Celebrating 100 Task Forces!

What a milestone. 

I don’t have the words to accurately describe how monumental Task Force 100 was for us, and how grateful I am for the years of support we have received since September 2015, when I submitted the paperwork to take Big Sky Bravery from an idea to an official organization. 

It is surreal to me that we made it to this point, and that this milestone has been achieved.

I am grateful for the sacrifices of so many who believe in the work we do. Without their time, financial support, prayers, and effort, we would not be here. A multitude of generous patriots has taken Big Sky Bravery from an idea to a sustainable organization, one that will have a generational impact on the SOF community. 

Task Force 100 was comprised of a truly humbling group of men, on both the recipient and volunteer sides. The volunteers were some of the longest-standing we’ve had, and each of these men was given the opportunity to invite a past recipient back out to Montana, one who had made a tremendous impact on their life. 

I personally have never been on a Task Force with conversations that raw or that profound. Some of those men had been at war for over 20 years. Some have since moved from active duty to retirement, and some are nearing that next chapter of their lives. We were surrounded by men whose respect has long been earned, and an unspoken understanding of the deep heartache that accompanies those with immense courage. 

Through their honest candor and sought-out feedback, the 6 recipients who joined us on TF100 will help shape the future of Big Sky Bravery. We will continue to make a ripple effect on the SOF community, improving our impact on the next generation of warfighters. 

I would like to thank the volunteers on TF100: Shawn Hertz, Ned Schwing, Jeremy Keller, Dave Cohen, and Matt Brubaker. One aspect of the surreal experience was having Shawn as my Assistant Task Force Director. Shawn held this role on Task Force 1, and to stand next to him on TF100 is something I will never forget. I do not believe BSB would be here without Shawn Hertz. Shawn is always ready to support, encourage, and provide deep friendship to me and so many others. To the volunteers of TF100, it was an honor. 

One of my closest friends and steadfast supporter of Big Sky Bravery, Ed Hake, honored us with his presence for a day and night. Together we were all able to reflect upon the recent loss of Ed’s wife, Kathy, also beloved “Big Sky Bravery Mom.” Each member of TF100 had the blessing of meeting Kathy and has the blessing of knowing Ed. Our week together and this organization would not be the same without the generous support and unending love of Ed and Kathy Hake and the Canyon Adventures family. 

I would also like to thank Daniel Uter at River’s Edge West for providing a memorable item for each Operator of TF100. Daniel equipped our recipients with a custom fly rod, featuring their handprinted name. 

When you read this, it is my hope that you don’t thank me, but instead turn that gratitude back upon yourself. If you have done anything - no matter how small or big - to push this organization and our mission forward, you are the true reason we are here; not me. 

With the utmost gratitude,

Josh McCain
Task Force 100 Director
Founder & CEO

“Big Sky Bravery has given me a sense of self-worth and an opportunity to get myself in tune with the person I was before 20 years of combat.

The calmness and peace that I feel through learning new things impress upon me to get better and reconnect with myself and nature.

To have an organization that cares for today’s warriors brings me pride and serves as the single most important touch point for why I joined the Armed Services.

I owe more to Big Sky Bravery than I will ever be able to give back.”

M.

“When I was invited to attend TF 100, I had mixed emotions. I had already participated in a previous TF and felt selfish at the thought of coming back out when I know so many that haven’t had the experience. My appreciation is as fresh today as it was at the conclusion of TF 42, regardless of it being almost three years ago. With that said, once I heard what TF 100 was based around and its intent, I couldn’t say no. Like many of the participants and mentors, there is no good time to step away from the office.

Because of this organization and this TF in particular, I am returning to work with a fresh perspective. I am returning to my wife with fresh devotion. I am returning to my family and friends with a glimmer of what I used to be.

Having experienced this program before, I know the type of emotions it can invoke. The natural splendor of Montana alone will take your breath away. The only thing bigger than the Sky out there are the huge hearts of the volunteers.

There’s a saying in our building that goes: ‘Overcome by events.’ In this situation, I knew before this trip even began that I was going to be overcome by not only events, but emotions. I’m usually pretty good at understanding the situation or preparing for it and remaining in control. The emotions and the gratitude which I have felt eclipsed all expectations. I’m embarrassed to say, that there were moments I was at a complete loss for words.

