Paul Makarechian | Volunteer Spotlight
“Every citizen of this country owes the deepest gratitude to those brave men and women who put their lives on the line to serve and protect this country, our freedoms, and our way of life.”
THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER: PAUL MAKARECHIAN
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 have volunteered on two Task Forces and have my third scheduled for this winter.
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?
Every citizen of this country owes the deepest gratitude to those brave men and women who put their lives on the line to serve and protect this country, our freedoms, and our way of life. I am proud to be there for these brave men and women, who help ensure our nation is safe and our freedoms are intact. It's truly an honor to be there for them during the week, sharing our stories, listening to their concerns, and experiencing some amazing moments in the mountains together. It reinvigorates my own patriotism to be around them, so I look forward to it every time.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL MOMENT FOR YOU SINCE BEING INVOLVED WITH BIG SKY BRAVERY?
I’ve shared many personal stories with the men and women I have been on a Task Force with, and they have reciprocated by sharing theirs. A deep bond and friendship are forged with some of the participants, for which I am truly grateful. They always have a friend outside of the service in me. Reconnecting with the friends I make a year or two later is always a highlight for me. A few of the guys visited me, and I have visited them, and the friendship is what I cherish most.
HOW DOES OUR MOTTO “GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE” APPLY TO YOUR LIFE?
I believe in the idea of thirds. One-third of my time and resources go towards business and personal goals, another third is dedicated to my family, and the last third is devoted to others and the community, including charitable or civic endeavors (such as Big Sky Bravery). My time is the most valuable thing I have, so giving the Task Force a week of it as a volunteer is an honor for all they have given.
WHAT DO YOU NO LONGER TAKE FOR GRANTED AFTER SPENDING TIME WITH THE ACTIVE-DUTY SOF COMMUNITY WE SERVE?
Our Freedoms and Liberties. Spending time with Task Force members makes me realize how many brave men and women are dedicated to protecting our freedoms, values, and way of life back home. I always walk away humbled, grateful, and proud of these amazing men and women.
WHAT JOB TITLE DO YOU HOLD OUTSIDE OF BEING A BIG SKY BRAVERY VOLUNTEER?
CEO of Auric Road Management (A hotel company that includes Lone Mountain Ranch in its portfolio).
FINISH THIS SENTENCE, “WHEN I’M NOT VOLUNTEERING WITH BSB, YOU’LL FIND ME…”
With my family, on the river, on horseback, or sitting by a campfire.
