We're big believers that a survival mentality should not only be about self-preservation—it's also important to think of the community as a whole. Specifically, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces is a great way to give back to those who have continually put their lives on the line and sacrificed so much for us.

A photo of participants at the 2012 Navy SEAL Frogman Fundraiser event, courtesy of TampaBayFrogman.com.

We bring this up because we recently heard about a good way to show your support for the Armed Forces: the 2016 Tampa Bay Frogman Swim fundraiser. This annual event is a 5k open-water swim for 150 participants, each of whom helps to raise funds for the families of U.S. Navy SEALs injured or killed in training or combat.

100% of the proceeds from the Frogman Swim will go to the Navy SEAL Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that is governed by former U.S. Navy SEALs and chaired by retired Rear Admiral (SEAL) Garry J. Bonelli. The foundation is dedicated to using donations with total accountability and transparency, and more than 94 cents of every dollar go to direct support services for SEAL families. (Financial statements are available here.)

OG contributor David Martin will be serving as a kayak safety paddler in the fundraising event.

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For safety reasons, each swimmer in the Frogman event is accompanied by a kayak support paddler. This year marks the first time that kayakers can also serve as fundraisers alongside the 150 swimmers, permitting the Navy SEAL Foundation to raise even more money for the families of injured or killed Navy SEALs.

We mention kayaking, because that's where our friend David Martin comes in. David is an OG contributing writer and photographer (featured recently in our “Bug-Out Kayak” article) as well as a kayak guide and paddle skills instructor. He'll be participating in the event to raise funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation, and would greatly appreciate donations towards his modest goal of $1,000.

David Martin is also an NRA Training Counselor, Firearms Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer, shown here wearing...

David writes, “Please know that your contribution will not pass through my hands in any way, shape or form. I am one of many fundraisers for this event. The Navy SEAL Foundation directly receives 100% of the proceeds, and you will receive a receipt via email for your year-end tax deductions.”

So, if you'd like to support David, the U.S. Navy Seal Foundation, and the families of Navy SEALs, you can donate through the imATHLETE fundraiser page.

In closing, David writes, “As a civilian I continue to be amazed by these incredible families and warriors. If you have enjoyed a day of shooting or paddling, please take a moment now and celebrate those who help protect our blessings of freedom by making a contribution, and then by passing this along to your own community.”

Written by Patrick McCarthy