Remember Navy combat veteran Chris Ring, the guy aiming to be the first American to ever swim the length of the Mississippi? After months of swimming and meeting with others military veterans, he is about halfway to his destination.

To recap, Ring’s mission is to swim from Minnesota to Mississippi to honor our fallen heroes and their families and raise awareness for a group called Legacies Alive. Swimming the Mississippi has never been accomplished by an American, and for good reason. The water is murky and deeper than most realize, and during a foggy or stormy night, the river can become downright treacherous. Ring said that during a thunderstorm he could “feel” the lightning strike the water.

The veteran estimates that he swims 14-16 miles per day, except for Sundays.

On Monday, Ring made it to St. Louis–the halfway point of his long journey. He was greeted by applause and hugs from local Gold Star families, or families who lost someone fighting for our country.

“These families gave the ultimate sacrifice so other families don’t have to.  So it is really to raise awareness and carry on the legacies of our fallen heroes,” Ring said.

This historic swim started on June 6. Ring’s goal is to reach the end of the river by Veterans Day. We’ll be sure to find out when he finally crosses that finish line.