THE RUN/WALK

   The cold wind blowing was a welcomed relief after the rain the day before the scheduled memorial run/walk.  The sunny skies also offered a bright warm feeling in the spirits of the run committee and all participants as they began arriving for the big event.

            For three years the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Run/Walk was scheduled at the PNC Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ.  Those brave enough to challenge themselves for another year returned.  The new faces were up to the challenge that was before them, running the hills or walking the hills. 

            Six soldiers from Dennis’ platoon with the 187^th Infantry Regiment 101^st Airborne Division (AASLT) came from as far away as California to run in this event to honor their fallen lieutenant.  Three of the soldiers are Purple Heart Recipients. 

            Cadets from the Swim Team at The United States Military Academy, West Point, were there to start the race and were joined this year by Gen. Michael S. Linnington, Commandant of Cadets from the Military Academy, all there to honor one of their own.  Before they left West Point, the cadets gathered at the gravesite to be introduced to Dennis by LTC Timothy Sullivan, who served with Dennis’ unit while in Iraq. 

            Bagpipers from the New Jersey State Police Blue and Gold played a medley of tunes.  Lt. Tim Mahoney, Ret., New Jersey State Police welcomed all in attendance and thanked them for accepting his challenge of bringing a friend/family member to the run/walk.  The Rock n’ Roll Chorus led the crowd in a powerful rendition of the singing of the National Anthem.  They followed with God Bless America which created a patriotic feeling in the crowd.

            Col. Michael Steele, the Brigade Commander of the 101^st during their deployment was present to talk about Dennis and the true meaning of freedom.  The only sound other than the Colonel’s voice was the sound of birds flying overhead.  Everyone was awestruck as they listened to his remarks.   He reminded everyone that freedom is never free, that it needs to be bought and paid for by each generation and with soldiers like Dennis.  He spoke about the value of young men/women willing to give of their lives to protect our great nation.  He spoke about the leadership qualities of a young man that would bring soldiers from around the country to this event to honor him.  He spoke about the call to duty by the cadets that were present and other active duty military and took the opportunity to ask each veteran to raise their hands to be recognized and thanked them for their service.  In closing he thanked the run committee and the family for the work that they were doing to aid our injured soldiers.

            Before the presentation of this year’s Giants’ Football to a deserving soldier, Capt. Dan Downs was mentioned and the crowd was reminded that three years ago he attended the event in a wheelchair, unable to walk due to injuries to his leg received in Iraq.  The second year he attended the run and walked the event in honor of his friend.  This year he was determined to run the event, which he did!

            Brendan Connors, a committee member, was called to present this year’s signed football to Capt. Thomas Hromisin.  Brendan and  Capt. Hromisin attended the University of Scranton together where Capt.  Hromisin was in the ROTC.  Upon his graduation he was commissioned as a 2^nd Lt. in the United States Army.  He is a member of the  4^th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and was injured on May 29, 2007 while serving in Iraq.  Capt. Hromisin continues to receive therapy for those injuries.  When presented with the football, the Captain commented that he may just list the football on EBay for sale.  Oh, those Eagles fans from Pennsylvania!  All kidding aside, Capt. Hromisin said that he would love to be able to run the event next year and has plans on working towards that goal.

            Pastor Scott Harris from the Middletown Reformed Church was present to offer the benediction and included prayers for the safety of our military.

            Runners lined up for the big event.  The cadets from the West Point Swim Team were in position to lead the race and ran it in formation.  Joining them was their Coach Mickey Wender (again pushing his two small children in a stroller) and Gen. Linington.  The cadets ran the event in cadence and this didn’t fail to arouse the crowd who erupted in cheers, whistles and clapping.   

Now the race was to begin.  One runner seemed intent on a purpose and when the run started he flew into the first position behind the New Jersey State Police Motorcycle Unit.  He was up and over that hill so fast that the other runners lost site of him.  ­­­­­­­­­­Matt Pelletier finished the race in the record time of 15:43.  Sgt. Bubba Beason an airmen from McGuire Air Force Base again ran the race in full gear.

Flags that were donated by Kempton Flag and Flag Pole Co. were distributed to the young children along with their parents who were walking.  The walkers have such an infectious spirit and were talking, laughing and cheering as they were waived their flags.  The patriotism is such a welcomed site to see, coupled with the joyous spirit.  Their goals were set high to complete the walk in their goals set for themselves.

Runners that completed the run were met by the Rock n’ Roll Chorus to the tune of  “Born to Run” a song they chose simply because it was one of Dennis’ favorite’s.  Their attendance and voices at the end encouraged the runners to push for a great finish.  News 12 NJ was at the finish line recording the events. 

Carrabba’s Italian Grill of Middletown was present again this year and began serving the runners/walkers after the event.  Watching their crew cook and serve is incredible.  The food is outstanding and the crowd was again provided with music from the Rock n’ Roll Chorus. 

If you are looking to be challenged, if you are looking to help our wounded soldiers, if you are looking to give back to a community then you should plan on being present on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at the PNC Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ and join in the fun.  Remember freedom isn’t free it is bought in paid for in sacrifice.  Sacrifice that was given by all of our veterans.  So come out and support the efforts of the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund and have some fun.  See you there.