From left, John Lomasney, Joe Sacco, and Luke Robbins pose for a photo at Gilbert Lake, near Oneonta, N.Y. Lomasney will be participating in the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim 5K to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation on Jan. 11, 2015. Sacco and Robbins, two of Lomasney’s teammates from the Binghamton University Masters swim team, have helped Lomasney prepare for the swim. (Provided photo)
Apalachin, N.Y. resident John Lomasney is pictured carrying the flag for the Traci’s Hope Motorcycle Ride held in October, an event he has participated in every year. Lomasney will be participating in the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim 5K to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation on Jan. 11, 2015. (Photo by JoAnn R. Walter)
Apalachin, N.Y. resident John Lomasney is preparing for the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim taking place on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. The event, a 5K open water swim, is a fundraiser that supports the Navy Seal Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps families of wounded or fallen Navy SEALs.
The 3.1-mile open water Frogman Swim across Tampa Bay is a very challenging event, even for the seasoned swimmer. The water temperature of Tampa Bay is typically between 55 to 62 degrees in January, and John Lomasney has the experience necessary. His fifth 5K swim, this is the first time he will participate in the Tampa Bay event.
For Lomasney, however, the event is not just about adding another check mark on his list of athletic accomplishments. He explained, “I love to swim, but this is not about the swim. This is an opportunity to help the families of the men who protect our freedom, the men who put their lives in harm’s way, and the men who got Bin Laden.”
To prepare for the Frogman swim, Lomasney swam in Quaker Lake once a week for several weeks, with a low temperature recently of 52.4 degrees. In addition, he also swims with the Binghamton University Masters swim team. “The distance is no problem,” Lomasney said, and he added, “It’s preparing for the cold water.” Lomasney estimates it will take him approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the swim.
Established in 2000, the Navy SEAL Foundation’s mission is to provide immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families. For example, not only does the foundation extend tragedy assistance for families who have lost a loved one in training or combat, it also awards scholarships and provides educational assistance for those same families, among other support.
According to the Navy SEAL Foundation website, “Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, there has been an unprecedented demand for Special Operations Forces around the globe. SEALs train in the most unforgiving environments and at an unrelenting pace in order to maintain their ability to execute our nation’s toughest military missions.”
A Navy SEAL is described as, “…the pinnacle of elite warriors.” Stationed in more than 30 nations around the world, Navy SEALs perform missions such as counterterrorism and anti-piracy, hostage rescues, special reconnaissance, and other operations of strategic importance.
Not only is John Lomasney a seasoned swimmer, he also participated in the 2011 Boston Marathon. Lomasney has attended the Traci’s Hope BBQ every year, and is the rider who carries the Traci’s Hope flag on the annual Traci’s Hope motorcycle ride.
Originally from New Hampshire, Lomasney has lived in the area for 20 years, and his father was a career Navy veteran.
John Lomasney’s goal is to raise $5,000 for the Navy SEAL Foundation, a top ranked charity in the U.S. As of this writing; Lomasney has received donations to reach just over 50 percent of his goal. Lomasney encourages donations, in honor of Veterans Day, for the Navy SEALs and their families.
“One thing is certain,” Lomasney shares on his fundraiser page, “During training or on a mission, all of these men risk their lives to protect us and some give their lives to protect us.”
Visit his fundraising page at www.imathlete.com/donate/johnlomasney.
