a note from the Task Force Director…

What an awesome week! We came, we saw, we conquered. We were able to host 4 of our country’s finest warriors. We gained some incredible memories and a few new brothers.

We set out on a 4 day-deep backpacking trip into the wilderness. We hiked in day 1 to Mirror Lake. The heavens opened up on us as we were making our way in and gave a 45-minute hail storm in which we had to take cover! It was energizing and thrilling to hunker down and watch the hail pile up like snow. Day 2 took us up to Chilled Lakes which we camped at for 2 nights. Day 3 we set out from camp and climbed the very daunting Gallatin Peak. This was an incredible accomplishment for every one of us and we celebrated at the top! Night 3 brought the most intense thunder and lightning storm any of us have ever been through. Laying on our backs inside our tents holding the tent down and counting the minutes for it to pass. Everyone loved it. It added yet another Montana memory to the trip. Day 4 was a big day hiking out and headed to a warm bed, shower, and meal not made out of a bag.

Every night we caught fish and ate well. We sat around the fire and told stories and had endless laughs. Each day was filled with exploring, fishing, napping on the grass in the sun, and swimming in the cold lakes.

We welcomed day 5 by meeting the guides and floating down the Madison River. It was a great way to top off the week relaxing in the drift boats with many fish caught and more beautiful Montana scenery.

The week went well. Everyone contributed to the activities and conversations. Bonds were created, support was given, and challenges were overcome. We were all in the same struggle all week and through that struggle we became a team. I would like to thank my compadre Willi Schmidt, without him, I could not have made this happen. Thank you to the recipients for being open and allowing Big Sky Bravery to show you how important what you do for this country truly is.

“Just one more mile….”

Sam Maschino
Task Force 102 Director

Volunteers to thank:

Sam Maschino, Task Force Director
Willi Schmidt, Assistant Task Force Director

Patriots to thank:

Charlie Johnson & Rich (Fishing Guides)
Stone Glacier (Packs)
Gastro Gnome (discounted freeze-dried meals)
SITKA (discounted jackets)
Wild Society (discounted freeze-dried meals & coffee for welcome bags)
Welcome Bag Donations: ANTHEM Snacks & LMNT

“Big Sky Bravery showed me a world that I had long forgotten. It reestablished a connection that I had let go of many years ago. My connection with the civilian world.

This week couldn't have come at a better time. As I lead up to retirement soon, it was incredibly peaceful and relaxing to be able to be in the backcountry and focus on myself. The job we perform takes a serious toll on our bodies and our families’ lives. I was able to come out of the week with BSB recharged and relaxed.

I would like to thank the truly patriotic men and women that support BSB and the mission they have to cater to our community. It's important to remind yourself to slow down, look around, and enjoy the moment. This week allowed me to drop my guard and make new friends and brothers.

Thank you again,

TF-102 Recipient”

“I would like to thank first and foremost the people who make Big Sky Bravery a reality. The donors, the staff, the volunteers, etc. We were treated very well from the time we were picked up to the time we were dropped off at the airport.

During our week in Montana, we got to experience a lot of new activities that I had never done before. There's something that will bond total strangers and make them friends whenever you struggle and fight together. We fought the weather of Big Sky country throughout our backpacking trip. We fought countless fish. We fought hard, technical miles, up to Gallatin Peak. My network of people I consider family has now grown into Montana.

I travel back to my family happy to call myself an alumni of Big Sky Bravery. There are a lot of organizations out there that cater to men and women in the service, but this organization has really captured the needs of the men and women in my community.

Thank you for opening my eyes to beautiful Montana, I look forward to returning with my family.

God Bless,

-S”

“It's been a month since I came out for our hiking adventure and I just wanted to thank you again. It truly was the reset that I needed. What a great time just being on the trail with like-minded peers and no cell service or distractions.

It was the perfect setting to talk about difficult memories that have been simmering in the back of our minds.

The day hikes and campfire sessions were truly therapeutic. I think my wife could benefit from one, haha, but honestly. I'd love to do it again.

From my family to yours,
Thank you.
-B”