Zielinski Memorial

A three-tier layer of light gray granites with the inscription “Hope” on the top tier, “Promise and Potential” inscribed on the second tier and on the lower tier inscribed is the words “2LT Mathew J. Zielinski Memorial Plaza”. 2nd Lt. Matthew Zielinski, was an Air Defense Artillery officer and a U.S. Military Academy graduate. Zielinski, 23, died after being struck by a truck in Anthony, Texas, Oct. 21, 1988. Almost 22 years later, the 2nd Lt. Matthew J. Zielinski Memorial Plaza was unveiled along with buildings dedicated to retired Col. James "Buster" Hayden and the late Lt. Col. Larry Pruitt during a ceremony at the ADA brigade complex near Mow-Way and Burrill roads in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 2LT Matthew James Zielinski was born Aug. 21st 1965 and attended school in Ellington, Conn., where he first honed his leadership skills. He was senior class president, a high school honor graduate, National Honor Society member and captain of the basketball, soccer and track teams. Matt attended West Point, where he stood-out as a leader among future leaders. Upon graduation from West Point, Matt was commissioned a second lieutenant in the ADA and assigned to the 6th BN, 52nd ADA at Fort Bliss, Texas. In August 1988, Matt was selected as the battalion’s ‘best lieutenant’ and assigned as a Stinger platoon leader for the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss. He immediately deployed to Germany in support of Reforger in 1988 and returned on October 18th. Three days later, on Oct. 21, 1988 the ADA family and the Army suffered the tragic loss of 2lt Matthew James Zielinski.