As the United States entered its thirteenth year of war, the consequences were becoming increasingly apparent to anyone who paid attention. Local news featured reoccurring stories of veteran suicide, the VA system was dogged daily by negative press and our sons and daughters were being asked to deploy at an accelerated rate that was unlike any other time in our Nation’s history. It seemed that prolonged conflict was having a numbing effect.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, GA at the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center, lives were being saved and generations were being positively affected through innovative therapy and treatment. Men and women who had exhausted all hope were being transformed by the work being done at SHARE and the outcomes were nothing short of miraculous. The SHARE Military Initiative at The Shepherd Center was saving our heroes and SHARE’s work inspired a group of dedicated and committed patriots to draw a line in the sand and commit themselves to something much bigger than themselves. These dutiful Americans, who would call themselves the Shepherd’s Men, would commit themselves to advocating the mission of SHARE while raising funds to ensure the program’s ability to set the standard as it relates to treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury for veterans of post-9/11 wars. In Atlanta, GA, HOPE was flourishing.
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Mark Zinno is a radio & television sports talk show host in Atlanta. He currently works for Dickey Broadcasting where he hosts his own show, “A to Z” on Atlanta Sports X, 1230AM/106.3FM, every day from 3p-6p. Mark has been in radio for over a decade working in Baltimore and New York prior to coming to Atlanta. Mark is also a member of the Georgia Army National Guard. He holds the rank of lieutenant colonel and is currently a battalion commander. Mark deployed twice to Iraq – the first time from 2005-2006 and the second time for all of 2011.
Mark has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), the Overseas Ribbon 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Combat Action Badge, the Reserve Component Achievement Medal, The National Defense Service Medal with “M” Device, and the Maryland State Active Duty Medal.
Mark lives in Smyrna and has twin boys, 2 years old.
P.S. Be sure to come and cheer for LTC Mark Zinno as he takes the SPLASH for Shepherd's Men!! Tickets are $20. Tickets includes entrance to event, two drink tickets, hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants on Restaurant Row, music by Atrractive Nuisance and entry for giveaways!