Retired Marine Makes Historic Swim Across Mississippi River

Friars Point, MS - November 14, 2011 -- Jay Platt (www.JayPlatt.com), a retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, today swam 1.88 miles across the Mississippi River in handcuffs and shackles, while blindfolded, becoming the only person to have ever done so. He did it to raise money and awareness for injured and wounded service personnel.

"I was looking for something challenging to do as a way of raising awareness to help the warriors 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 do something to help.

Platt, who is one of three men to have swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco with his hands and feet bound (www.EscapeFromAlcatraz.com) did the swim as a way of showing that anything is possible. “This seemed like the perfect way to show others that they too can overcome great challenges in their lives, even though the obstacles they face 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. Jay is the author of: “A Time to Walk: Life Lessons Learned on the Appalachian Trail,” and "No Matter What! How To Be Unstoppable, Despite The Obstacles, Starting Today."

For more information please visit: http://www.swimforthewarriors.com/.

Media Contact:
Jay Platt
Jay Platt & Associates
843-473-8254
Jay@jayplatt.com