Millie Braxton | Volunteer Spotlight
“I am humbled over and over by the selflessness of our SOF members and their families. If I can give just a little bit back for what they do for us I’m honored to do so.”
THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER: MILLIE BRAXTON
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 been a part of Big Sky Bravery since we were invited to a Tribute Dinner in Sept 2021. From there, I knew I wanted to be a part of the BSB mission. I have since participated in 2 winter Task Forces.
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?
To be honest, I started volunteering because I was looking for my higher purpose; in the meantime, I've found an organization that is making an insurmountable difference in human lives. I am humbled over and over by the selflessness of our SOF members and their families. If I can give just a little bit back for what they do for us, I'm honored to do so.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL MOMENT FOR YOU SINCE BEING INVOLVED WITH BIG SKY BRAVERY?
It was the last day on my first Task Force! It was one of those bluebird mornings, a snowstorm overnight had left at least 6 inches covering the slopes. We decided the whole Task Force would take one last run together. We decided to take the run called Namaste. It seemed worlds away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. As our skis floated over the fresh powder, the world was silent around, you couldn’t help but thank God for the beauty that surrounded us and for the week we had all just experienced. A week where 9 women grew together, shared together and created lasting friendships. I will hold that moment dear to my heart forever.
HOW DOES OUR MOTTO “GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE” APPLY TO YOUR LIFE?
My mom taught my sisters and I at a young age to go into the community and give back. Once you know that feeling of helping others you will never find it anywhere else.
WHAT DO YOU NO LONGER TAKE FOR GRANTED AFTER SPENDING TIME WITH THE SOF COMMUNITY WE SERVE?
The honor and courage of our SOF members and their families. I tear up every time I think about them navigating the uncertainty of each deployment and return, but they sign up for it and continue to go back and fight for each and every one of us.
WHAT JOB TITLE DO YOU HOLD OUTSIDE OF BEING A BIG SKY BRAVERY VOLUNTEER?
My professional title is RN, but currently “stay at home” mom supporting my family of 5 is what I'm meant to be doing.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE, “WHEN I’M NOT VOLUNTEERING WITH BSB, YOU’LL FIND ME…”
Spending time with family, walking the dog with my girlfriend, creating good food, talking to my sisters, hiking, biking, skiing, traveling, enjoying this beautiful place we live in. And hopefully fitting in a date night with my husband every now and then.
