Usually I train all year in an 80 degree pool to be ready for the 3.1mile swim across Newfound Lake for Swim with a Mission. This year has presented some training challanges! I have been very fortunate to spend the quarantine in this beautful town, with this amazing Newfound community. With the help of a hooded cold water wet suit, booties, and gloves I was able to get in the water in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and now FINALLY in the 70 degrees!!! It was very important to me that I continue to participate in the event to honor our veterans and I hope you will continue to support this cause.
New this year, all participants will be paired with a fallen soldier. I have been paired with USMC PFC Eric D. Currier from Londonderry NH who died at the age of 21 in 2010 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. I will also swim in honor of my father's twin brother Eddie who was killed in action at the age of 19 in Vietnam. (USMC Corporal Edward F. Furlong) These two Fallen Heroes have served as my inspiration for these few (cold) months swimming and their courage will continue to push me forward to complete the event. Any contribution to this amazing cause is appreciated more than you can know.
Since 2017 Swim With A Mission has raised over $2 million for Veterans through a variety of events including this swim event. Go to www.swimwithamission.org to learn more.
Swim With A Mission
The 4th Annual Swim With A Mission, an Open Water Swim Race and Festival was scheduled for Saturday, July 11th at Wellington State Park in Bristol NH. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we have shifted our event to a Virtual Event. We would much rather have our live event and are disappointed about the change but we know that it is necessary at this point. Even in these tough times, we hope you will help us stay true to our mission to raise money to help Veterans and inspire others to help.
Virtual Events are open to everyone and will take place from July 1-31. Participants can choose to swim (1K, 5K or 10K), paddle (1K, 5K or 10K) or take on the SEAL Team NH Challenge. All participants are encouraged to raise funds that will go to our Veterans who need our help more than ever. Swimmers can also choose to swim more than once during the month of July and they will be able to record distances and times. Go to www.swimwithamission.org for more details.
Since our formation in 2017, we have donated over $8 million to honor and support local, regional and national veteran support organizations that provide critical services to our Veterans. These include supporting Veteran organizations that provide housing, take care of our homeless, support day to day services, provide service and support K-9’s, scholarships, jobs, create equine immersion programs and support art programs. Please explore www.swam.org to get more details about how you can get involved with us and our mission.