Introducing Team USO Running the 129th Boston Marathon®

For the first time ever, Team USO will be comprised of 12 runners at the 129th Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America. Their collective goal is to raise $120,000, which will help the USO fulfill its mission to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families. Let’s meet this year’s runners!

Jack Brandt grew up in Marlton, New Jersey, and attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Following graduation, he served aboard CGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) where he served as a Deck Watch Officer, conducting patrols focusing on living marine resources and counter narcotic operations. He currently attends Suffolk University Law School in Boston, MA where he serves on the executive board of the Suffolk Law Veterans Association and is a Teaching Assistant. After completing law school, Brandt will continue his service as a member of the Coast Guard’s JAG Corps. Jack lives in Boston where he enjoys supporting his favorite sports teams: the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins.

Michael Burke is a Bronze Star Army veteran who entered the service through Xavier University’s ROTC program. After completing law school, Michael served four years on active duty in the Army JAG Corps. This included a 12-month tour in Afghanistan with the 1st Infantry Division. He is currently a corporate attorney.

The USO has a special place in Michael’s story as it was from a USO Center in Afghanistan where he asked permission to marry his wife. On that deployment, he also stayed connected with his then fiancé using prepaid calling cards received through the USO’s Operation Phone Home®. Michael is excited to give back to the USO as a thank you for connecting him with family while deployed.

Michael ran his first marathon at the age of 17 and has run 10 marathons since then. He has always dreamed of running the Boston Marathon and is excited to join Team USO, sharing the experience with his wife and twin 4-year-old daughters.

Army Captain Audrey Gonzalez is an active-duty Human Resources Officer stationed at Natick Systems Soldier Center in Natick, Massachusetts. She currently serves as the Commander of the Headquarters Research and Development Detachment (HRDD) under the U.S Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) whose mission is to maximize the effectiveness of America’s military. She is a strong advocate for all that the USO provides to service members and has first-hand utilized and coordinated resources during her previous overseas rotations. It was her personal goal to take in as much Boston spirit as possible during her assignment, so she is very appreciative and excited to run with Team USO in the historic Boston Marathon!

Alyssa Hill is a dedicated military spouse and mother of four, driven by a passion for community and fitness. A former University of North Georgia Cross Country and Track and Field athlete, she has always been committed to an active lifestyle. Recognizing the importance of community, especially for military families, she is dedicated to building connections among fellow military spouses. Her passion for iStroll, a stroller fitness group she helped launch at various duty stations, exemplifies her commitment to fostering strong bonds. Her personal journey as a runner has been a source of resilience and focus, helping her navigate the unique challenges of military life and motherhood. Together, Alyssa and fellow Team USO runner, Joshua Hill, have four incredible and active children. As a Team USO athlete, she’s honored to support military families and strengthen the home front.

Joshua Hill is originally from Cumming, GA, is a dedicated family man and Army Service Member. Josh is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, where he commissioned into the Armor Branch in 2017. In 2016, he married his high school sweetheart and fellow Team USO runner, Alyssa Hill. Josh is currently serving as a Company Commander in the 1st Cavalry Division, stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Josh is a veteran of the War in Afghanistan and a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School. In his free time, Josh enjoys playing golf, running and spending time with his family. The USO has been pivotal in his ability to stay connected with his wife and children throughout many deployments and training. He is proud to be a part of Team USO.

Claire Moynihan is a military child, whose father served in the Navy for 27 years. While her and her family were stationed overseas, they got to experience the impact the USO has on service members and their families. She is excited to give back to an organization that has helped so many military families around the world. This will be her very first marathon and she is honored to be running it as a part of Team USO!

Kailey Skarinka was raised in a military family and has spent her career working in the defense and intelligence communities. She is currently a Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where her work includes federal clients, and previously served as a counterterrorism targeter at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and as a program manager at the White House Military Office.

An avid runner since high school, Kailey most recently completed the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon. Her passion for service is deeply rooted in her family’s rich military history, which spans over 250 years and includes members from every branch of the armed forces. Kailey is thrilled to run the Boston Marathon as part of Team USO, combining her commitment to supporting the military community with her love for running.

Dr. Shannon Slutman is the wife and Gold Star Widow of United States Marine Staff Sergeant Christopher Slutman. Staff Sergeant Slutman was a firefighter with the FDNY and was killed in Afghanistan in April of 2019 while serving as a reservist. Chris and Shannon were blessed with three amazing daughters and enjoyed paying it forward by working with local and national foundations. She continues her husband’s legacy by serving as an Ambassador for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and is a member of the Board of Advisors and the Design Advisory Council for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. In 2013, Shannon and Chris started their marathon running the Marine Corps Marathon with Team USO. Shannon will wrap up her World Major journey at the Boston Marathon on Team USO twelve years later!

Frankie Smith is a proud third-generation combat veteran who served in Iraq, continuing his family’s legacy of dedication and sacrifice. As someone who embraces life with an adventurous spirit, he seeks out transformative physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences. From swimming the challenging waters of Alcatraz to climbing Mount St. Helens and scuba diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galápagos Islands, Frankie thrives on pushing boundaries and embracing the extraordinary.

Professionally, Frankie serves as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Wells Fargo, where he leverages his expertise to drive meaningful organizational impact. Married for 20 years to his best-half, he is also a proud father of two children.

Nicole Vandenbemden is a proud military spouse, daughter of a retired Marine, and sister of an Air National Guard reservist. Her husband is an active-duty Air Force pilot, and their family is currently stationed in the National Capital Region. Nicole first laced up her running shoes over two decades ago to connect with her future husband. Today, she has completed countless races, including several half-marathons, a marathon, numerous triathlons, 3 full Ironman triathlons, and a 50K trail race.

Nicole’s strength isn’t just on the racecourse; as a registered nurse at a pediatric clinic and the mother of six active children, she knows firsthand the demands of balancing a career, family, and the challenges of military life. Nicole understands the heartache of having a loved one deployed, the resilience needed to move every few years, and the strength it takes to raise a family amid uncertainty. She is elated to be running with Team USO and views it as a tribute to every military family navigating these same challenges.

Andrew Voelsing is currently studying Climate System Engineering at MIT and is a Midshipman in the Boston NROTC Consortium. Coming from a family with a proud legacy of military service — Andrew is working towards commissioning into the prestigious Naval Reactors Program, where he plans to lead technical innovation to guide the future of America’s fleet.

An avid runner for six years, Andrew has raced every distance from the 400 meters to the marathon and is preparing to make Boston his first World Marathon Major. Running for Team USO, he will honor the military community that shaped his upbringing while supporting service members he is training to serve alongside.

Sam Wollak is a native of New England and brand manager at athenahealth. As an avid hiker, runner and former rower, Sam loves physical and mental challenges and is thrilled that his first marathon will be as a member of Team USO. Motivated by his cousin’s 20 years of service in the Navy, as well as other family member’s military service, Sam is excited to raise awareness, funds and give back to an organization that provides such vital support and resources to military members and their families.

Join Team USO in achieving their fundraising goal by visiting the USO’s 2025 Boston Marathon page!