A few days ago, we featured Navy SEAL Lt. Daniel Cnossen and told of his story of courage and heroism. First off, we would like to thank our reader ssgt leslie for clarifying the medal that Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus personally awarded to Cnossen at Bethesda. We only mentioned that it was a Bronze Star, not stating that it was a Bronze Star with Valor – Cnossen received a Bronze Star with combat “V”.

We also mentioned in that post how Cnossen is still undergoing surgeries and treatment. True to the fact that the Navy SEALs consider themselves as more than just work colleagues but as one family, several of his Navy buddies and triathlete-friends in the San Diego area are organizing a fund raiser for Dan’s benefit. Called “Dan’s Aquathlon”, it is to be held today, Oct. 17, in La Jolla.

The activities for the day are definitely in keeping with Dan’s passion for athletics. The event will begin at 9 in the morning in front of Tower 30 at La Jolla Shores Beach on Avenida de la Playa. There will be a 500 meter ocean swim and a 5 km beach run for a $25 fee.

The athletic events will be followed by a silent auction to be held at Prospect Bar & Lounge at 1025 Prospect Street in La Jolla from 6:30 until 9:30 in the evening. There will be items such as bicycles, sports goggles and autographed sports memorabilia. The proceeds in both events will hopefully help defray the expenses of Dan’s family. Dan Cnossen is, at this time, still at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. According to the update posted by his sister, Leslie, on Wednesday, Daniel underwent surgery on Tuesday to put a skin graft on his leg.

Those who are touched by Daniel’s story and would like to do their part for someone who has done so much for his country and his countrymen, you may want to check out the fund raiser if you are in the La Jolla area today. You can also check out the website dedicated to Dan Cnossen.