Run remembers Lt. killed in action 10 years ago

The 10th Annual  Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial 3.5 Mile Run/2 Mile Walk was held on Nov. 8 at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, shortly before the anniversary of Zilinski’s death.

Lt. Zilinski was killed in action in Bayji, Iraq on November 19, 2005 at the age of 23.
Sponsors who kept Zilinkski’s memory alive included: Timothy 6:17 Foundation; PricewaterHouse Coopers; The Dardin Fund; Ancient Order of Hibernians in Middletown; Red Bank Title Agency. Special groups involved included the United States Military Academy Diving and Swim Team, Monmouth County Police Academy, NJ State Police, SADD from CBA (Students Against Destructive Decisions).

This year, there were approximately 350 runners and walkers participating in the run/walk with over 100 additional spectators. The race raised $24,000.

Winners of the race were: men’s: Jim Guerrieri, Belford, 1st Place; Vincent Ferrer, Belford, 2nd Place; George Christopher, Hazlet, 3rd Place; women’s: Elizabeth Shaw, Middletown, 1st Place; Erin Regan, Fort Washington, Penn., 2nd Place; Keeley McNeary, Highland Falls, NY,  3rd Place.

Marion Zilinski says, “This is the first year that the run/walk was hosted by Christian Brothers Academy and we hope that the event will continue to grow in the future. It was good to bring this run ‘home’ to our son Dennis’ Alma Mater CBA.”
The event was previously held at PNC Arts Center in Holmdel.

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II, Memorial Fund’s mission is to honor his life and memory. They provide 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.