Team USO: Jack Brandt

As an active-duty lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard, Jack Brandt has tackled missions that range from counter-narcotics operations to promoting regional stability in the Middle East. But now, he’s setting his sights on a different kind of challenge—a marathon.

Although Jack has never run a marathon before, he’s no stranger to athletic competitions. He played football and baseball at the Coast Guard Academy, and since college has maintained a consistent training regimen that has adapted to include running.

“I’m in good shape, and I feel confident that I can train for and complete a marathon, hopefully with a respectable finishing time,” said Jack.

His ambition, combined with his discipline as a Coast Guard officer, means this next challenge is something Jack is ready to embrace with the same dedication that has fueled his career and life in the military.

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

Jack’s journey into the Coast Guard began at the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he graduated in 2019. Afterward, he spent nearly four years on cutters, engaging in critical missions such as counter-narcotics operations and living marine resources patrols. During his service, he was also deployed to the Middle East, where he played a vital role in missions designed to deter Iran and its proxies from threatening the United States, its allies, and international trade.

Now, Jack is in a new phase of his career, enrolled in the Coast Guard’s Advanced Education Program at Suffolk University Law School in Boston. Upon graduation, he will continue his service as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, ready to apply his skills to new challenges within the military. However, while his professional life continues to evolve, his commitment to supporting others—especially fellow service members—remains a constant.

Jack’s connection to the USO, an organization that supports the people serving our nation’s military and their families, has been strong since his time at the Coast Guard Academy. While stationed aboard the USCGC ESCANABA in Boston, he served as the cutter’s USO liaison, and the partnership left a lasting impact.

“I developed a great working relationship with the USO office in Boston,” Jack says. “They were incredibly supportive of our crew.”

The USO helped to boost morale by hosting programs, providing tickets to sports games, and offering valuable resources for service members and their families—especially during the often-stressful times leading up to deployments.

Jack became a regular visitor to USO Centers during his travels, leaving behind unit patches or coins as a token of appreciation for the support the organization continued to provide.

One of the most memorable chapters of Jack’s journey with the USO came during his 2022 deployment to the Middle East. As his cutter sailed from the United States, the USO was there to support the crew, meeting them in Spain, Italy, and Greece. The USO organized team-building events and excursions that brought some much-needed respite to the crew during their time in port. One highlight was a tour of Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete, which became an unforgettable experience for the crew.

Once they reached Bahrain, the USO’s commitment to the crew didn’t waver. Even though they were thousands of miles away from home, the USO continued to boost morale by hosting programs and providing crew members with a sense of home and connection during an otherwise challenging deployment.

“The USO’s support during our transit really helped us get through some challenging times,” Jack reflects. “The memories we created during those events were incredible and really lifted everyone’s spirits.”

Now, as Jack prepares for his marathon goal, he continues to carry with him the sense of community and support that the USO has always provided. Whether on land or at sea, Jack knows the importance of leaning on others and giving back. The marathon represents more than just crossing a finish line—it’s about perseverance, determination, and the same commitment to pushing through obstacles that has defined his military career. As he sets his sights on the road ahead, Jack’s story remains one of service, strength, and the powerful bonds of camaraderie that shape both his military path and his personal goals.

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