Navy SEAL Candidates At Naval Academy Test Their Mettle

Online, January 20, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Three Naval Academy Midshipmen are among some 160 athletes who will test their mettle at the Arrowhead 135 Ultra Marathon in Minnesota at the end of January.

At the same time, they hope to raise awareness and funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support to the families of fallen and wounded special operations personnel, including Navy SEALs.

Midshipmen Garrett Griffin, John McDonough and Stephen Honan will hike, ski or bike a course that meanders along a 135-mile snowmobile trail on the Minnesota/Canada border between International Falls, MN and Tower, MN.

Each of them must carry their own food, water and shelter, with one exception: there is a cabin at mile 75. In addition, all of them must finish within 60 hours. Sleep is optional.

The Midshipmen are eager to face a challenge that will have them battling exhaustion, blisters, sore knees and backs, as well as fighting off dehydration and sleep deprivation. This is not surprising when you understand each hopes to join the SEALS - an elite corps of Navy special operations personnel who routinely push their physical and mental abilities to the breaking point.

The race starts January 31st in one of North America's coldest regions. (Fun fact: International Falls was the inspiration for the fictional town of Frostbite Falls, made famous by the 1960's era "Bullwinkle" cartoon show.)

In addition to the sub-freezing temperatures (it was -34F this week,) the participants will face extreme elements, including deep snow, wind, ice, twisting trails and steep hills. There's no prize money at stake, just an arrowhead trophy for finishing.
However, for the Midshipmen, the race is a way to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides free college educations for the children of fallen special operators from all the military branches lost in combat or training operations.

Since 1980, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation has provided full college educations to the surviving children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel. The SOWF also provides immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations personnel so their loved ones can be beside during their recovery.

To support the Midshipman's efforts, go to http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/john-mcdonough-2/arrowhead2011

For more information about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, visit www.specialops.org