Monmouth County Freeholders presented sixteen-year-old William Dean a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding commitment to supporting veterans. 

Dean, a Colts Neck High School Senior has hosted annual fundraisers for the past three years raising almost $80,000 for veterans and his high school's ROTC Unit.

In August, he held a carnival at Bucks Mills raising $26,000 for the Lt. Dennis Q. Zilinski II Memorial Fund which purchases service dogs for veterans. The dogs cost $15,000 to trains so The Association of the United States Army Monmouth Chapter is partnering with Dean to donate the remaining $4,000 so a second dog can be purchased.

The dogs will go to locals veterans and Dean will present the veteran with their new service dog.

Lillian G. Burry, Freeholder Deputy Director said, "William Dean truly embodies the meaning of serving your community. He has showed how one individual can impact the lives of many. We are proud to have supported his fundraisers the past three years and look forward to seeing all that he can accomplish in the future."

Photo: Monmouth County Department of Public & Tourism
Photo: Monmouth County Department of Public & Tourism
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Previously, Dean raised $12,250 for the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel and $21,000 for Extreme Seal Adventures, a Maryland based nonprofit that helps disabled veterans.

Dean who is a lieutenant in the school's award-winning ROTC unit, plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy next fall. His parents both served in the navy.

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