Team USO: Nicole Vandenbemden

For many, running is a solitary sport, but for Nicole Vandenbemden, it has always been a way to connect—first with her husband, and later with herself. What began two decades ago as an effort to bond with her partner during their dating years has transformed into a lifelong passion, both in running and in embracing life’s challenges.

“Before I met my husband, I had a strong dislike for running,” Nicole recalls with a laugh.

That all changed when she decided to join her husband in his fitness routine. Her first 5K was a painful experience—one she remembers vividly, feeling miserable every step of the way.

“I finished it and thought I would never run again,” she says. “But I knew deep down that I wasn’t done with it.”

That feeling turned out to be the spark that ignited Nicole’s passion for long-distance running. From her first 5K, she went on to complete countless races—5Ks, 10Ks, 15Ks, 10-milers, half-marathons, and even an Ironman in 2018. In 2024, she ventured into the challenging world of ultramarathons alongside her husband. They had so much fun that they decided to do it again, with one particularly memorable achievement in February: completing a trail 50K.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Nicole will be running in the 129th Boston Marathon as one of 12 runners on Team USO, on Monday, April 21, 2025. This time, she gets to combine her passion for running while fundraising to support military families, just like hers, through the USO.

Behind her athletic accomplishments, however, lies an even deeper story of service and support. Nicole’s life as a military spouse shaped her resilience and her sense of duty. Her husband, an active-duty Air Force pilot, has been her partner through 19 years of marriage, 12 moves, and 11 deployments. Together, they have raised six children. Throughout this demanding journey, Nicole has found ways to serve those around her—not only in her personal life but through her community.

“Your mentality is a huge part of running and long-distance races,” Nicole explains. “I could have been discouraged by everything going on in my life, but I focused on the race, stayed present, and kept pushing forward.”

Nicole shared, “We’ve never lived closer than eight hours from family, and most of the time, we’ve been cross-country. This meant multiple flights over the years to visit family, often for their help during a deployment. The USO Airport Centers were a haven when lugging kids across the terminal during layovers. It wasn’t just a place for a snack, but a welcoming spot with friendly volunteers.”

Her connection to the USO—an organization dedicated to supporting active military members and their families—is rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening the military community. Nicole’s role as a military spouse has always been one of service. Even when she isn’t volunteering in a formal capacity, she is always ready to lend a hand. Whether it’s bringing meals to fellow military spouses, watching their children, or helping in times of crisis like during the aftermath of a hurricane, Nicole’s dedication to serving others is unwavering.

“I’ve always believed that military spouses and families need support, especially when they’re far from home or facing tough times,” Nicole says. “I try to help in any way I can. Sometimes that’s just being there for someone, making sure they feel seen and heard.”

Each member of the family has learned to adapt in some way because of their father’s career in the military.

Peyton, Nicole’s eldest son, has attended nine different schools since entering kindergarten. When it became certain in the spring of 2024 that the family would be moving in the summer of 2025, they asked him if he wanted to consider graduating early or completing his senior year wherever they were headed. He chose to speak with his counselor to see if it was a possibility, rather than adding a tenth school to his list. He will graduate in June 2025 and head to the University of Cincinnati in the fall.

Nicole’s story is one of incredible perseverance—whether running a race, balancing family life with the demands of a military career, or helping others in her community. Through it all, she remains a symbol of strength, resilience, and compassion. As she continues to chase new goals and help those around her, Nicole exemplifies the power of connecting to others and pushing beyond the limits we think we have.

What’s next? After cheering on Nicole at the Boston Marathon, three of her kids will be running their first half marathon, less than a week later. While they’ve completed a few 10-milers and are cross-country and track runners, this will be their longest distance yet. It’s a special moment for the family, as they cheer each other on while running side by side.

In a life defined by change and challenge, Nicole has learned that it’s not about how fast you run or how many medals you collect—it’s about showing up, pushing forward, and helping others along the way.

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