Family Task Force 8 | Big Sky, Montana

“It’s hard even to know where to begin.

Montana is everything that dreams are made of, and thanks to Big Sky Bravery, we have memories that will last a lifetime.

For an entire week, we stepped outside of all the pressures of day-to-day life and were able to take the time to be present in the moment and reconnect on a deeper level. The fact that there are individuals who are so generous to make trips like this possible will never be lost on us. One of the things that really stands out is that not only were there so many firsts for our son, but that we were both there together and as a family to experience them - from fly fishing on the Gallatin River to skiing at an award-winning ski resort, and a snowy mountain sleigh ride, it was the trip of a lifetime from start to finish. The day we went out to go fly fishing we couldn’t have asked for better weather, the sun was glistening off the snow on the banks of the river as we waded and didn’t even feel the cold with the sun warming our faces. Our guides kept us where the fish were biting, the sun was shining, and we had plenty of insight and stories to tell that made us feel like family. Everything was taken care of, every detail attended to, and they even took photos and videos that we will treasure forever. Our son caught the biggest, not to mention the most, of the most beautiful rainbow trout we’ve ever seen.

The smile on his face was absolutely priceless, and we have frame-worthy photos that will remind us of these days forever.

On the very last night of our trip, we had the privilege of attending the second annual BSB Fight Night; we were treated as VIPs, and it felt like seeing behind the curtain. Not only from the perspective of watching the incredible Big Sky Bravery staff do what they best, but also the donors who made this entire trip possible.

The impression we left with is that this is a group of people who truly care about the community and appreciate the sacrifices that are made so often, thanklessly and unacknowledged.

It was humbling to be on the receiving end of such generosity, to say the least. Our only hope is that someday we can give back in a way that leaves an impression the way this has made us feel: seen, heard, and acknowledged.”

-The R. Family

Patriots to thank:

• Harnish Foundation

• Big Sky Resort

• Gallatin River Guides