JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Nearly 200 participants took to the Hudson River Saturday for the eighth annual New York City SEAL Swim, an event that brings veterans, first responders and civilians together to honor fallen heroes and support those returning from service. Among the participants were four high school students from the Lehigh Valley who were invited by Ken Termini, a longtime participant in the event.
Termini, who has taken part in the swim for the past three years, said he noticed a lack of young people participating and wanted to help change that.
“We want this event to keep growing and growing so it can serve more and more veterans,” Termini said.
One of the students, Easton High School student Wilie Maier, said the reality of the challenge did not sink in until he was standing on the edge of the starting point.
“It never really connected that I was actually going to do it until I was on the edge of the bridge about to jump in and I’m like, it’s a really far drop,” Maier said. “Then I kind of fell in and just started swimming.”
The event begins at Liberty State Park and includes a nearly 3-mile swim through the Hudson River, with participants passing landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Empty Sky Memorial. Participants also complete a 3-mile run, 300 pushups and three sets of 22 pullups.
The physical challenges are meant to test participants, but Termini says the numbers carry a deeper meaning.
“The meaning of the 22 pull ups is consistent throughout,” Termini said. “It’s to raise awareness of the 22 veterans and first responders who commit suicide each day here in America. It’s epidemic levels and it needs to be addressed.”
This year’s event raised money and awareness for Beyond the Brotherhood, a foundation that helps SEAL veterans transition back to civilian life, including assisting them with finding jobs and re-entering the workforce.
Termini and his five-person team spent the year fundraising throughout the Lehigh Valley. Their efforts brought in more than $28,000 for the foundation, surpassing their original goal of $25,000.
“We’re proud as heck,” Termini said. “We set a goal of $25,000 and weren’t sure we were going to get there, but the Lehigh Valley really stepped up big time and helped us out.”
For the students, participating offered an opportunity to take part in something larger than themselves.
Parkland High School student Ethan Coleman said he appreciated knowing that the money raised was going toward a meaningful cause.
“It felt really great,” Coleman said. “I knew that the money that was coming in from my friends and family and my peers around me was going to a good cause, and it was very rewarding.”
Maier said the experience also gave him a chance to contribute to a cause that helps veterans.
“I really enjoyed thinking that I was helping a thing bigger than myself and working towards a goal that I know is going to help many people who need the help,” Maier said.
Among Wilie Maier and Ethan Coleman, Jacob Piccini and Luke Stahley were the other Lehigh Valley students who joined Termini’s team for the swim.
The event brought generations together in the Hudson River, honoring those who lost their lives while supporting veterans who are still working to find their footing at home.