The annual Frogman Swim fundraiser seeks to raise at least $1 million for the Navy SEAL Foundation and Gold Star families by 2023.
The swim, which takes place on January 15, is a challenging 3.4-mile swim through the 55-degree open water of Tampa Bay. It is designed to provide a reminder of the hardships SEALs endure during their careers.
“The challenge that participants will endure during the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim 2023 is nothing compared to the ultimate sacrifice our fallen warriors and their Gold Star families have endured on a daily basis,” Chris Kinney, platoon wave captain for the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim, said of the event.
“The Swim presents a challenging effort to provide a small reminder of the hardships our elite and silent warriors endured, while also encouraging others to support and donate to the cause,” Kinney added.
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Participants in the Frogman Swim traverse 3.4 miles of 55 degree Tampa Bay.
(Frogman Swim)
First launched in 2010 by four SEALs with the goal of helping a SEAL officer who was recently injured in Afghanistan, the annual swim has since raised more than $6 million in the years since that first swim. The number of registrations and donations has increased each year.
The swim helps raise national awareness of the Naval Special Warfare community, while funds raised go to the Navy SEAL Foundation, which provides ongoing support to Naval Special Warfare members, veterans, and families.
Dozens of Gold Star families will be represented at the event, while all the names of fallen naval special warfare operators since 9/11 will be read aloud at a memorial ceremony before the swim.
A memorial service is held before each Frogman Swim where the names of every Naval Special Warfare member who has died since 9/11 are read aloud.
(Frogman Swim)
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Swimmers will depart at 7:40 am, while those interested in supporting the event can sign up as a volunteer if they are unable to swim.
“We are incredibly honored to have Frogman Swim here in Tampa Bay,” Anna Paulina Luna, a US Air Force veteran and US representative-elect for the 13th congressional district of Tampa, told Fox News Digital. Florida. “Here in Pinellas County, we have one of the largest veteran populations in the country. Gold Star families have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and we have to take care of them. As a veteran and spouse of a combat-wounded veteran, I can tell you that this cause touches us very closely. Thanks to those who helped organize this event.”
Kinney is a 16-year veteran of SEAL teams who included a stint with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, better known as SEAL Team 6, and participates in swimming in full combat gear, complete with bulletproof vest, weapon, and a backpack.
The Navy SEAL Foundation offers ongoing support to Naval Special Warfare members, veterans, and families.
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“Over the past thirteen years, the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim has raised more than $6 million,” said Kinney. “These funds will significantly support our nation’s bravest heroes and their families.”
