Task Force 101 | Big Sky, Montana

Task Force 101 is in the books, and what a special TF it was. We were honored to host and serve three of the most humble, professional, and well-deserving Special Operators for an incredible week.

The infamous Montana weather that we've all come to embrace, rain and high winds, started our week off by making our side-by-side trek up Buck Ridge a true slop fest. Cold, wet, and muddy gave way to the best of humor and memories. A brisk hike up BSB Ridge quickly warmed the group. Unfortunately, high winds along the ridge didn't allow us to linger too long, but long enough to take in unforgettable views of Big Sky Country. Tuesday began with a good workout and a soak at Bozeman Hot Springs; there is no better way to start the day. That afternoon, competition kicked in as one of us vied to be crowned "Top Shot" as we tackled sporting clays at Moonlight Basin. We concluded the day with a good old local Montana rodeo at the beautiful Lone Mountain Ranch. As the night ended, we all agreed, "What a day".

Wednesday was back to pounding the ground with a hike up Beehive Basin, giving way to beautiful scenery as we practiced fly casting and enjoyed lounging among the rocks. Thursday, we took on the Madison River to pursue those famous trout. We were fortunate to have three excellent guides who made the day memorable and helped develop our fishing knowledge and skills. Following our float down the Madison, we stopped in Ennis, one of our great patriotic small towns, to visit Willie's Distillery and a Big Sky Bravery fundraiser.

Although Task Force 101 had only three recipients, we bonded tightly, feeling like a close-knit team. Throughout the week, we had our fair share of laughs, shared life lessons, and exposed our challenges, past and present, and our future dreams. When we reflected on the week, we did a lot because there are great people who care deeply about these three men, and without them, none of this would be possible. I speak for these recipients when I thank those who support Big Sky Bravery. From Brian and I to the recipients of TF 101, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and protecting this great Nation we call America.

Dave Paul
TF 101 Director

Task Force 101 Volunteers:

• Dave Paul - Task Force Director

• Brian Nelson

Task Force Patriots:

• Park Family (House in Moonlight)

• Canyon Adventures (Side-by-sides)

• Lone Mountain Ranch (Rodeo)

• Moonlight Basin (sports clay shooting experience)

• Marci Gehring (From the Heart Foods)

• Marcus Fay, Charlie Johnson, + Will Littman (Fly fishing guides)

• Melissa Culver (Cookies)

“I sometimes forget that life exists outside of special operations because I am surrounded by people like me who grind away the days and years in our high-paced, high-intensity, high-stress profession. However, it didn’t take long after landing in Bozeman to see that not only is there beauty and life outside of our small but important bubble but that there are men and women who truly care and appreciate the sacrifices our lifestyle requires. Throughout the week at BSB I shook hands and had conversations with people whose only goal was to say thank you and provide for me to make me feel welcome and valued.

I was surrounded by the most beautiful landscape and allowed to sort through past traumas and losses as well as anxieties about the future with a group of remarkable men without judgment.

I am going through a very turbulent time in my life that is full of unknowns as I navigate the next step in my SOF career, a growing family, starting a business, etc. BSB gifted me with precious time that allowed me to ground myself in wild nature and build relationships with some of the finest people I’ve ever met. I am so grateful to BSB, specifically Dave and Brian for being sounding boards and resources that I am sure to rely on in the future. I cannot say thank you enough for an incredible week of clarity and for showing me a part of our beautiful country that is full of possibilities and a new fly-fishing obsession! THANK YOU to all the BSB volunteers, donors, and staff; what YOU do is remarkable.

- C”

“Big Sky Bravery was a remarkable experience; a moment to relax, reflect, and re-orient myself in the midst of stress and lofty expectations I wore heavily over the years.

The week prior to TF 101 was tough; it was the 1 year anniversary of losing a great friend to an off-duty accident. What I didn’t realize was the profound and refreshing impact Big Sky Bravery would have on my psyche after arriving in Bozeman for the week.

Day one, we quickly broke the ice and never looked back with our conversations on hobbies, family, and endeavors after the military. The week combined hiking gorgeous canyons, riding side-by-sides in the mud/rain, talking trash during skeet competitions, enjoying sauna/cold plunges, and relaxing in our alpine hot tub each night. Those consecutive days laughing, adjusting to altitude, and sharing our perspectives each day took us from strangers to great friends. I know the wisdom and experiences we enjoyed were a testament to the great people that embody Big Sky Bravery. They understand the importance of asking thoughtful questions, remaining authentic, and providing a network of great Americans to assist us through our professional and personal challenges. Thank you for the unforgettable experience and a life-changing week spent in God’s country! Special thanks to Dave and Brian for making this trip incredible and indulging in our humor.

Sincerely,

J”

“When I arrived at Big Sky, I was burnt out. After numerous back-to-back deployments and training trips away from home over a very compressed time, I was feeling the negative effects of my dream job, and that was frightening to me. I felt as if I was a foreigner in my own country. When I got word that I was selected to take part in BSB, I felt a relief I hadn’t had in a while. I can take a breather. I knew the following week would be an adventure, but I wasn’t expecting what a profound experience it would turn into. 

Right off the bat, we were treated as if we were lifelong friends getting back together. From our nightly family-style dinners (the first in nearly 8 years for me) with meaningful conversations about our experiences and plans for the future, lunches overlooking some of the most beautiful terrain I’ve ever seen, and time spent just sitting and reflecting on ourselves, we were able to take that fresh breath we so desperately needed. For the first time in a long time I was able to clear my head of work and focus on my wellbeing. Our volunteers taught me that it’s ok to relax.

It was comforting knowing that I was not alone in feeling the effects of the job. 

The moment that week truly hit me was when we were at Lone Mountain Ranch’s rodeo. The flag rider began her circuit to Johnny Cash’s Ragged Old Flag. That’s when I knew that there are still people who haven’t forgotten about us. I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to be in such a beautiful place with people who truly cared about us and our country. I was barely able to keep my composure and felt as if I bit a hole in my cheek to keep myself from breaking down right there. 

To all the donors and volunteers that made that week possible, thank you. I wish I could better convey how deeply I feel that gratitude, but I’m at a loss for words. To the people of Montana, you took us in and treated us as if we were family and your generosity will be something that I will never forget. To Dave and Brian, your selflessness and ability to understand and bring us together as a new family will be cherished forever. Thank you for being there for us.

My week at Big Sky Bravery was needed, and it is imperative that this program continues to exist.

I left knowing that America still has our back and with an eagerness to get back to it. And because of great Americans like you, I am assured it will. You all make the job worth it. Thank you.

-L”