Navy combat veteran Chris Ring is swimming the entire length of the Mississippi River on a quest to become the first American to complete the 2,552 mile-long span from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

The veteran has been in the water nearly seven hours every day to bring honor and awareness to his fellow solders killed in battle and their "Gold Star" Families.

After starting his swim on the anniversary of D-Day in June, the veteran is hoping to complete his mission in early December–swimming past ten states on his way to the finish line of the fourth longest river in the world.

Watch the Reuters video below: NOTE* It may take a few moments to load… (Photo used with permission)

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