TF111 | SOF Females | Big Sky, MT
A NOTE FROM THE TASK FORCE DIRECTOR…
Dear Patriots,
It is difficult to put into words how formative Task Force 111 was for all involved. We had the privilege of hosting five of our nation's active duty Special Operations Forces (SOF). For those of us that call Montana home, you know how little snow we have had over the course of the winter thus far. That changed for us. We woke up to a blanket of fresh snow each and every morning, enhancing the overall experience of a truly unforgettable week. I would like to dedicate a moment to express my gratitude to all of those mentioned below for their invaluable contributions - all of which played a pivotal role in shaping a remarkably impactful week.
First and foremost, to the recipients of Task Force 111. Expressing the love in my heart for each and every one of you is challenging, as words seem insufficient. The strength, intelligence, humility, humor, badassery and sheer resilience that emanates from you has no end. We met as strangers, awkwardly hugging upon first introductions, and left as a true squad, hugging with much greater ferocity and an extremely high level of stoke. The transformation from tentative hellos to difficult goodbyes showcased the depths of the bonds that had quickly formed among us. I am honored to have spent the week in such incredible company.
To my fellow volunteers. I said this throughout the week, and I will say it again here. I couldn't have asked for a more exceptional group of women to lead this week. Your collective contribution to the experience was unparalleled. Thank you for leaning into this week. Thank you for wholeheartedly embracing the week, opening your hearts, leading with humility, and fostering an atmosphere that overflowed with laughter, inside jokes, and genuine connections beyond my wildest expectations.
To the donors. This week truly would not be possible without you. I am continuously blown away by your generosity and continued support of those that sacrifice it all for the freedom of many. You do so without question or hesitation. It's a common sentiment among recipients of Big Sky Bravery that they were unaware that there were Americans who genuinely cared about them. You care. Thank you for being a steadfast example of the type of American I aspire to be.
To the staff of Big Sky Bravery. I get the distinct honor of not only being a volunteer, but also working alongside you. This privilege allows me a unique perspective, granting insight into the planning and execution of each Task Force. Witnessing the concerted effort fills me with gratitude. I am grateful to be a part of a team that is unwaveringly committed to the principle of giving more than we take, in order to continue to give back to as many of our nation's heroes as possible.
To those that made this week possible. I would be remiss if I didn’t specifically thank all of those who made this week what it came to be. To Big Sky Resort for the discounted lift tickets and ski instruction that led to more laughs than we could have imagined. To Canyon Adventures (Ed, Mark, Trae, Leader, Bree, Brooke, & Jenny) for trusting in us and taking out our first group of women to snowmobile since 2021. This became one of those days that changed the tide for our group and it was because of the freedom and guidance you provided throughout the day. Finally, to my wonderful Mom and Dad, Dori and Steve Schelhammer, for the incredible meals you provided over the course of the week.
In closing, we are incredibly blessed to live in a country where individuals such as the recipients of Task Force 111 made a decision to sacrifice an astonishing amount for our collective safety and protection. Thank you, for taking the time to read what this week meant to them, in their own words.
With deep appreciation,
Louise Schelhammer
Task Force 111 Director
VOLUNTEERS TO THANK
Louise Schelhammer [Task Force Director]
Sarah McKenney [Assistant Task Force Director]
Anna Vancleeve
Sarah Maschino
PATRIOTS TO THANK
Big Sky Resort [Discounted Lift Tickets]
Canyon Adventures [Snowmobiles, Guides - Mark, Trae, Leader, Bree, Brooke, & Jenny]
Logan Bell [Discounted ski instruction]
Big Sky Natural Health [Discounted IV Therapy]
Melissa Culver [World’s best chocolate chip cookies]
MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab [Donated memberships and merchandise]
ANTHEM Snacks & Wild Society Coffee [Welcome bag donation items]
“To the people who contribute their time, money, or talent to making BSB Task Forces possible, thank you! I almost didn’t make it out to BSB because things were too busy at work. Turns out I definitely needed to make the time for it!
Over the past decade I’d completely lost touch with everything that mattered in my life.
Work took priority over family, friends, fitness, and faith.