To each and everyone of you, thank you.

I can say nothing more than that.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Thank you for the chance to see my friends truly happy.
Thank you for creating a safe space for friends (and I) to open their hearts, to share, to grow.
And thank you for the memories which will be a part of me forever.

Over the week spent on the river, I have grown with my friends, transforming the previous bonds to that of brothers and blood. The mentors have transitioned to the level and respect of fathers.

At the end of the day, this opportunity has created something I’ve sorely missed and been lacking: Family.

I don’t often wear military-inspired items. Though the BSB logo is iconic, it isn’t something I would traditionally wear due to the attention it’d bring. With that said, I wear my BSB hat constantly with the utmost of pride. It is such an honor to now have that as a staple in my wardrobe. I wear it in hopes someone asks me about it, and someone always does. When they do I can’t wait to tell the BSB story. Occasionally, I’ll run into a fellow TF member that has gone out and shared an experience. I know instantly that we have an uncommon bond. Next thing you know, we have been sharing stories for an hour or so. Regardless of how the day was going previously, it is now better due to the simple fact that we share a commonality in this organization.

That is the power of the organization that you all have created. Something each of you should be proud of. Something that this country should be proud of. I am honored to have been a recipient of the support. It is true that I have blind devotion to this country. Because of all that I have experienced with my family at BSB, it has refreshed the reason why.

If you are ever in need of anything please don’t hesitate to ask. I owe you more than I can ever explain in these simple words.

Your friend,

M.”

“Big Sky Bravery,

Thank you for such a fantastic opportunity to join TF 100. I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into the trip because I had previously been on TF 42. What I experienced during the week exceeded all of my expectations. Spending time with the mentors and peers that I have looked up to throughout my career was truly special. The ranch was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Having the chance to spend time fishing and exploring the outdoors in a place like that has built memories that will last a lifetime. Even more remarkable about this trip was sitting down at the end of the night with all the guys answering the day’s questions. Listening to my friends and mentors share some of their current problems and experiences gave me peace of mind knowing that I’m not the only one struggling with issues at home.

I was not prepared for this level of openness, but honestly, it was something that I needed.

My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago, and we are still dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and a mastectomy. My wife is doing much better, but the treatment has killed her pancreas, which has caused type 1 diabetes. The diagnosis has taken a toll on her physically but has also affected her mental health. Talking with Ned about his shared experience with breast cancer and how it affected his family was very helpful. Cancer has made things tough for the entire family, and we continue fighting through it one day at a time. Having a chance to sit down and talk to the men on TF 100 gave me some tools I can use to maintain healthy relationships at home.

In the future, there will be many challenges at work and home, given the nature of my chosen profession. Knowing there is an organization like Big Sky Bravery that genuinely cares about giving men like myself an outlet to decompress and build lifelong relationships means a lot to all of us.

I can reach out to any of the staff and volunteers within the organization for advice and counsel as I continue to navigate the challenges of being a father, husband, teammate, and leader. These relationships are something that I will be eternally grateful for, and I will always be willing to help or volunteer in any way I can with BSB.

My favorite memory of the week was moving up the canyon with one of my best mates, Josh, Ned, and Matt, fly fishing the different pools along the river. The weather was perfect and the fish were biting. Ned was a fantastic guide and he was generous enough to let us experience the ranch, a testament to his character. The memories that were made that day will last a lifetime. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces throughout the week is something special that is not easy to accomplish. Big Sky Bravery allowed us to make lasting memories with some of the best people I have met. Thank you for your continued support, and I appreciate that more men and women will have the same opportunities in the future.

V/R

S.”

“To the men, women, and donors of Big Sky Bravery,

Thank you for your time, generous donations, and the resources you provide! With your appreciation and generosity, Service Members like myself find purposeful connections with the outside world. As we all know, there is no shortage of organizations trying to ‘give back’ to military members. Unfortunately, they all fall short compared to what BSB does for the inner man. The secret sauce to the organization is the selfless acts of the volunteers I choose to call mentors. The kindness and unguarded hearts of these men and women bleed what true patriotism is all about. Without these authentic Americans and the generosity of donors like you, Service Members will continue to suffer in silence.

