Zimny was a native of Glenview, IL. While completing his coursework toward his degree at ISU, he interned with Chestnut Health Systems and PATH Crisis Center with an emphasis on serving the adolescent and elderly populations. Upon issuing the award to Zimny, the USO stated that “his contribution to the success of the mission given to the Marines and the freedom of the Iraqi people is now a historic legacy, which will forever be remembered by those who served with him.”