Hanscom Airman chases dreams, runs for charity Published March 24, 2023 By Lauren Russell 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Sports can benefit individuals in several ways. On the surface, they improve health and wellness. In some cases, they can create education opportunities and open doors to new careers, or teach lessons about teamwork, leadership, and mental grit. For Maj. Jenifer Mouser, 66th Medical Squadron officer in charge of laboratory and radiology, her relationships with sports have included all the above. Now she’s looking to give back to the next generation of athletes. “I was really shy as a kid and had a hard time making friends, but the one place it was actually easy for me was when I was playing sports,” she said. Mouser, a Taunton, Massachusetts native, always enjoyed running. She competed in track and field, cross country, and swimming throughout middle and high school. Her peers often chose her to lead them as a team captain. “My time competing taught me so much about being a leader and how to be a valuable member of a team,” she said. Mouser had the chance to apply those lessons, and her love of running, when she enlisted in the Air Force in 2005. She found herself leading unit training sessions and pacing her Wingmen during physical assessments. “It was the best way I could give back to those around me,” she said. After commissioning in 2012 and relocating to Hanscom AFB, Mouser knew it was her chance to accomplish a life-long dream by running the Boston Marathon. It would also be another chance for her to give back to others through her love of running. “Once my application was accepted, I knew exactly which charity I wanted to run for,” she said. Mouser matched with a charity that shared her values; a Massachusetts-based organization that benefits low-income young women and girls by covering the costs of sports equipment, travel, and college showcase fees to enable them to participate in activities that benefit their health, education, and overall well-being. “Sports can really impact and change lives, and it’s amazing to give that opportunity to someone who may not otherwise get it,” she said. With her marathon training underway, and through the support of her family and unit, Mouser has run over 415 miles since December 2022. However, there’s another factor that continues to push her forward. “I want to help ensure we have a diverse group of women who will become leaders in the future,” she said.