By: Christy Hinko
Longislandpress.com
On Saturday, August 17, Brian Valenza, a native of Port Washington and veteran Seal de la Marina with seven years of service, joined more than 350 participants in the seventh annual edition of the competition “Seal swimming of New York City” (“New York City Seal Swim”), a multi -sports event of 5.6 kilometers through the Hudson River to honor the fallen heroes and raise funds and raise awareness about the Seal de la Marina Foundation.
Valenza, who grew up in Port Washington and competed in swimming throughout the high school and while attending the United States Naval Academy, commented that the event was unique.
“The current was very strong, but thanks to the security protocols, the reserve staff and a long -born -headquarters -based security equipment, we could swim to the second barge safely,” he said.
Swimming began in the Liberty State Park in New Jersey. It included two stops in the statue of Libertad and Ellis Island, before finishing with a race with the US flag to the World Trade Center. However, due to the dangerous water conditions near Battery Park, the organizers canceled the event before completing the third stage. Valenza said the decision to stop swimming was correct.
“The New York State Police and its Special Operations Response Team (SORT), along with three inflatables of rigid helmet (Rhib) and an aquatic security equipment of 25 volunteers aboard 7 aquatic motorcycles (PWC) of Massopequa, Atlantic Beach and Oceanside, were called to action when the water conditions were suddenly made dangerous,” Valenza said. “The team took a step forward and rescued dozens of swimmers.”
The Navy Seal Foundation, which allocates 94 cents of each dollar collected to programs for active service, veterans and their families, was fundamental for the participation of Valenza.
“What attracted me to swimming was to know that every dollar collected is directly allocated to support our community,” he said. “The Foundation is invaluable to support the specific needs of Seal families and I have seen their importance first hand.”
The event brought together Veterans Seal, the New York Fire Department (FDNY), to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and other military and civil patriotic veterans. For Valenza, that camaraderie was a reminder of his years in team four of the Seal.
«While I helped rescue boats to get people out of the water, I realized that some of the same companions with whom I served were doing the same. He reminded me of the team atmosphere with which I can always count, ”he said.
Although he has participated in similar beneficial events in San Francisco, the Bay of Tampa, Boston, Annapolis and even abroad, Valenza said that swimming in New York had a special meaning.
“Being there in Hudson, looking at the statue of freedom, knowing that we were honoring the Warriors of Extortation 17 and the lost lives on 11-S, it was moving,” he said. On August 6, 2011, 30 US military and an American military dog died when a Chinook CH-47 helicopter, with extinctive call 17, was demolished in Afghanistan.
Valanza not only thanked the event staff (mostly volunteers) and the assistance of the forces of the order, but also highlighted how the volunteers of South Shore and the contingent of Long Island who came to support the initiative contributed to the event being a success.
“Long Island represented today,” he said. “I am from Port, but those South Shore sailors kept everyone safe when the conditions worsened. It was incredible to see our community take a step forward in such a significant way.”
The swimming collected hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Navy Seal Foundation, which offers more than 30 programs, including assistance in case of tragedy, scholarships, summer camps for children, support for mental health, physical rehabilitation, support for professional transition and Gold Star programs and events. For Valenza, the mission was deeply personal.
“This is not just a career; “That’s why I’m still coming back year after year.”
Visit www.navysealfoundation.org for more information about the foundation, make a donation and stay informed about the next events.
(With additional information from Larissa Fuentes)
