On August 16, 2025, James R. “Jim” Beebe (Epsilon Rho–Purdue ’94) joined a group of U.S. Navy SEALs, special forces, first responders, and patriots in New York City for a grueling all-day challenge to benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation. Together, the participants raised more than $800,000 for the organization, which provides critical support to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families.
The event included a two-mile run, more than 300 push-ups and 66 pull-ups, and culminated in a 3.5-mile open-water swim across the Hudson River, with stops at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Beebe himself raised more than $4,600 through his personal fundraising efforts.
For Beebe, this was not only his first time attempting the SEAL Swim but also the most daunting athletic challenge of his life. “To say I can do this at age 50, something I’ve never done before, and I’m not a swimmer—it’s completely outside my comfort zone,” he explained. “I’ve been lifting for years, but this terrified me from the beginning. I had to find coaches, track my progress, and prepare myself for adversity.”
The event itself also carried a deeper meaning. Participants stopped throughout the swim to complete sets of push-ups and pull-ups in honor of fallen heroes. “The pull-ups are 22 because on average about 22 veterans commit suicide daily. We want to bring awareness to that,” Beebe shared.
Despite the physical demands, Beebe remained focused on the larger purpose. “I’m just going to be in pain for one day to help make an impact for these people who have been paying for a lot longer than I’ve ever been,” he said.
That perspective reflects lessons he applies both in athletics and in life. “Someday down the road, there’s going to be an unforeseen challenge that really sucks. If you’ve already pushed through adversity, you can apply the same principles and get through the next one. Otherwise, those fears knock you down. My calling is to make an impact and do it by example.”
Ultimately, Beebe emphasized that the event was about teamwork and collective strength. “I can do only so much by myself, but with 10 people or 100 or a thousand people, my impact is way greater. We are called to make other people around us better—that’s one of our callings.”
Jim Beebe is the Founder and Head Coach of Unbreakable Athletics Academy in Plainfield, Ind. He is the author of ATHLETE BUILDER: The Blueprint to Build Champion Athletes and also hosts the Athlete Builder podcast and travels extensively for public speaking and coaching. Jim has previously served on the Alumni Advisory Committee for Epsilon Rho Chapter, is a member of the Loyal Order, and is a five-member of the KAOEF’s Crimson & Gold Society.
To learn more or to support the Navy SEAL Foundation, visit Jim’s fundraising page.
