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!

This month’s volunteer: Stuart Binenstock

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?

I started volunteering in 2018 at Big Sky’s annual PBR golf tournament, and anywhere else I could be of use. This past summer, I completed my 5th Task Force.

WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?

The simplest of answers…To give these men, that I have been blessed to meet, the opportunity to live a week in the life that I get to live because of the lives they have chosen. Every experience we have on a TF is because somewhere out there people are protecting the world for us, and this is how I can provide a way to share my appreciation and gratitude.

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

The friendships I have developed. This includes every hero that has been on a TF with me, and the men and women from BSB. It is amazing when like-minded people get together from different walks of life and have the opportunity to share with one another. I know BSB did for our heroes, but it has definitely changed my life forever. I’ve continued these relationships for years, this includes recipients coming to visit me in Bozeman and flying to their locations to visit as well. That is why this program is different.

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

Giving has always felt so much better than getting. Advice, knowledge, and a true life experience are always better when they affect others and the ones you love.

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

The simple things we do every day. Cook a meal, pick up my sons from school, drive them to practice, watch them compete, and kiss them goodnight. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about the men and women who sacrifice so I get to live the life I do.

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

Father and Team Leader at Keller Williams Montana Realty.

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

More than likely on a soccer field somewhere watching my two boys. If not, there is a good chance I’ll be on a river, golf course, in the gym at 5:30 a.m., or local trail running with my dog.