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: Mandy Canon

I've put off writing my response to these questions for over a month as I have no idea how to express in words what Big Sky Bravery means to me or why I volunteer.  I was already living in Bozeman when Josh and Kristi moved to Montana to start BSB so I've been blessed to witness it from the beginning stages throughout the transition into the incredible organization it is today.  I've been volunteering over the years by participating in fundraisers and things along those lines. Last summer, I had the honor of volunteering on my first task force and it was life changing, to say the very least. 

My parents raised my brother, sister and I to be patriots and I've had a strong love for my country and those that protect it for as long as I can remember. When Josh started Big Sky Bravery, I was so incredibly proud and to be honest, so relieved. Relieved because I knew the need was there, relieved because I knew the fight had never ended, relieved because I finally felt that there was an opportuniy to show the incredible gratitude I have for the SOF community and their families. I guess my answer to the question "why do you volunteer for BSB?" is simply, how could I not? 

Meeting the ladies of TF55 has had the biggest impact on me personally and not even the years of hearing stories from other volunteers could have prepared me for that experience. The bonds we formed during that time are unbreakable. I went into that week with two sisters and ended it with eight more. It was humbling to be surrounded by women with such incredible strength, character and courage. Women who sacrifice the unimaginable, who are heros in their own right and yet are genuinely blown away by any form of gratitude and appreciation shown to them. To my TF55 sisters who are reading this right now... you are my heroes...love you always.

To me, "Give More Than You Take" is a call to action. Not only to find ways to directly give back to the SOF community, but also a call to action to do whatever I can to hold the line in my little piece of America. Whether that's getting involved in school board committees or local elections, trying to stay informed on what's happening around me or simply raising my children to realize and understand the freedom they have and the cost associated with maintaining it. I believe that the responsibility of our country falls on the shoulders of every American.

Outside of Big Sky Bravery, I'm the Executive Director of a healthcare company in Montana and have been a registered nurse since 2004.

When I'm not volunteering with BSB, you'll find me at home in Whitefish, Montana hanging out with my two favorite people in the whole world: Ben (15) Izzy (11).