Jackie Lodine
Director of Family & Alumni Programs
Growing up in Marianna, a small coal-mining town in southwest Pennsylvania, Jackie was shaped by a close-knit community grounded in hard work, loyalty, love of country, and family. Through stories shared by her father’s Army friends and the blue-collar roots of her hometown, she developed a deep respect for the military and those who serve.
After time at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Jackie felt drawn to a new chapter out West and ultimately moved to Montana. She began her career in the service industry, where she built a strong work ethic rooted in reliability, adaptability, and connection; skills that would later shape her professional path.
In 2017, she opened Sidewinders in Bozeman, a veteran-owned restaurant committed to supporting military members and first responders. The meaningful connection between service and hospitality left a lasting impression on her and further shaped her passion for serving those who serve.
During her years at Sidewinders, Jackie came to know a group of regular guests particularly well: the staff of Big Sky Bravery and many members of the active-duty Special Operations Forces community the organization serves. Through these relationships, she witnessed the deep respect and continuity within these groups, and her commitment to supporting them continued to grow.
In 2024, an opportunity to become part of the Big Sky Bravery team came into focus, and Jackie followed her heart into a new chapter. She now channels her passion for creating meaningful experiences into fostering connection and support for Big Sky Bravery Alumni and Special Operations Forces families.
Outside of Big Sky Bravery, Jackie enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters, golfing, gardening, and settling in to watch the latest historical documentary.