THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER: MIKE VINT

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

Officially since 2021 and I’ve been blessed to be a part of 5 Task Forces.

WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?

There is nothing that any of us civilians can ever do to fully repay the debt we owe to those who sacrifice everything to make our way of life possible…Just because we don’t have something valuable to offer. Big Sky Bravery has created a precious gem that started as decompression through recreation. Anyone who has been blessed enough to serve on a Task Force knows the word decompression doesn’t do justice to what both participants and volunteers experience in five short days. Complete strangers become lifelong friends and forge a bond that must be experienced to be understood. So long as these warriors are called upon in service of us, a grateful nation, I’ll stand ready to give my time and treasure in support of them. They give all and ask for nothing. We owe them everything.

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

I’ve seen time and time again men share stories of emotion, struggle, trauma, loss, and despair…things they’ve never told a soul, not even those closest to them. Hearing a warrior share that the weight had become too much and he was planning his own exit…Then, through recreation, fellowship, and, for the first time ever, feeling comfortable enough to verbalize those thoughts, he found reprieve. I witnessed this man find a new lease on life. Not all who come may be in the same place, but if it helps just one from becoming a statistic…it’s all worth it.

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

The words are more than a motto. They are a creed that all servant leaders live by. I believe that giving at every turn is actually the most selfless thing one can do. When you do, the sense of fulfillment, the accomplishments of your teams, personally and professionally are overwhelming.

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

Family and freedom. Our participants sacrifice the most formidable years of their lives, away from family and friends, so that we have the freedom to cultivate strong families, build businesses, and invest in our communities. I wake up every day and get to see my kids. I have the opportunity to work hard, to make something, and to give back. Every day is a gift. We owe it to these men and women to make the most of each and every one.

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

I manage the financial affairs for a small group of families. When I’m not doing that, I’m developing real estate in my hometown and working with my partners at our powersports dealerships.  

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

Riding motorcycles - everything from being with my kids at a pit bike track to racing Baja, chasing animals, coaching sports, and spending time on the lake with family.