Deadline nears to attend fundraiser to support veterans

Twenty-two (22) war veterans commit suicide each day. As of September 2014, there are about 2.7 million American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (compared to 8.2 million "Vietnam Era Veterans" who served anywhere during any time of the Vietnam War).

Of that number, reportedly at least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (more than 540,000) have PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and/or Depression. This does not include those affected with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).

For people with PTSD, it is very common for their memories to be triggered by sights, sounds, smells or even feelings that they experience. These triggers can bring back memories of the trauma and cause intense emotional and physical reactions, such as raised heart rate, sweating and muscle tension.

PTSD can be a debilitating disorder and its symptoms can have a negative impact on a number of different areas in a person's life. In particular, the disorder can negatively affect an individual's mental health, physical health, work, and relationships. When a person has flashbacks, they almost always have the other hallmarks of PTSD: nightmares, unwanted memories, anxiety, quick temper, avoidance of "triggers," numbing of positive emotion, withdrawal from others. ... When trauma survivors feel they are going crazy, it usually involves flashbacks.

While the U.S. Government does little to help our veterans when they return from combat, The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund was established in 2006 in the honor and memory of their fallen son. 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.

The non-profit organization will hold its largest fundraiser “A Toast to Dennis, a Night of Remembrance” on Friday, Sept. 14 from 7 p.m. until midnight at the Eagle Oaks Country Club in Farmingdale, N.J.

A donation of $150 per person is required for an invitation to the event, which will include a cocktail hour, sit-down dinner, dancing with music by The Docs that Roc, and much more.

The event will also feature a reverse auction to assist the Fund in sponsoring service dogs for warriors suffering from PTSD and/or traumatic brain injuries. Several warriors who have returned from combat are expected to attend the affair.

The organization has sponsored 68 service dogs to assist our veterans with their daily activities.

For more information, visit www.runwithdennis.org. Deadline to register for the event is August 27.