Introducing Team USO running in the 2025 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

In 2025, for the second year, Team USO will proudly participate in the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota on Sunday, October 5, 2025. This year, for the first time, we have 13 incredible runners taking on the challenge to raise vital funds that help the USO strengthen the well-being of service members and their families. Let’s meet our team!

Running in the 10 Mile:

Staff Sergeant Lily Futrell serves in the Minnesota Army National Guard and recently returned from deployment to the Middle East with the 204th Medical Company Area Support, where she provided emergency and routine medical care to service members, contractors, and civilians on base. During her deployment, the USO played a vital role in keeping morale high by organizing activities such as trivia, karaoke, painting nights, holiday parties, and 5K runs. Most of all, she is grateful for the sense of community the USO created while she was deployed and is proud to honor their mission of supporting service members and their families.

Brandon Bostic is a dedicated military service member who is running the 10-mile race with Team USO both as a personal achievement and to raise support for the organization. Known by friends and family for embracing challenges, helping others, and his love of running, Brandon is excited to combine his passion with a cause close to his heart. Throughout his service, he has relied on the USO many times—both at home and while deployed. He values the organization for providing “small pieces of home” during deployments and for being a vital resource for military families when service members are away.

Johnny Villareal is a military service member who has experienced the impact of the USO firsthand during two deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. The USO provided him and his Soldiers with a sense of home through friendly faces and fun events that helped make time away from loved ones easier. Johnny also appreciates the continued support the organization offers stateside, including providing welcoming airport centers for service members and their families.

Deanna Gonzalez is running as a part of Team USO.

William Rog is running as a part of Team USO.

Running in the Half Marathon:

Bradley (Brad) Bellemare is a military service member and a devoted husband and father to two daughters, who inspire him every day to be his best. After 16 years in the Air Force, Brad has embraced running as his personal “me time”—a way to challenge his body, clear his mind, and find moments of peace amid the wonderful chaos of family life. He is training for his first half marathon, the Twin Cities Half Marathon, as a personal goal and a way to lead by example for his daughters, showing them that dedication and hard work can help achieve any dream. For Brad, this race is about perseverance, family, and pushing limits both on and off the course.

Emilie Petersen is running as part of Team USO.

Running in the Full Marathon:

Brittney Betcher is an Army veteran and a proud member of the USO team, running her second marathon and second race with the organization. She has a long history of running, including multiple half marathons, 10-mile races, and 5K–15K events, and enjoys showing her children the power of dedication and perseverance. Brittney’s husband serves in the Army Reserve, and together they share a commitment to service and family.

Sergeant Taylor Ritchot serves in the Minnesota Army National Guard and is the senior line medic for Charlie Company 2-135 Infantry. She is also an Emergency Department Nurse in her civilian life and is committed to serving both her country and her community. Taylor has a long history of running, including numerous 5Ks, 10-milers, and half marathons—most recently completing her first half marathon on September 7th. She is now training for the Twin Cities Marathon, which will be her first full marathon. Taylor often runs to raise awareness and funds for causes supporting service members, including efforts to combat military suicide. She was deployed from 2021–2022 to Kuwait, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, and provided medical aid during the pullout from Afghanistan. During her deployment, she relied on USO events to boost morale and stay connected to home.

Elias (Eli) Hildreth is a current Air Force reservist based in Minneapolis and a veteran of Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria and Iraq, as well as Anti-Terrorism Operations in Africa. He has completed multiple marathons, including the Grandmas Marathon and the Air Force Marathon, a half Ironman in Rockford, and numerous half marathons. Elias is running for Team USO to support an organization that provides vital services for military members, including USO Centers, family support, transition assistance, and morale-boosting programs during deployments.

Sergent Neil Jones serves in the Minnesota Army National Guard and also supports the Guard in his civilian role. Throughout his career, he has relied on USO services—from USO Airport Centers during travel to initial training, to events and amenities provided during his deployment to Kuwait and surrounding areas. Neil has seen firsthand how the USO boosts morale for service members, especially overseas, and values the positive impact it has on his fellow soldiers.

Steven Cutter is running as part of Team USO.

Elliott Cook is running as part of Team USO.

To support Team USO at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota, visit HERE!