Team USO: Kailey Skarinka

Kailey Skarinka’s journey as a runner has always been about more than just hitting the pavement—it’s about perseverance, pushing through challenges, and finding clarity. Whether it was her first 5K with Girls on the Run back in middle school or crossing the finish line at this year’s Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC, Kailey has always felt that same rush of accomplishment and pride. For her, running is an outlet, a reset button that helps her tackle both life’s big challenges and the day-to-day grind, all while giving her a sense of balance and focus.

Her connection to running goes hand in hand with her family’s legacy of military service. Kailey grew up in a household where military pride was woven into every part of her life. Her grandfather, a three-star Air Force general, and her father, a skilled F-15 pilot, showed her what it means to serve with courage and commitment. Though Kailey never wore a uniform herself, her career has been deeply tied to supporting those who do. As a counterterrorism officer and later at the White House Military Office, Kailey has worked tirelessly to provide essential intelligence to military personnel, helping them stay safe and accomplish their missions.

This is why Kailey will be running in the 129th Boston Marathon as one of 12 runners on Team USO, on Monday, April 21, 2025.

“While I’m not an active-duty service member and haven’t benefited directly from the USO, they’ve impacted so many people I love and care about,” said Kailey.

Running has always been Kailey’s way of resetting after the demands of her job. But it’s more than just a personal hobby—it’s an opportunity to connect her passion for fitness with her drive to support the men and women in uniform. That’s where the USO comes in. Kailey has always admired the USO’s ability to bridge the gap between military and civilian life. She’s seen firsthand how the organization makes a huge impact, especially through personal experiences, like when her aunt was deployed to Afghanistan during the holidays. The USO made sure she felt connected to home, even when thousands of miles away, and that sense of support meant everything.

Sometimes, even the smallest of things can make a huge impact.

“My husband and I have friends who were traveling with their 20-month-old baby. The dad is an active-duty Green Beret, and they were able to utilize a USO Center at the airport for a quiet spot to rest in between flights,” Kailey recalled. “A super small example, but it can make the world of difference.”

Running the Boston Marathon has been a dream of Kailey’s since she first laced up her sneakers for that Girls on the Run race all those years ago. But after the tragic events at the 2013 Boston Marathon, her relationship with the race grew deeper. It became not just a personal goal but a symbol of resilience and a reminder of why she chose to dedicate her life to protecting others. Now, running for Team USO feels like the perfect way to honor both her family’s military legacy and her lifelong passion for running.

For Kailey, Boston isn’t just another race. It’s a full-circle moment that brings together her love of running, her career spent supporting national security, and her family’s legacy of service. She’s excited to run this race not just for herself but for the incredible men and women who serve our country, knowing that every step she takes will help support the USO’s mission of serving those who serve.

You can help Kailey and the rest of the runners on Team USO reach their Boston Marathon goals by donating here: https://www.givengain.com/campaign/uso2025