Team USO 2024: Paul Milliken

The first Boston Marathon in 1897 had only 15 participants. Today, for the 128th Boston Marathon, we’ll see about 30,000 participants race through the streets of Boston. The official start line is in Hopkinton Massachusetts and ends at Copley Square on Boylston Street for a total of 26.2 miles. In that sea of runners trying to overcome the hilly terrain you may get a chance to see Lieutenant Commander Paul Milliken representing #teamUSO.

Paul is an active-duty Coast Guardsman who serves in the office of the Staff Judge Advocate from the First Coast Guard District in Boston. He enlisted in 2003 and remembers his first USO experience at Philadelphia International Airport.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the USO’s 2024 Boston Marathon team! I vividly remember walking into the USO lounge at the airport in Philly on my way to Coast Guard Basic Training without having any idea about the organization’s incredible history,” said Paul.

Since 1941, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military and their families, throughout their time in uniform and as they transition home. We are only able to carry out this crucial work with the generous support of donations. When the chance to run in the Boston Marathon and support the USO’s mission arose, Paul knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Regardless of his busy schedule, he began to train, wherever he happened to be.

“I grew up in Massachusetts and was then stationed here three times; both of my kids were born here. Running the Boston Marathon is such a dream come true. Obviously, I’ve been in the military long enough to know just how important the USO is. This is really the perfect combination. I feel so lucky to be on this team!” said Paul.

While in the Coast Guard, Paul served on five cutters and two small boat stations before earning his law degree. Outside of military service he works as a captain at his family’s whale-watching company, the Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown. But what does Paul consider his most important achievement? His son, Paul Jr. and daughter, Brianna. Both are very active in Scouts BSA where Paul is a Venture Crew Advisor and leads trips like the one they took in 2023 for 2 weeks backpacking through New Mexico.

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