While I absolutely love fighting for this country, there was no context for what I was fighting for anymore.
The special women, both military and civilian at BSB, helped me recognize and remember the ‘why’ behind all of this.
The SOF community is built by doers, so when people say ‘thank you for your service,’ it’s hard to connect with those words. BSB was different - people are actually investing in us as human beings. The people who contribute to BSB are taking action to improve our community and show that we are valued (while still respecting the ethos of the quiet professional).
I’m walking away from this BSB Task Force with a renewed sense of purpose and a better appreciation of the families and communities worth fighting for. Thank you!
-N.”
“Big Sky Bravery has left me in awe. From the amazing views of Montana, the adrenaline rushing activities, to the bonds formed with the other females in the group. I will cherish the week spent together for many years to come.
Since I joined the military, and more-so since being in the SOF community, I have longed for a sisterhood of females that understand the challenges, opportunities, and diversity that comes with the job. Big Sky Bravery provided me with exactly what I had been longing for.
Not only did Big Sky Bravery open the door to everlasting friendships, but it also created a space that I felt safe, and knew I could be vulnerable with those around me. I went to Montana feeling like I needed a break from the enduring stress, and left feeling refreshed while connected with myself and others.
I cannot recommend Big Sky Bravery enough to my fellow service members!
-T.”
“Good company is an understatement when describing TF111. I feel exceptionally privileged that I got to spend a week surrounded by truly astonishing women, both active duty military and patriotic civilians alike. The sum of these special women cultivated a safe and liberating environment where we could unpack and discuss the stressors and challenges weighing heavy on us.
While reflecting on my years of service, I've tried to recall another time when this type of environment has been created. And the answer is none. Not once. BSB is truly a one of a kind experience. And without this opportunity, I would have continued to believe I was alone in struggling with the balancing act of being a woman in SOF.
It does not go unnoticed that this experience was only made possible through the efforts of BSB employees, volunteers, donors and local businesses alike who support the cause. A special thanks goes to my volunteers Louise, Anna, and the 2x Sarahs who brought a smile to my face daily and whose transparency and vulnerability pushed me to connect on deeper levels. I am not the type of person who typically would have asked for this experience. Nor am I the type of person who would have thought I needed it. But I'm eternally grateful that there are people out there who care enough to make this trip possible; because I did need it. I needed it more than I truly recognized.
I’m proud that when I wake up I get to serve my country that is composed of people who recognize the sacrifices we make.
Thank you, BSB, from the bottom of my heart.
-L.”
“I almost didn’t make it out to TF111. A contributing factor to my apprehension in participating in the trip was the feeling that I did not deserve to. I believe that I am very fortunate to serve my country. I get great satisfaction out of what I do for a living, and I find it convenient that I am financially compensated for it. I have incredible teammates who graciously covered down at work this past week. I have my ride-or-die friends, who loudly encouraged me to go on the trip, gave me a ride to the airport, and checked on my family while I was gone. Last but not least, I have the most amazing spouse. In addition to her own career and educational endeavors, she shoulders the weight of literally everything so that I can be the best at what I do. When I am gone (which is often), she manages it all without me. But lately, especially, even when I am physically present at home – I am not able to truly share the time that we have together. My mind is occupied by the thousands of spinning wheels and instruments and thoughts cast into the continuum.
I have struggled to mentally put these things down and dedicate my attention to my family in the way that they deserve. Awareness of this failure becomes yet another worry, another wrench thrown into the juggling act. On top of that, it is incredibly isolating and destructive to carry the belief that you are alone, in anything, and that your experience is so unique that no one could possibly relate.
For me, this is where Big Sky Bravery had the greatest impact. The conversations that took place, both planned and spontaneous, big and small, funny and serious - catalyzed the process of human connection throughout the group. Often, these organizationally directed “kumbaya” things do not work because they are artificial, forced, and awkward. In our case - and I think every member of the group would agree – it was the opposite. We actually understand each other.
