The Ethical Optimist

Utopia Communications is a supporter of the Lt. Zilinski Memorial Fund.  Lt. Dennis Zilinski grew up in Middletown, New Jersey (in our backyard), graduated from West Point and briefly served in Iraq before he was killed in action.  My partner, Elliott, is a veteran and felt strongly that our agency support their public relations effort, which we have done for the past two years.

We were honored to support November’s Run with Dennis, which attracted over 1,500 runners. All proceeds raised on behalf of the fund are used to support programs that assist our wounded soldiers and their families, and to provide scholarships in Dennis’ name to his alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy.  The Fund also strives to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families and provides scholarships that invest in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Dennis.

Following the run, I spent time at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on behalf of our client UNO and delivered pizzas to soldiers and their families.  What I saw humbled me.  So, when I received the following email today from my fellow Zilinski Fund committee member, I felt compelled to share it in the hope that you take a moment to reflect upon our military members and their families this Thanksgiving.

Esther and I do a bit of shopping on line and obviously get things delivered to the house.  When the delivery man knocks on the door it’s such a nuisance to have to get out of the chair and answer the knock.  We often look at each other and say, “you get it, I’m watching TV”.  Eventually one of us gives in and gets up.   It’s almost like a game…I didn’t hear it…what knocking at the door…if you heard it you have to get up.  The same game goes on when the pizza man shows up.  It is almost comical how such simple thing that happens day-in-and-day-out can turn into an amusing thing.

…That was before James deployed to Afghanistan a year ago.  Now when there is a knock at the door, our hearts drop.  What was a game of “you get it…no you get it” is now a very emotional event that we do together, at times clutching hands, holding onto each other, out of fear that an Army Officer dressed in Class A uniform along with a Chaplain are on the other side of the door with the horrible news that something has happened to James.

My friends, four years ago today, Dennis and Marion Zilinski lived that nightmare as the Army Casualty Notification Officer delivered the horrible news that their son First Lieutenant Dennis Zilinski II was killed in action.  I had the honor of being with them last night along with many others associated with the leader ship of the memorial foundation that they have stood up in Dennis’ honor.  When Marion spoke, she asked that we take a moment to remember her son and the all-too-many other Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines who have given their lives in service to this nation and to pray for their loved ones left behind.  What was most impressive was that this woman then went on to ask us to pray and think of Soldiers like James as well as Esther and I.

This was one of those genuine, spine tingling, emotional, and proud moments that unfortunately are few and far between.  I was absolutely proud to be an American associated with an incredible organization that does so much for our military members and their families.  Go to http://www.runwithdennis.org/toast.html to learn more about the Memorial Fund.

Today may not be Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day, but take a moment and remember LT Zilinski and all those others that wore and continue to wear the uniform of the military of the United States of America.  I can guarantee you that they’re thinking of us and anxious to touchdown again back home.

Jim Costigan

Colonel, US Army (Retired)