THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER: Dave Baringer

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!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY

I have been volunteering with BSB for almost 3 years. I’ve taken part in 2 Task Forces as a recipient and 3 Task Forces as a volunteer.

WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?

After 21 years in the Army, most of it in Special Operations and some of it in the very Units that BSB serves, I believe I’m uniquely positioned to pass on my experiences and hard-earned wisdom to the current generation of SOF members. Spending time in deep conversation and forming meaningful relationships with the recipients and volunteers is a rejuvenating experience that benefits everyone involved.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL MOMENT FOR YOU SINCE BEING INVOLVED WITH BIG SKY BRAVERY?

My first Task Force as a recipient was an immensely impactful experience. BSB was in its infancy, and I arrived with very little understanding of the organization and zero expectations. What I found was a group of grateful, humble, and thoughtful men who were intentional in the way they cared for SOF members. The experience was so impactful that upon my retirement, I moved my family to Montana.

HOW DOES OUR MOTTO “GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE” APPLY TO YOUR LIFE?

I look for opportunities to help others grow and succeed.

WHAT DO YOU NO LONGER TAKE FOR GRANTED AFTER SPENDING TIME WITH THE SOF COMMUNITY WE SERVE?

I no longer take the time I spend with the SOF community for granted. They are some of the most unique, talented, thoughtful, entertaining, and genuine people I have had the privilege of spending time with.

WHAT JOB TITLE DO YOU HOLD OUTSIDE OF BEING A BIG SKY BRAVERY VOLUNTEER?

I’m a Program Manager for a small vehicle manufacturer, and I’m also the sole proprietor of a Harley repair shop in Kalispell, MT.

FINISH THIS SENTENCE, “WHEN I’M NOT VOLUNTEERING WITH BSB, YOU’LL FIND ME…”

…spending time with my wife of 21 years and our 9-year-old twins, rafting, snowboarding, riding anything on 2 wheels, and desert racing in Mexico or the southwest United States.