ST. LOUIS (AP) — A 28-year-old Navy combat veteran is about halfway through his effort to swim the length of the Mississippi River. Chris Ring passed through the St. Louis area Monday as part of his goal of completing the 2,552-mile swim over six months.

He typically swims 14 to 16 miles per day, except on Sundays, and started June 6 in Minnesota.

A nonprofit called Legacies Alive is sponsoring Ring. Legacies Alive supports loved ones of fallen veterans.

It is believed that just one other person has been able to swim the length of the river — Martin Strel in 2002.