As it has been each year over the past decade, the 12th annual SADD Dinner for the Troops was once again a major success.

The dinner was hosted on Tuesday night in honor of Lt. Dennis Zilinski II, a CBA and West Point graduate who was killed in action in 2005.

The students from CBA SADD collaborated with Trinity Hall to serve the dinner to over 260 guests in the CBA Cafeteria, with assistance from Angelo’s Pizza and owner John Sanfratello.

The guests were treated to a keynote address by Captain Mike Rodgers, former officer in the U.S. Army, about the lessons learned while in the armed forces. Captain Rodgers was also personally acquainted with Lt. Zilinski and spoke about his tremendous character as both a person and a solider.

As is the tradition since 2011, the Naval JROTC unit of the Marine Academy of Science and Technology presented the nation’s colors. The MAST students also donated nearly $3,000 to the event.

When all was said and done, the night raised over $8,500, which will go towards purchasing gift cards for servicemen and servicewomen who are deployed during this holiday season. This year’s total tops SADD’s previous record of $7,500.

All of this in honor of one of CBA’s bravest, Lt. Zilinski. A 2000 graduate of CBA, Zilinski had been captain of the Colts’ swim team. He would also go on to become captain of the men’s swim team at West Point, where he received the Class of 1923 Memorial Award for Outstanding Member. Zilinski was a rifle platoon leader with Bravo Company, First Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, Third Brigade Combat Team (Rakkasans), 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The CBA SADD group is moderated by Mr. Bill Frake ’05.

About Christian Brothers Academy:

Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition, CBA is dedicated to helping students become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for society. Through the combined efforts of the Office of Advancement and friends of the Academy, CBA awards over $1.5 million in scholarships and financial aid to current students. Experience the Academy at www.CBALincroftNJ.org.