Volunteer Spotlight | Nate Hill
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: Nate Hill
I began helping Big Sky Bravery back in 2017, by taking photos and running their Instagram account. My first program was in the winter of 17-18 and since then I’ve been on 5 programs.
Volunteering for Big Sky Bravery barely scratches the surface of making me feel like I can demonstrate my gratitude. It’s the least I can do. The guys BSB works with are literally putting not only their lives, but their family’s lives and livelihood on the line to keep our nation safe and free. I am in so much debt to these guys. BSB gives me a chance, ever so small, to serve and show some appreciation. Every single one of these guys is a good man and it brings me joy to serve them for a week. I’m just thankful for the opportunity.
By far, the most impactful moments for me are at the end of the week. On the last night, we do something pretty special and it’s in those moments where it becomes apparent how much our friendship and the time we take to spend with these guys means to them. I’ve seen a handful of them tear up when speaking about how they’ve never really known any civilians or even liked them. Going from that mindset, to seeing civilians as volunteers, taking time away from their families and jobs to devote 100% to them, they are so grateful and say they feel appreciated and cared for. It’s in those moments that the week spent with BSB feels like some of the most meaningful time I’ve spent in an entire year.
The Big Sky Bravery motto “Give More Than You Take” is a physical demonstration of servitude. I personally am a believer in Christ, who I believe is the ultimate giver. He gave and gave and gave it all for each and every person on this earth. I believe we are called to be Christlike. To serve our brothers and sisters daily. The guys we bring in do just that. The amount they sacrifice is astounding: their time, their bodies, their family’s joy of being with them, even their lives. They are giving at such a high level and it brings be honor to provide them with a week of “take”.
One of my favorite quotes is: “Give until the giving feels like receiving.” - Mary Oliver
Outside of BSB, I am the Director of Digital Content at MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab. I provide all the digital content (photos and videos) for products and advertising. I’m also head of support, help with shipping, and sometimes a janitor (start-up life).
When I’m not volunteering for BSB, you’ll find me at the MTNTOUGH Lab - either at my desk, working out, or just killing time chatting with people. In the evenings, I’ll most likely be at home chasing my 1-year old around, spending time with my wife, or tinkering with motorcycles in the garage.
