Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund Donates Another Service Dog to a Wounded Warrior

Holmdel, NJ, April 6, 2015 (Newswire.com) - As a result of funds raised at its annual dog walk in Sea Girt, NJ, and other events the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund was instrumental in providing a specially trained Labrador Retriever named Ginger to wounded warrior Denise to help her move forward with her life after suffering from post traumatic stress. 

Ginger was trained at K9s for Warriors for the past 6 months and has spent the last 3 weeks at the school living with her new partner, Denise.  They then took a final exam prior to the graduation, and Ginger will officially be certified under the American Disabilities Act.

"The continued support of our supporters makes all that we do so appreciated by our wounded veterans."

Marion Zilinski, Co-Founder of Fund

This graduation was made possible with the support of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Jaeger of Rumson, NJ and the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund,   

“We wish them both success, health and much happiness together,” said Fund Co-Founder Marion Zilinski.  “The continued support of our supporters makes all that we do so appreciated by our wounded veterans.”

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund provides care and support for those serving our country and their families. The SGT. DENNY PROJECT provides support for military working dogs and their handlers with hard-to-obtain items to support the training and welfare of these canine heroes. It also supports the training and placement of service dogs for wounded warriors.

The program is named for SGT. Denny, a two year old German shepherd who was stationed in Afghanistan with his handler Michael Brozowski, a Monmouth County native. SGT. Denny is a trained military working dog that can detect chemicals used in the manufacture of bombs and can sniff out 123 different types of explosives.  Military working dogs are also trained to sniff out narcotics and/or track humans.

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. Funds raised from this event will go toward purchasing dogs from K9s for Warriors and Canine Companions for Independence.  All of these service dogs are ADA approved and certified.

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 first Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Run/Walk was held in November of 2006.  All proceeds of the run/walk sponsor programs for injured soldiers and to fund 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.

Related Media