Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch has made some big saves throughout his long MLS career, but it's hard to say that any of them have been as important as the saves he makes off the field.
Since 2011, Busch has been the face of the Saves for SEALs program, which aims to support the families of fallen US Navy SEALs through the Navy SEAL Foundation. It's a cause near to the heart of the 14-year MLS veteran and 2008 Goalkeeper of the Year, a native New Yorker who was among those to have lost a family member in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. As the 10th anniversary of the attacks approached, Busch got the idea to support the families of fallen soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq through the Navy SEAL foundation, and after the program's runaway success during his time in San Jose it has now followed him to Chicago for 2015.
“I’ve been fortunate to be a professional soccer player for 19 years because of these kinds of guys,” said Busch, whose next MLS regular-season match will be the 300th of his career. "These gentlemen are willing to put their life on the line and ultimately sacrifice their life for the well-being of us as Americans. Once the husbands and the fathers are gone, the kids and the wives are left. It’s our responsibility to take care these wives and children.”
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This year, the Chicago Fire Foundation will be auctioning off a number of items including commemorative cleats, goalkeeper gloves, and Busch's game-worn jersey during the team's home game against Orlando City SC on June 6.
For more information, you can watch the video above. Fans looking to donate to Saves for SEALs can do so here.
