THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER: Marshall Suetterlin

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

This winter will be my 5th year as a BSB volunteer. It has been an honor to be involved in 7 Task Forces in that time.

WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?

I strongly believe in BSB’s mission to provide outlets for stress through engagement with the outdoors and positive interaction with civilians to help close the military/civilian divide. Our veterans need to know that we care about the sacrifices they and their families have made to protect our country.

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

I love watching participants realize that there is no “catch” or hidden agenda with BSB. Usually, around the end of day one or by day two, we see participants let down their guard, and we start to engage and open up in ways many of them don’t do at home or work. There have been multiple moments I’ve shared with participants and other volunteers that highlight the brotherhood within BSB and how special it is. When I see participants understand that we’re here because we truly care about them, I know we’re doing it right. We truly care about these men and women and want to forge meaningful relationships with them. I am grateful for the long-lasting friendships I’ve made as a participant and volunteer with BSB.

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

My hope is that I can be there for participants the way several volunteers and staff were for me when I really needed it. It would be criminal to benefit from these programs and not give back. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve made within the BSB family and hope that I can be a small part of the support network for our veterans.

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

I feel grateful to be at home and present for my wife and kids. It’s easy to forget how valuable those little day-to-day moments are with your family when you’re at home every day.

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

Director of Operations at EchoMAV LLC.  

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

…looking for an excuse to hunt, ski, and be outside with family and friends.