Big Sky, Montana

To Big Sky Bravery,

My two boys (6/9 years old) just finished our family task force. I'm not sure how to thank you enough or explain the blessing this was for them and myself. We just spent the week experiencing the amazing Big Sky area and engaged in daily activities that were not only challenging but rewarding by being able to share these moments together. My 6-year-old yelled out multiple days that this was the best day of his life. Ask the whitewater center guides as they loved this. The boys got to experience things they had never done before, and I got to see smiles on my kids' faces constantly until they passed out every night from exhaustion, only to wake up excited for the next adventure. These kids accomplished challenging events like hiking Beehive Basin, which was a 7.5 mile, 1400 ft. elevation gain hike. They have never done anything close to this and now have a little grit built into their personality. They were so proud of themselves.

For myself, as a single Dad, this trip meant more to me than I can say in this email. I only have a short window to spend quality time with my kids before they get too old, and co-parenting shortens this even more. BSB gave me the dedicated time and agenda to check out from work and be 100% present to my boys on this trip. I would never have been able to accomplish the number of activities and events we did on this trip without BSB's facilitation, donors, and staff. This has truly been the most memorable trip for us. 

To all the donors that made this possible, from the condo we stayed in, the tickets we received, the events we were invited to, and the amazing other contributors, thank you! Thank you for blessing my kids with a memorable time with me. I am wrapping up a 20-year career in Special Forces, and focusing on my kids has become my priority.

I would also like to thank Josh McCain and the Cohen family for organizing this week. My kids and I were able to spend some quality time with Dave, Jennie, and their son, which was great for my kids to make new friends, and I got to have some great conversations with Dave on BSB and how I can give back to the org. for receiving such a rewarding experience. I look forward to volunteering for future task forces annually because I understand the power these trips have on the soldier and their families. 

-M.

Family Task Force 4 Patriots:

Chris Voigts (lodging donated)
Moonlight Club (Ulrey’s Lake use donated)
Canyon Adventures (side by sides donated)
Marci Gehring (meals donated)
Endeavor Ballooning (hot air balloon ride discounted)
Lone Mountain Ranch (rodeo tickets donated)