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt. To join us, visit www.runwithdennis.org, or you can 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 43[ 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.

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.

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