Team USO 2024: Mykela Foster

Every year, around 30,000 runners compete in the Boston Marathon, one of the hardest World Marathon Majors due to its hilly profile. It takes dedication to train for a marathon and when you’re a service member, finding the time and energy to train may not always be so easy. Army Captain Mykela Foster decided she was up for the challenge and joined #teamUSO for the 128th Boston Marathon taking place on April 15th, 2024. The catch? She was deployed to Kuwait for nine months leading up to the race and still had to keep up with a rigorous training schedule.

While deployed in the Middle East with the Ohio National Guard, Mykela joined the USO Run Club and called it her “home away from home,” and said it gave her, “much-needed sense of normalcy during the challenges of deployment.”

“I can personally vouch for the incredible impact the USO has on our troops. They’re like a ray of sunshine in our toughest moments, always giving us something to look forward to,” said Mykela.

During her deployment she participated in numerous races, and most recently completed the Gulf Bank half marathon in Kuwait.

In addition to being an Army Captain in the National Guard and an avid runner, she’s also a Senior Human Resources Manager for Amazon and a USO volunteer. At home in Boston, she has the support of her fiancé Patrick and their dog, Maverick. Once she’s home, she’ll be continuing her service in the Massachusetts National Guard and enrolling Maverick in training courses so he can volunteer as a therapy dog for the USO Canine Program.

Last year, Mykela volunteered at the Boston Marathon with the USO at the mile nine watch party alongside her friends and colleagues at Amazon. This year she’s come full circle with her Army service, Amazon volunteerism and USO support. “This race means so much more than just a personal challenge to me. It’s a chance to honor and support my brothers and sisters in arms who dedicate their lives to serving our country,” stated Mykela.

“Joining Team USO, my mission is to raise awareness and donations to further their incredible work. I am incredibly proud of the work that the USO has done for service members deployed across the world.”

You can help Mykela and her fellow Team USO runners reach their Boston Marathon goal by donating here: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/uso2024