Team USO: Shannon Slutman

Dr. Shannon Slutman is a wife, a mother, and a Gold Star Widow who has found strength in her grief and purpose in her running. She is the wife of United States Marine SSGT Christopher Slutman, who tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in April 2019 while serving as a reservist. Chris, a dedicated firefighter with the FDNY and the Washington D.C. Fire Department, gave so much to his community—both as a first responder and as a Marine. Together, Shannon and Chris shared an unwavering commitment to service, and their love story is one of sacrifice, duty, and shared dreams.

Chris and Shannon were blessed with three beautiful daughters, and through every moment, they made it their mission to “pay it forward.” They worked together with local and national foundations, always finding ways to give back and make a difference. Shannon continues this legacy every day. Her journey is now intertwined with her commitment to supporting the military community that meant so much to Chris.

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

Shannon’s marathon journey started in 2013 when she and Chris ran the Marine Corps Marathon as part of Team USO, a moment that marked the beginning of a passion that would carry her through some of the most challenging years of her life. Together, they took on the miles, a metaphor for the challenges they faced together. Little did Shannon know at the time, that race would be just the start of her journey—not just as a runner, but as a mother, a military spouse, and a woman carrying on the memory of a hero.

“I will carry Chris with me every step of the way as I complete my final World Marathon,” said Shannon.

Since then, Shannon has completed seven marathons, each one an embodiment of strength and resilience. She’s run the Marine Corps Marathon (2013, 2016, 2023), the New York City Marathon (2021), the Chicago Marathon (2023), the London Marathon (2023), and the Berlin Marathon (2024). And now, Shannon is preparing to wrap up her World Major Marathon journey at the Boston Marathon in 2025, twelve years after she first ran the Marine Corps Marathon with Chris by her side. Every mile she runs is a tribute to Chris, to the sacrifices he made, and to the love that continues to inspire her every day.

For Shannon, running is far more than just crossing finish lines. It’s about healing, it’s about honoring, and it’s about carrying forward Chris’s incredible legacy. She works tirelessly with the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation as a representative of the Gold Star Community, serving on both the Board of Advisors and the Design Advisory Council. She also proudly serves as an Ambassador for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, ensuring that the heroes like Chris are never forgotten. Her work is not only a way to honor Chris, but a way to ensure that his sacrifice—and the sacrifices of so many others—will always be remembered.

The USO has been a constant in Shannon’s life, providing comfort in some of the most difficult moments. She remembers the emotional days leading up to Chris’s deployments, especially in 2008 when their first daughter was born just one week before Chris left for Iraq. The USO Airport Center near the 29 Palms Base was there for Chris, a first-time father, and for Shannon, a new mother, offering a sense of peace and support as they said their goodbyes.

“A week after I had McKenna, I put Chris on a plane back to 29 Palms for his deployment to Iraq. The USO gave him a place to relax while adjusting to leaving his family and getting ready for his deployment,” Shannon remembers. “We soon realized that a warm meal and comfortable chair are the little things that help to get them through.”

Now, as Shannon prepares for her next marathon, she carries with her the spirit of Chris—his love, his devotion, and his legacy of service. Every mile she runs is a tribute to him, to the love they shared, and to the sacrifices they both made. It’s a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love and strength can endure. Shannon’s journey is one of resilience, and every step she takes is a testament to the power of memory, legacy, and the unwavering bond that continues to fuel her.

As Shannon crosses the finish line at the Boston Marathon, she will not only celebrate the culmination of her own marathon journey, but also the memory of Chris—the man who inspired her to run, to serve, and to live with purpose. In honoring him, she honors all those who serve and sacrifice for this country, and she continues to pass on the message of love, service, and strength to her daughters.

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