Boston Frogman Swim: To honor James Vacanti & Navy Community

Hello, my name is Jonathan.

I've decided to participate in the 'Boston Frogman Swim' June 8th in the Boston harbor. This is a 3.1 mile swim around the harbor to raise money and awareness for the Navy Special Warfare community and The Navy SEAL Foundation. This community is very important to me as I've always held Navy SEALs in the highest regard. It wasn't until recently that I've learned how vast the Navy Special Operations community is and how imperative every piece of this community is. SWCCs, EOD, DMTs and a dozen plus rates (jobs in Navy lingo) that make the sophisticated mission set of Navy Special Operations possible. Behind all of these extraordinary men and women are their families who have a difficult mission as well, to support their service member at home and while they are away on duty. My love for the military began with my father who served with the 1st Armored Div. as well as my Father-in-Law with the 1st Cavalry Div. Both in Operation Desert Storm (photo of my father below in the burning oil fields of southern Kuwait 1991). I recently became an active duty Navy Spouse when my wife enlisted with the Navy. We both participated in the Warrior challenge program. We got to know personally and underwent training from SEALs who served from the beginning of the 'War on Terror', Air Rescue Swimmers who have put it all on the line to save others to name a few. My wife and I were honored to get to know these extraordinary men and women firsthand along with the other candidates we trained with.

I am participating in this swim for them.

For all who have came before and their families.

For all of those who will take on these selfless careers in the future and their families.

I'm also participating in this swim in honor of my little brother James. James passed away May 10th 2025 at 28 year's old while doing what he loved most, riding his motorcycle. My brother means the world to me and I swore in front of all our friends and family at his wake that I would honor him everyday by pushing myself to be the most I can be. My father passed away in 2014 at the age of 46. Battling an alcohol addiction and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress were things he could have used much more support on dealing with that could have potentially gave us many more years with him.

Between joining the Navy community myself, taking on these intense trainings with the Navy's Warrior Challenge Program, learning more about the men and woman who have served our country selflessly, learning how many of those men and women lack the proper support they need, and losing my brother in such a tragic way: I am determined to take on this swim and continue on from there in my mission to raise awareness for positive change, support for those who need it and propelling myself ever-forward in the emergency services and potentially in the Navy Special Operations career fields.

I ask that you donate what you can and help me in my mission. You dont need to serve in the military or be a first responder to be a hero. By helping our service members who willingly put everything on the line and their families you are absolutely a hero in my book. I appreciate all who have taken the time to read this.

Navy Seal Foundation

Boston Frogman Swim