Each August, hundreds gather on the banks of the Hudson River to take part in a grueling athletic event that is as much about remembrance as it is about endurance. The New York City SEAL Swim, a 3.5-mile multi-sport journey from Liberty State Park to the World Trade Center, honors fallen heroes and supports the Navy SEAL Foundation. Among the participants this year is Brian Valenza, a Navy SEAL veteran and Port Washington native whose story reflects the deep personal commitment behind the event.

Valenza, who served as a Navy SEAL from 1999 to 2006, is no stranger to the rigors of military life or the emotional toll it takes. His journey to the elite force began in high school, where he swam competitively and dreamed of becoming a frogman—a reference to the Underwater Demolition Teams that preceded the SEALs. A small but significant gesture from a guidance counselor, who gave him a Naval Academy pin, set him on a path toward military service and eventually SEAL training.

After graduating from the Naval Academy, Valenza was deployed to regions including Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. During these years, he witnessed not only the intensity of operations but also the sacrifices made by service members and their families. “Listening to phone calls from teammates telling their kids they wouldn’t be home for holidays was heartbreaking,” he shared. That experience solidified his dedication to supporting the SEAL community long after his active duty ended.

The NYC SEAL Swim is more than a test of physical strength. Participants must complete three swim legs across the Hudson River, each followed by 100 push-ups and 22 pull-ups at iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The event concludes with a run from Battery Park City to the World Trade Center, during which swimmers carry an American flag to honor those lost on 9/11, the warriors of EXTORTION 17, and all who have served. It is a demanding tribute, both physically and emotionally, designed to reflect the resilience and unity of the SEAL community.

I found this detail striking: the precision and symbolism built into every aspect of the swim. From the number of pull-ups and push-ups to the final flag run, each element serves as a reminder of the lives being honored. It’s a powerful example of how physical effort can be transformed into a form of remembrance and advocacy.

Valenza first joined the NYC SEAL Swim four years ago and has since become an ambassador and volunteer for the Navy SEAL Foundation. The foundation is known for its efficiency, directing 94 cents of every dollar to programs that support active duty SEALs, veterans, and their families. These programs include scholarships, family camps, and resources for Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in service. Valenza emphasized the importance of the foundation’s role, saying, “It fills a gap I saw firsthand during my service.”

After his military career, Valenza returned to Port Washington to care for his mother, putting aside an initial plan to pursue a medical career in Washington, D.C. Instead, he found new ways to serve by staying involved with the Navy SEAL Foundation and contributing to local media through work with newspapers like the Port Washington News. His continued engagement with the community reflects a broader commitment to service that extends beyond the battlefield.

Last year’s NYC SEAL Swim raised over $600,000 for the foundation, a testament to the event’s impact and the public’s support. The Navy SEAL Foundation consistently ranks among the top 0.1% of U.S. charities for transparency and effectiveness, a distinction that has helped build trust and momentum for its mission. Valenza encourages others to get involved, noting that Port Washington hosts fundraising events throughout the year to benefit the cause.

The event also serves as a reminder of the enduring bonds within the military community. For many participants, it’s not just about swimming across the Hudson—it’s about honoring teammates, supporting families, and ensuring that the sacrifices of service members are never forgotten. The NYC SEAL Swim creates a space where athleticism, remembrance, and community support intersect in a meaningful way.

For those interested in learning more or contributing, the Navy SEAL Foundation’s website offers details about upcoming events, donation opportunities, and the many ways it supports SEALs and their families. As Valenza’s story shows, the impact of service doesn’t end with deployment. Through events like the NYC SEAL Swim, veterans continue to lead, inspire, and give back.

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