Executive Management | Key Personnel

Ms. Jennifer Paquette

Ms. Paquette has served as Executive Director of the Green Beret Foundation since 1 AUG 2011. Prior to that, she served as Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer, and Board Treasurer of the Foundation since January 2010. She has identified and developed programs and services, planned and executed GBF's numerous events throughout the country, and fostered business relationships with other not-for-profits and corporate sponsorships.

She manages critical aspects of day-to-day operations including strategic planning, building and maintaining donor/investor relationships, the coordination, development and delivery of services to our Green Berets and their families. She works closely with USSOCOM and the Special Forces Regiment to ensure programs and services are delivered expeditiously to Green Berets and their families. Jen also acts as a liaison for other USASOC units to ensure the umbrella of support for America’s most precious resources is as wide as possible.

Jen’s number one and most important role is being the wife of SSG (R) Roland Paquette III who was an 18d (Special Forces Medic) with 1st Battalion 3rd SFG (A). Roland was traumatically wounded by an IED blast while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ms. Paquette has worked for Intel Corporation and Phelps Dodge Corporation now Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc. holding various positions: Supply Chain Analyst, Commodity Specialist, Commodity Analyst and Production Planner to name a few. She has extensive experience in managing high profile multi-million dollar projects, managing people, and writing and negotiating multi-million dollar contracts. In addition to her private sector experience, Ms. Paquette has over seven years of not-for-profit experience while working as a project manager at USSOCOM. She consults for numerous military 501c3s. Jen partnered with COL(R) Scott Heintz to start the USSOCOM Care Coalition Recovery Program, where she concurrently developed operational metrics to fulfill the contract's requirements, was the lead project manager, mentored SOF wounded and their spouses, and was the mentor coordinator. This program was considered the cornerstone for traumatically wounded SOF warriors and their families' long term recovery and support system.

Ms. Paquette earned her B.S. in Business Administration majoring in Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University and her Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in Not-for-Profits and Public Policy from St. Mary's University.

Mr. Scott Neil

Scott Neil began his military service in 1986. He was trained as an Infantry Man and originally assigned to Fort Ord, CA. Scott joined the Special Forces in 1991 and was assigned the 5th Special Forces Group (A) at Fort Campbell, KY as an 18B. Scott continued to serve in the 5th Legion and was one of the first to deploy into Afghanistan following the tragic events of 9/11. Scott has lead multiple combat operations as a Split Team Cell Leader through Assault Force Sergeant Major in major combat operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa.

In 2006, Scott was selected to become the first Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Director of USSOCOM’s Interagency Task Force (IATF) at McDill AFB, FL, providing subject matter expertise to the Director and Commander USSOCOM on counter-terrorism activities supporting unique intelligence, operations, inter-agency planning and collaboration of U.S. government strategic, special operations, counter-terrorism missions. MSG (R) Neil assisted in the management of over 143 service members, federal agency representatives, and contract personnel engaged in strategic planning and coordination in support of the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). During his time in the ITAF, Scott Lead a cross sector economic development community of interest support SOF Forces in Afghanistan and continuously sought new interagency, non-governmental, and private sector partners with unique capabilities to integrate them into IATF’s global problem set. As a member of Board Member and Operational Advisor to the Director of SOCOM’s Science and Technology, Scott broadened USSOCOM’s technology outreach and brought rapid solutions to the battlefield. In 2010, MSG Neil was selected as the Tampa Bay Region’s Military Member of the Year for his tireless efforts support veterans issue both in Florida and abroad.

His major Awards and Decorations include: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star with “V” Device (w/OLC); Meritorious Service Medal (w2/OLC); Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Commendation Medal (w4/OLC); Global War on Terrorism – Expeditionary Medal with Arrowhead; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign medal w/Star; National Defense Service Medal; Special Forces Tab; Ranger Tab; Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Master Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Wings.

Today Scott Neil serves as the Irregular Warfare Program Manager for Orbis Operations, a leading irregular warfare consulting firm focused on conflict and post-conflict zones with a particular expertise in Southwest Asia, the Middle East and Africa to USSOCOM.

