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: Austin McPherson

I’ve been a volunteer for Big Sky Bravery since 2016 after Mitch Hanson introduced me to Josh in the early days of BSB. My first program was in July 2016 and I was lucky enough to be volunteer #11!

Volunteering for BSB has always been a huge honor for me. It’s something I “get” to do, not something I “have” to do. I was all-in on BSB’s mission as soon as I was told what they were doing, and I wanted to be a part of it in any way possible. Having the opportunity to spend time around these SOF Operators that come through our program has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life. We owe everything to these men and women and I will continue to give back to them as long as BSB will let me. If you told me I had to start paying to be a volunteer and go on programs, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

Every program I’ve done has been special, but I’ll never forget my first one: TF8. It was truly life-changing and I don’t throw that term around lightly. The connections I made that week, the stories I listened to, the outpouring of emotion, the bonds that were built, the imprint that was put on my heart, that will be forever.

“Give More Than You Take” is the perfect motto for BSB. I believe it to my core. As civilians, we will NEVER be able to give as much as our SOF Operators give to us, but we can damn sure try. Making a positive impact on others is so important and powerful. I also volunteer for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation and I’m a mentor for Thrive, a local Bozeman organization that pairs mentors with local students who need a little extra attention, guidance, or love. My mentee and I have been paired since he was in second grade and now he’s a freshman in high school!

Outside of BSB, I’m a Regional Sales Manager for Stryker and have worked for them for 13 years. Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies.

When I’m not volunteering, you’ll find me playing rugby in the spring, camping and fishing in the summer, hunting in the fall, and skiing in the winter. But above all else, you’ll find me with my family. I’m beyond lucky to have my beautiful wife, Chalah, and our two incredible daughters, Emmylou (5) and Ellison (2).