I attribute the success of TF111 to the one and only Louise Schelhammer. Weezie (NO “H”) was prepared for everything. She knew when to speed things up and when to slow it all down. She effortlessly led the volunteers on every front, making sure that each recipient was paired up with the skier or snowboarder that they could learn the most from. It was obvious that she planned meticulously and left no contingency unaddressed. She even brought her mom – who made one of the best dinners I have had in YEARS and an ice cream cake that made me want to be an ice cream. Not sure what that means but that is how I feel. Second only to her off-road/ 4x4 driving skills, I would say that Weezie’s greatest strength and most valuable characteristic is her ability to read us. In between all of the logistical and culinary feats, she made the time to engage with each of us individually and form a real friendship.
Sarah Maschino was the spark plug of the group – for sure. I particularly loved hearing her and Anna talk about their experiences as mothers. For me, this is relevant as we plan on starting a family in the near future. Sarah is a savage athlete and dedicated coach. Some of our discussions were related to work-family balance, and her outlook on navigating a mostly male work environment really resonated with me. Also – she can shred. Although I took the opportunity to fine-tune my skiing, I enjoyed watching her teach two of the girls who were first-time snowboarders. It is impossible to miss the passion and genuine excitement that she exudes, all while shepherding with the patience of a saint.
Sarah McKenney is one of the kindest people I have ever met. She, too, is a great teacher. Prior to this trip, I have been on skis ONE time. On the first day at Big Sky, she gave small but potent tips for improvement. Just enough to make incremental changes each time down the hill and deliver in a way that is low-stress and fun. Similar to Sarah Maschino, I could tell that she very much enjoyed the process of teaching. Sarah made us feel at home in her home – giving us a very cool tour of Spanish Peaks and taking us into the Yurt! That Yurtburger was the perfect thing after a cold morning of rippin.
Finally, getting to know Anna Vancleeve was one of my favorite aspects of the trip. Anna admitted to being shy on the first night of the trip, and I made it my goal to bring her out of her shell just a tiny bit by the end. Let’s just say – mission accomplished. Spending time with Anna felt like getting to know the big sister I never had. She and Sarah Maschino took me down a very spicy blue run on the second day, but I never wavered because I knew they were right there next to me. Anna has a quiet and graceful but powerful ability to instill confidence in other people.
For a week, the weight that I had been trudging under was lifted.
It was lifted by Weezie, by Sarah Maschino, by Sarah McKenney, and by Anna Vancleeve. These women created an environment in which we felt comfortable enough to let the walls down, press pause on the never-ending tough guy act and just be vulnerable and real and share the stuff that has been piling up on top of us. I have learned and grown so much in such a short period of time. I left feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and very, VERY well-rested and well-fed. I have also gained 8 new friends in the process (there will be a TF111 reunion). Like I went on about earlier,
I know so many people who have made such great, great sacrifices, and who I believe deserve to experience the peace that TF111 brought me.
Weezie and the TF members have inspired me and I would very much like to volunteer at BSB in the future, in whatever capacity I can (lemme know if you need a medic or a lawyer!)
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the donors, thank you to the TF111 girls, and thank you to Big Sky Bravery.
Even though I did not know it – the BSB experience was exactly what I needed to take a break, take a breath, and then wake up and make the most out of the beautiful life that I live.
Thank you.
-T.”
“The Big Sky Bravery retreat was absolutely one of the most memorable and transformational experiences I have had in a while.
The trip starts out with first-class service from the group of volunteers and Big Sky employees with an energetic and welcoming airport pickup. The team provides all needed equipment and gear for the participants, allowing for a stress-free planning and preparation process. The beautiful lodge that the participants were hosted in allowed for a classy and scenic stay during the week. The cabin allowed for total immersion in the beautiful Montana woods giving a peaceful environment to wind down at the end of the day. The team plans every activity in detail for the group, allowing for enjoyable, physically and mentally demanding activities each day of the trip. In the evenings, the group participates in thoughtful and meaningful discussion initiated by a “question of the day”. This allows for participants of like minds and similar backgrounds to fully open up emotionally and psychologically to build strong friendships and bonds.
The entire trip is thoughtfully planned, and the experience of the participants is effectively considered to make this week incredibly profound and significant for everyone involved.
I will cherish the genuine relationships I built with this incredible group of women and the unique decompression opportunity provided to me by the generous and selfless donors and volunteers of this program.
-K.”
