PITTSBURGH — A Navy SEAL who became the first person to swim the length of the entire Mississippi River came to Pittsburgh Saturday to support military families who have lost loved ones.
Chris Ring was among several veterans and 40 WPIAL football players who participated in the Mac Safety Bowl at Highmark Stadium.
FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
- Mother of handicapped girl chastises driver who wrote nasty note
- Navy SEAL who swam Miss. River supports veterans' families in Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh man struck by lightning in April graduates from college
- MUST-SEE: Famous faces celebrate 'Star Wars' opening in costume
The flag football game was played to raise awareness for Legacies Alive, a non-profit organization which helps families of veterans who have been killed.
Ring, who started his swim in Minnesota and finished in New Orleans on Dec. 4, said he did it for the families.
"It's to bring awareness about the sacrifices these families have made and to honor our fallen heroes," Ring said.
“I can’t imagine not having these guys,” Debbie Arthur said. She has leaned on Legacies Alive for support since her son Chase was killed in Afghanistan three years ago.
“My husband to me the other day ’I noticed you smiling a lot more,’” Arthur said.
This was the third year the game was played to benefit Legacies Alive, which has raised nearly $300,000 for families.
Mayor Bill Peduto declared Saturday Chris Ring Day in Pittsburgh.
WPXI
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
