On Sept 14., 120 swimmers will gather at the rock jetty just beside the Hotel del Coronado. In formation, the swimmers will each hold up an American flag and run down the beach to Glorietta Bay Park – signifying the beginning of the fourth annual THF + Surefox Swim for SOF.
Just beside where the athletes will suit up in their wetsuits and fins, stands The Naked Warrior – Glorietta Bay Park’s tribute statue to the Navy SEALs of World War II. Yet, as the swimmers jump into the bay water, they will pay a tribute of their own.
“We’re honoring those from the past, but we are also looking forward,” said Jessica Hunt, The Honor Foundation’s (THF) director of impact.
A program for veterans
THF is a non-profit organization that aims to prepare and inspire the Special Operations community as they exit the service to pursue different careers.
“Transition is the highest risk time for veteran suicide and other negative outcomes,” said Hunt. “Our mission is to make sure that every single veteran that comes through our program has a positive light at the end of the tunnel. Their service isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning.”
THF offers a three-month program free of cost to retiring service members. Broken up into three phrases, the curriculum works alongside military personnel to assess potential careers that would fulfill their aspirations, while equipping them with the necessary tools to apply, and exposing them to different companies and connections.
“Even after the course, we serve them for life,” said THF CEO Matt Stevens. “If they transition careers once, twice, five times, ten years down the road, we’re going to be there to help them.”
Events like the annual Swim for SOF allows THF to continue to offer their services free to the special operations community.
Stevens, a former Navy SEAL of 26 years and an alum of the THF program, has participated in the swim twice.
“It’s just great to be out there with former service members, current service members and patriotic Americans who are doing it to help us raise awareness,” said Stevens.
Open water race
The swim kicks off with a 1-mile open water race from Glorietta Bay Park to Tidelands Park, followed by a tribute workout where each participant will complete 22 pullups – dedicated to the statistic that 22 veterans commit suicide a day, followed by 100 push ups.
“We created the race to be hard because being a special operator is really hard,” said Hunt.
From there, the athletes will begin their second leg of the swim – a 2.2 mile swim to the USS Midway.
All while the swimmers are in open water, THF is monitoring the bay with small boats, jet skis, drones, lifeguards and professional personnel on land. The Coast Guard and the Port of San Diego are also notified of the race beforehand.
After completing the journey across the bay waters, the swimmers will go aboard the USS Midway, American flag in hand once again, to do one final tribute workout before celebrating their completion.
Bobby Morales, a THF alumnus and former Marine Raider of 22 years, retired on the USS Midway. But in his three years of participating in the Swim for SOF, it’s the memories of former teammates that come to mind when he crosses the finish line.
“I’ve had team members that kind of lost their battle with figuring out what to do – they just lost themselves,” said Morales. “The Honor Foundation can help people before they get to that point. Many people see it as an organization that helps with transition. For me, it’s one that saves lives. That’s why I swim.”
A family endeavor
All while tackling the course, family and friends will be along the bay cheering on the participants. Their support is what allowed most of the athletes to be in the water – as each swimmer was required to raise a minimum of $1,500 in donations to enter.
For Ashley Brown — who is competing alongside and doing the race in honor of her retired Navy SEAL uncle, Stephen Brown — her family being there this year to see her cross the finish line will be the most special part.
“My dad had emergency open heart surgery this summer, and the first thing he said to me when he got out of surgery was that he didn’t think he would be able to come see us swim,” said Brown.
Brown raised $5,000 by looking to her family, friends and LinkedIn following for support. Her hope is that the money will help THF to continue to support Navy SEALs and retired service members just like her uncle.
The event will conclude with awards given to the top two finishers, followed by an afterparty at the InterContinental Hotel, where there will be a silent auction, food, drinks and entertainment.
