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: Mitch Hanson

I’ve been volunteering with Big Sky Bravery since 2016 and a member of the board since 2017. I just retired from the board, but will remain a volunteer.

The reason I volunteer for BSB is simply because I feel it’s my duty as an American to try and give back even a little to the amazing men and women who do the work they do. Oftentimes the SOF community (Special Operations Forces) gets overlooked and we take for granted the freedom we have as Americans but believe me, it isn’t free. Every time these warriors come out to MT I can see the look of fatigue and years of combat. If we can take a week out of our lives to help them decompress and enjoy MT, that’s what it’s all about. After every program, I’m left wondering what else we can do for them; they never ask for anything and go to work every day to protect this country.

Out of all the volunteering and programs I’ve done, it’s so hard to pick out one moment that was most impactful. I just think it’s the overall experience of watching the recipients enjoy Montana. I’m from MT and to show them our backyard and see all the smiles and laughter is pretty amazing. It’s also been the talks in the evening around the fire or dinner table that impact me the most. We get into deep talks about life and many other topics which makes us all realize we have more in common than we thought. All I can hope as a volunteer is that we have as much of an impact on them as they do on us. I’m still in contact with many of the recipients from years past and this is what makes BSB different. It’s not just one week, but I hope to carry on these relationships for a lifetime.

Our motto of “GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE” applies to my life in many ways. I grew up with a father who was a sniper in Vietnam and preached to us often that we needed to stay humble and use our talents to help others. I’m a firm believer that if you give of your time, resources, and talents without anything expected in return, that is the definition of service. This is what I try to do in my life and will teach my sons as they grow up. There is not a finer example of “GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE” than the soldiers we bring out.

My job title outside of BSB is the Operating Principal at Keller Williams MT Realty and a Broker. My wife and I run a real estate team at Keller Williams.

When I’m not volunteering for BSB, you will find me enjoying what MT has to offer. Golfing, camping, mountain biking, working out, and spending time with my wife, Emily, and my son, Hunter. We also have another son on the way so it’s about to get real.

I’m proud to be involved with BSB and it has been a huge part of our lives the past 6 years.