Mr. Randy Nantz

SFC Nantz enlisted in the Army after 9/11/01. After completing basic training at Fort Benning, GA, he reported to 3rd Infantry Division located at Fort Stewart, GA. In January of 2003, SFC Nantz deployed to Kuwait to prepare for the Iraq invasion. After the initial phase of Iraq was over, he redeployed back home August 25, 2003. He then went to SFAS, Special Forces selection course in January of 2004 and successfully graduated as a Communications Sergeant March in 2006. SFC Nantz reported to 5th Special Forces Group Airborne and deployed to Iraq in August 2006.

On Dec. 22nd of 2006 his vehicle was hit by an EFP which is a devastating roadside bomb. SFC Nantz sustained traumatic injuries that resulted in 22% 3rd degree burns, large muscle tissue loss, and severe nerve damage which ultimately led to a lower left leg amputation.

He and his family relocated to San Antonio for his hospitalization & rehabilitation for almost a year. Once released. SFC Nantz was then assigned to the USSOCOM to work for the Care Coalition on Wounded Warrior issues for all of Special Operation Forces components.

SFC (R) Randy and his two children-Ashley 18 & Joshua 13 reside in Tampa Florida.

Mr. Jeff Falkel

Jeff Falkel serves as the Director of Gold Star Programs for the Green Beret Foundation. He is the father of SSG. Chris Falkel, 3rd SFG(A), who was killed in action in Afghanistan on 8 August 2005 during the Battle of Mari Ghar.

As both a Green Beret parent and a Gold Star Dad, Jeff brings unique skill sets to the Green Beret Foundation which enable him to work effectively in a dual capacity. A retired Army Major, himself, he has built a solid reputation in the SF and Gold Star communities for understanding and getting things done.

During his career Jeff has taught in the Health Sciences at the collegiate level, both as an Associate Professor and Professor, at universities including the University of Pittsburgh, Boston University, Ohio University, and the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. His particular expertise in Sports Medicine has resulted in notable research and papers which have formed the basis for valuable preventative and therapeutic practices, nationally and internationally.

Jeff also serves as President of Junior's Bullet Pen Company, manufacturing some of the world's greatest writing instruments from pre-fired 7.62 shell casings.

Jeff earned his B.S. in Physical Education from S.U.N.Y., his Master's in Physical Therapy from Duke University, and his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Blake Miles

Blake Miles is the Director of Communications and Social Media for the Green Beret Foundation and is the personality behind all of our social media at the GBF.  He is a former Special Forces Engineer who served with 1st Special Forces Group and 20th Special Forces Group between 2004 and 2008. Blake enlisted as a Special Forces recruit (18X) before graduating high school and completed the two years of training before arriving to his first team. He deployed to Iraq in 2006. Following his time in Special Forces, he served as a recruiter for the Illinois Army National Guard. Blake is currently attending Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne working towards a  Bachelors in Accounting and in his spare time writes for SOFREP.com . Blake and his wife recently had their first child.

Ms. Angie Fennen

Angie Fennen started at the Green Beret Foundation in 2011 after several years of supporting the rear detachment during numerous deployments as a Family Readiness Group Military Point of Contact (MPOC) and working in the private sector.  She has managed numerous offices in the private sector and as the Commander's liaison between the FRG and the unit; she provided communication and guidance during numerous deployments such as Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and KFOR 7.  Angie’s main focus was making sure the home front was taken care of in order for the soldier to focus on their mission abroad.

As a military wife since 2001, Angie understands the importance of having a strong support system at home.  Being part of the Green Beret Foundation’s staff furthers Angie’s aspirations and passion to provide support to our service members and families in the way of raising awareness and support of the mission.  In 2008, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) moved to Texas.  Her husband, SFC Benjerman Fennen, was recruited as a 92Y and was instrumental in standing up C-519 and later C-119.

With a background in advocating for military families, being a military spouse for over 10 years, professional experience in office management, and event planning and a true passion for our Country, Angie knew the GBF was where she wanted to be.