On August 22, we said goodbye to a former Task Force recipient after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary Alyce was part of the first spouse program we held in 2020. When she came to Montana for that program, she was in remission for Breast Cancer. She learned of her diagnosis while her husband was deployed and she was home caring for their 3 young children and numerous pets.

After enduring treatment, she entered remission and was able to come to Montana and spend a week with Big Sky Bravery and other SOF spouses. It was an honor to spend that week with Mary Alyce and it was immediately obvious that she possessed a tremendous amount of strength, grace, courage, and positivity. She would be up early every morning, making coffee and hanging out in the kitchen with the volunteers while we made breakfast. She rode horses when she was younger and had the opportunity to ride again on the program. The smile on her face and look of pure peace and joy as she and her horse cantered along was a memory I will forever hold in my heart. She was in her element while hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and made an impact on all of us present with her that week.

She loved her children, husband, and family dearly. She was so proud of her husband and the work he did and was always available to help SOF spouses, whether they were new to the lifestyle or seasoned veterans that just needed someone to listen.

One year ago, she learned that the cancer had returned. She made the most of the time she had with her family and created memories they will cherish forever. She was and will continue to be an inspiration. She never complained, always had a smile on her face, and loved with her whole heart. She had a positive impact on every person she interacted with and her memory will live on with those that were lucky enough to meet her.

She will forever be in our hearts.

Jennie Cohen

Task Force Director