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: Dustin Barber

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?

I’ve volunteered for Big Sky Bravery since 2017, and this winter will make my 10th Task Force.

WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “One distinguishing characteristic of really civilized men is foresight; we have to, as a nation, exercise foresight for this nation in the future; and if we do not exercise that foresight, dark will be the future!”

I volunteer because the program works, the men and women who are actively serving our country need it, and we need them.

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

The moment I stepped away from the board, knowing who Josh had assembled to usher Big Sky Bravery through the next chapters. It was the culmination of so many successes, and so many lives enriched. I’m very proud of what has been built and the future it has.

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

The same way it does to many of our recipients (albeit from friendlier confines). I try not to leave much of a footprint. I make strategic investments into causes that ignite me and benefit the greater good.

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

We serve those at the tip of the spear, and each time I read about a conflict in the world that requires military prowess, it is likely not faceless or nameless anymore. All those instances become much more personal once you’ve invested some time near the periphery of that community.

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

I’m a Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at Opportunity Bank.

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

…trying to find my ball in the fescue at Black Bull, skiing in Big Sky, doing all things Lake Pend Oreille, and every once in a while, on a plane with Shan and Ry.