BIG SKY BRAVERY WOULDN'T BE WHAT IT IS TODAY WITHOUT THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF OUR VOLUNTEERS. TO CELEBRATE THEIR GENEROSITY & INTRODUCE YOU TO SOME INCREDIBLE INDIVIDUALS, WE INVITE YOU TO READ OUR MONTHLY VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!

This month’s volunteer: Zac Salvat

My first involvement with Big Sky Bravery was in 2018 when I met the Founder, Josh McCain. Josh offered me the opportunity to ski for a day with a Task Force in February 2019. It was abundantly clear during my first experience with BSB, that they make a huge impact on our service members’ lives. I had another opportunity to coach a private workout for a summer TF in June of 2019, and the rest was history...

I volunteer for BSB because I stand behind what our men and women do for our wonderful country, and realize the stressors they are put under on a daily basis. BSB offers something no one else does for our active-duty SOF Community. The passion that comes from the volunteers speaks volumes about the type of people they have supporting them. Everyone is extremely selfless and wants nothing more than to show recipients their support and lend an ear to learn more about them as an individual. 

The most impactful moment I’ve had with BSB was skiing the Big Couloir with my paired recipient. Getting to drop into something intimidating & that’s considered one of the more iconic runs in Big Sky with him was an absolute blast. Joking up the tram and experiencing the run for the first time as a team was something special that I will always remember. The opportunity of being paired with one of the recipients, and someone so fearless and skilled, definitely makes its mark on you. The trust someone gives you to ski down something so dangerous with them makes it all the more special. All of your problems seem very small while looking down a run like that. Your mind is empty at the moment and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to experience this together and truly connect.

BSB’s motto: GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE, applies to everything in my life. I always strive to help those around me. Putting others before myself has always been important to me. Something simple like holding the door open for others or saying “good morning” to a passerby seems small, but can make a huge impact in the world. If I can volunteer my time towards helping others find their peace, I know I will find mine on that same road. 

In a world where many think only of themselves and their own benefit, BSB is a breath of fresh air. This community is full of wonderful individuals that wish nothing more but to see you successful and happy in life. GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE means putting others above all and being present in moments where you get to make an impact on others’ lives. Being there for people seems simple, but is often overlooked during the chaos of life. 

In my daily life, I’m the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Gallatin High School, and a Personal Trainer in Bozeman, Montana. I focus on athletic development and working with people while watching them improve, is my passion.

When I’m not volunteering with Big Sky Bravery, you’ll find me in the weight room, motivating others to become their best selves, or up in the mountains enjoying what Montana has to offer.