Dennis William Zilinski II

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by LVOS '83 on June 19, 2006:

To the Zilinski Family: I learned of your son this past weekend at a meeting of the West Point Parents' Club of South Florida. We were sending off the incoming cadets to the USMA Class of 2011, about eleven young men and women. Cadet Elizabeth Cal '07 gave a stirring talk about the strong bonds of friendship that develop at West Point. She shared the following about Dennis: " On my first day of Corps Squad swim practice, the team Captain Dennis Zilinski, gave me hug and said '...we're going to call you ECal and we're going to take good care of you...'" Elizabeth then let us know that Dennis had died in Iraq and that she missed him and would never forget him. To her, he was a leader and a friend and a great reason for her completing that first difficult year as a Plebe. We were all moved by her candor and the visible tears in her eyes. But I can say that not a single appointee there was discouraged. They saw raw courage, friendship and patriotism in Elizabeth's word and deeds and I dare say that it strengthened their resolve to serve their country and become inspirational leaders like Dennis. I visited this web site to learn more of your son and to let you know how his memory inspires current and future members of the Long Gray line. He will not be forgotten. My sincere condolences on your great loss. I pray that your grief will soon pass and be replaced by this and other good memories of your son. May God bless all of you. Sincerely, Lionel V. Ortiz-Santini '83 Admissions Coordinator, South Florida United States Military Academy

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