Governance

Leadership

JSSOF is led by volunteer directors and staff who ensure every program reflects disciplined stewardship, transparency, and unwavering support for the Special Operations community.

Executive leadership

Dedicated staff advancing the mission.

Mindy Blain

Executive Director

Mindy Blain joined JSSOF in 2023 and leads the organization's operational and administrative efforts. She retired from the U.S. Army after more than 20 years of service in operational management roles and holds a Master of Public Administration from Wayland Baptist University. Passionate about connecting service members and their families with meaningful outdoor experiences, Mindy is dedicated to creating opportunities that strengthen resilience, build community, and create lasting memories for JSSOF participants.

(406) 668-1646 mindy@jssof.org

Board of directors

Volunteer oversight for mission and resources.

The board sets strategic direction, ensures fiscal responsibility, and advances JSSOF's commitment to active-duty SOF members, their families, and veterans. For committee assignments or governance materials, contact mindy@jssof.org.

Colonel Ike Slaughter

Colonel Ike Slaughter, U.S. Army, Retired served as an Army combat arms officer and Green Beret. He served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, and more over 30 years of military service. He continues to be active in the Special Forces community post-service. Ike co-founded and was President of the Special Forces Association of Montana and co-founded and is the current President and Chairman of the Board of the Joint Service Special Operations Fund (JSSOF). Both are nonprofits committed to aiding military members and their families. Ike was inducted into the SOCOM Commando Hall of Honor and as a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment in 2025. Ike brings combat veteran experience, organizational leadership, communication and an unwavering passion to serve Special Forces through JSSOF as the Founder, President and Chairman of the Board.

Patrick McCauley

Command Sergeant Major Patrick McCauley, U.S. Army, Retired is an accomplished Special Operations veteran who distinguished himself leading this nation's most elite Special Operations organizations in diverse and challenging combat environments. Serving in the U.S. military for more than 33 years, he culminated his career as the ninth Command Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. Special Operations Command. He is a member of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Pat serves as the Vice President of JSSOF and brings combat veteran experience, organizational leadership, communication excellence and Board Governess experiences to JSSOF.

Andrew Graziano

LtCol Andrew Graziano, U.S. Army, Retired is a finance and operations executive with experience in defense, aerospace, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. A former U.S. Army Special Operations finance leader, he now serves in CFO roles supporting emerging companies and investment platforms, is the founder of Firefly Truffles LLC, and serves as treasurer and board member for NDIA North Carolina. Andrew brings strong financial oversight, strategic planning, and mission-driven leadership to the organizations he serves. Andrew serves as the Treasurer of JSSOF.

Gordon Magnus

Gordon Magnus served a 40+ year defense industrial base career with Texas Instruments, Raytheon, and RTX, developing and delivering warfighting systems and services for the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. He continues to serve the U.S. Military as a board of director on Albers Aerospace and Delta Black Aerospace and serves RTX as a consultant for the defense industry. Gordon serves as a nonprofit director of finance and board advisor for Choose to Soar Ministries. Gordon brings strong business knowledge, Strategy, Defense Industrial Base, Organizational leadership, New Business capture and Board Governess experiences and skills to JSSOF.

Robert Beck

Bob Beck is a former U.S. Army Ranger, jumpmaster, and Green Beret who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam period. He served as an officer in a large corporation prior to starting his own global specialty chemical company, Seaco Technologies Inc. He combines corporate management and entrepreneurial experience setting up company management and systems. Today he serves as President of Seaco Technologies Inc. and several other companies, including nonprofits. Bob brings strong business knowledge, combat veteran experience, organizational leadership, and Board Governess experiences and skills to JSSOF.

Respites

Respites designed for restoration and connection.

A Private Farm Retreat

A peaceful, bespoke retreat where exceptional farm-fresh food, warm fellowship, and thoughtful design come together.

Savor delicious shared meals in curated spaces, and let the gentle rhythm of the farm invite deep connection, true relaxation, and quiet renewal.

Summer Respites

JSSOF offers several summer respites for our families as well as single active-duty service members. Respites range from riding roller coasters, meeting your favorite cartoon characters, to serene fly-fishing trips across the nation.

Winter Respite

Ranch Hands Reunion is our marquis event. JSSOF sponsors Active-Duty Special Operations Soldiers, their Families and Gold Star Family Members for a week of skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, hatchet throwing, feasting, and fire pits. This event is also attended by 60 to 80 Veterans who fund their own travel, lodging, meals, and activities.