Something special happens in the mountains of Montana when a warrior’s heart becomes vulnerable.

There is peace and contentment that no words can capture. The fellowship and camaraderie that permeates the BSB organization, bring forth the best attributes in us all during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The time spent around campfires and the graceful art of fly fishing, provide opportunities for introspection, a greater sense of well-being, life-changing conversations, and the reassurance that there are faithful Americans still worth fighting for. Task Force 100 marks a remarkable achievement in the story of Big Sky Bravery, from an idea to help suffering Special Operations Warriors to 100 Task Forces is substantial. The lives of hundreds of Warriors will be forever changed due to the unmatched contributions of BSB.

Thank you for all that you do. From the thoughtful homemade cookies to the time spent away from your families, my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude resounds for generations to come.

I am not the man who arrived in Montana, but a better version of myself and ready to face the challenges this world has for me.

Without a doubt, BSB has saved the lives of Warriors through your selfless acts of kindness. Please don't ever stop fighting for the Warrior’s heart.

The impact you have resonates in the deepest recess of the American spirit.

Thank you for what you have done for me and my family, thank you for the lives you will change, and thank you for being the type of American worth fighting for.

May God bless the tireless efforts of Big Sky Bravery, the generous contributions of donors like you, and your selfless acts of kindness. Here is to Task Force 200!

S.”

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to spend a week in the beautiful state of Montana. What an amazing time of fun, laughter, and inner reflection. I had an outstanding time being able to decompress from my everyday busy schedule. Being able to unplug is a great gift! The time I spent backcountry fishing and talking with everyone there, was such an important and soul-searching time for me to reflect. It helps me to stay grounded in what is most important in life and focus on my needs and the needs of others around me.

My wife said she could see that my spirit seemed lighter.

From the first time meeting them, BSB has been a family to me.

Respectfully,

R.”

“This was truly a special event from the first phone call from whom I consider a friend and a mentor inviting me to participate in the BSB 100th Task Force. This Task Force was a bit different from the usual program as the participants were hand-selected and personally invited to attend TF 100 based on the impact they had made on the staff at BSB. To be selected out of all the previous 99 TFs was such an honor. I was immediately humbled and grateful that I was chosen to be a part of this event. The build-up and anticipation of this TF was something I was looking forward to especially when I found out who the other participants were. My excitement only grew like I was a kid again counting down the days to see what was waiting under the tree for me. As I linked up with friends at 3:30 in the morning to carpool to the airport, I could sense that the week to come was going to be unforgettable. Unforgettable it was.

I have felt wholeheartedly that Big Sky Bravery has been family and always will be a safe place for myself and people in my community including their families.

BSB is also a place where I can share without judgment, reflect on self through others’ relatable experiences, and grow so I can become a better friend, husband, and overall human. When I attended TF 42, I felt the magnitude of how special BSB is and the impact it has on people who attend. TF 100 was no exception, to me it was the Super Bowl of the best human gathering on this planet. I had little expectations, I just wanted to hang out with mates that I don’t get to spend a whole lot of time with these days due to our work schedules. We could have literally just got together and caught up, telling stories of the good old days and I would have been satisfied, but what we got with BSB was so much more. Plenty of stories were told that was for sure, but the week was surreal, and the entire time I kept asking myself the question ‘Why me? Others deserve this far more than I.’

I kept getting hit every day with some sort of amazing gift (physical and emotional) that put me in a permanent state of humility and gratitude. I have a passion for helping people, and I was allotted the opportunity to exercise this passion all week with my mates whom I love and care about. At the end of the trip, I personally didn’t want it to end, but I was excited to get back to business and share my growth with my wife and children and my mates at work. I was once again reenergised and motivated to make an impact and help all thanks to BSB. 

This opportunity could not exist without Big Sky Bravery and the true patriots of this country who donate and support this great cause.

These patriots don’t seek out recognition for their contributions but remain in the shadows of America’s best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do, without it we/I would not be as mentally equipped and strong.

U.”