WHEREAS, U.S. Army First Lieutenant Dennis W. Zilinski II grew up in Middletown and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 2000, where he was captain of the swimming team and earned Asbury Park Press All-Shore recognition as a swimmer; and

WHEREAS, First Lieutenant Zilinski was a 2004 honors graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he captained the swim team and received an award for being the graduating senior who exhibited qualities of leadership and sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, First Lieutenant Zilinski served proudly as a member of the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and was deployed to Iraq in the service of his country; and

WHEREAS, First Lieutenant Zilinski was a courageous soldier, and a loving fiancé, son and brother; and

WHEREAS, First Lieutenant Zilinski has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty while fighting for our country; and

WHEREAS, First Lieutenant Zilinski's patriotism and dedicated service to his country make him a hero and a true role model for all Americans and, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mark his passing and to honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD J. CODEY, Acting Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, in recognition and mourning of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Dennis W. Zilinski II.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 29th day
of November Two Thousand and Five, and
of the Independence of the United States,
the Two Hundred and Thirtieth.

/s/ Richard J. Codey

Acting Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Mark J. Fleming