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San Francisco Author to Swim from Alcatraz to SF with Hands and Feet Tied
Published: Fri, 4 Nov 2005, 10:54 EDT
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By Aria C. Munro
Staff Writer, Publishers Newswire
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA /Publishers Newswire/ -- Author Jay Platt, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, will attempt to swim the 1 1/2 mile distance from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park in San Francisco with his hands and feet tied, in order to raise awareness and support for wounded marines. Jay is the author of: 'A Time to Walk: Life Lessons Learned on the Appalachian Trail,' and the co-author of 'Success is a Journey, and Transformational Leadership.'
WHEN:
November 7th, 2005, at 8:30 am, Alcatraz Island
Information: http://www.escapefromalcatraz.com
"I was looking for something challenging to do as a way of raising awareness to help the Marines who are coming back wounded from the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Platt, who was medically retired from the Marines due to complications from cancer.
"Having lost an eye myself, I somewhat know how they feel, and I wanted to help. That's when I found out about the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (www.semperfifund.org), an organization that helps Marines and Sailors injured in the war against terrorism."
Platt was inspired to undertake this formidable physical and mental challenge by Italian swimmer, Alberto Christini, as well as fitness guru Jack Lalanne, who are the only two individuals to have done such a swim. "I was so moved by what Lalanne and Christini had accomplished and it seemed like the perfect way to support the Semper Fi Fund, and show others that they too can overcome great challenges in their lives, even though they may seem overwhelming."
Jay Platt enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17. During his career, he trained recruits as a Drill Instructor, led Marines as a Platoon Sergeant, taught survival skills as a Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival, and developed Marine leaders as a Marine Corps University Instructor and Advisor.
In 1998, after a 15 year career, Jay retired due to complications from cancer. Since his retirement, through his speaking, writing, coaching, and adventure workshops, he has made it his life's mission to work with others to help them break through their self-imposed barriers and to fully maximize their potential.
WIRE SOURCE: Send2Press Newswire
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