Dusty Daws | Volunteer Spotlight
“I just have so much love for the individuals that I have had the opportunity to cross paths with.”
THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER: Dusty Daws
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’ve volunteered for BSB for two years now, having participated in one winter and one summer Task Force. My next one is this spring.
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?
I want to give back to the men and women who give so much to our country! I never served, so this is a way for me to serve them, share the wonderful country that we have up here in Montana, and allow them space to breathe fresh air, relax, and have a great time while doing it!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL MOMENT FOR YOU SINCE BEING INVOLVED WITH BIG SKY BRAVERY?
Hard to pick but answering the daily questions around a fire and a glass of whiskey really allowed me to get to know these guys on a level that we’d likely never get to otherwise. And then continuing the friendship long after the TF ends, having SOF come back out to share Montana with their families and welcoming them to meet mine is what this is all about. I just have so much love for the individuals that I have had the opportunity to cross paths with; it honestly makes me emotional just thinking about the relationships we've cultivated within this program.
HOW DOES OUR MOTTO “GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE” APPLY TO YOUR LIFE?
It’s a great reminder that not only am I a blessed man, but that I should strive to bestow those blessings on others. Most importantly to me, I want to raise my kids to realize the same and also serve and give to others. I also love being involved in my community and supporting programs that I’m passionate about (Bobcat Athletics!) to grow and thrive.
WHAT DO YOU NO LONGER TAKE FOR GRANTED AFTER SPENDING TIME WITH THE SOF COMMUNITY WE SERVE?
The ease of daily life. The bed I sleep in, the food I eat, the quiet and calm that surrounds me, and the family and friends that I get to see and spend time with whenever I want. Because of BSB, I’ve made a concerted effort to tell my buddies that I love them, and have encouraged them to voice their love for their friends/family as well. I also found the daily questions that BSB asks to be such an effective way to create deep bonds with the people in my TF, so I have infused that into my personal life and will insert questions into dinners or quality time spent with friends and family. Everyone on the receiving end of a BSB question has really valued the resulting depth of conversation. I truly believe that the time I've spent as a BSB volunteer has made me a stronger father, significant other and leader within my community. I can't wait to keep growing in all of these roles and continue serving in TFs!
WHAT JOB TITLE DO YOU HOLD OUTSIDE OF BEING A BIG SKY BRAVERY VOLUNTEER?
I am a small business owner as a State Farm Agent here locally in Bozeman.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE, “WHEN I’M NOT VOLUNTEERING WITH BSB, YOU’LL FIND ME…”
On the ski hill, on the golf course, chasing animals, and most definitely playing with my kids and hanging out on a patio with my family and friends!
