Former Navy SEALs set to swim to raise awareness of combat PTSD

Former Navy SEALs to swim across Lake Norman to raise awareness
WCNC News
by KATIE KILLEN
NBC Charlotte Staff
Posted on July 31, 2013

"If it takes me doing something crazy like swimming 12 miles in Lake Norman to raise awareness for these guys, then I feel obligated to do so."

LAKE NORMAN, N.C. -- Two former Navy SEALs are set to swim more than 12 miles across Lake Norman Friday.

The swim is raising awareness for Operation Restored Warrior, a program in Colorado that works with veteran suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

Mooresville resident and former US Navy SEAL Shannon Rusch and friend and fellow SEAL Rich Graham will take off from Queen's Landing at 10 a.m.

They'll then swim the 12. 2 miles to the Rusty Rudder, a lakeside restaurant. Rusch estimates it will take the two men six to eight hours.

"It's going to be difficult, no matter how you cut it. So, it's just going to be one of those things, you commit to it and then go out and do it," he said.

Rusch and Iredell County resident Randy Millwood came up with the idea for the swim. Millwood is a former Air Force pilot and said both men were looking for a way to lend a hand to Operation Restored Warrior and the veterans that the program helps.
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