By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer
HOLMDEL — December will be a busy month for holiday shopping and wrapping, but more importantly –– for giving back to others.
The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund is a charitable organization, whose mission is to continue serving and assisting returning men and women who were wounded in service to our nation.
The group aims to provide support that improves the welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.
Lt. Zilinski II grew up in Middletown and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in Lincroft. He moved on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2004 and held many positions in the months that followed.
Tragedy struck when he died during a roadside bombing in Iraq on Nov. 19, 2005. The fund honors his dedication and that of the men and women who continue to fight for our country.
December is a busy month for the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinksi II Memorial Fund.
On Dec. 6, CBA held its annual pasta dinner. All proceeds will be going to the fund. Last year, $7,000 were raised and donated.
From Dec. 10-12, members of the fund will be visiting the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. They will be distributing gift cards and stuffed animals, donated by PetSmart, to wounded warriors and their families to celebrate the holiday season.
At 10 a.m. Dec. 14, the Memorial Fund will make a donation of $2,500 to Wreaths Across America at the Vietnam Vets Memorial in Holmdel. Wreaths will be placed on the graves of deceased veterans who served and protected our nation.
On Dec. 20, members of the fund will visit an early child development school in Pemberton to host breakfast for children whose parent(s) are currently deployed or will be during Christmas.
The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund is on a mission to raise money and assist men and women in uniform. The holiday season is a great opportunity for this group to help others.