A note from the Task Force Director…

From the first day of TF 116 our family at Big Sky Bravery grew instantly. The gap from strangers to brothers was incredibly small. The banter, bond, and camaraderie was automatically present, dropping any guards that the recipients had. This group consisted of 4 warriors from coming from 4 different areas of countries military and law enforcement.

Day one we got to shake off the cob webs on some skis and have a blast ripping around the beautiful Big Sky Resort. This day provided us with plenty of laughs and falls. We took a scenic ride up to Lone Peak for some breathtaking views. 

On day two we explored more of Big Sky Resort and everyone sharpened their skills and got to test the legs with some all day fun.

With the winter being quite mild this year, we called an audible on snowmobiling. We decided to jump in the van and take scenic drive around to Ennis. We saw lots of wildlife! We rigged up some fishing poles and went and stood in the Madison River and learned how to fly fish! Once we had our fill of that, we geared up for a round of golf! It was an incredible day and really allowed everyone to relax and laugh and be themselves. The van rides always bring everyone back together!

On the last day we went out with a bang and skied up and down and around Big Sky Report all day.

Throughout all the days activities, the best times were in the afternoons sun bathing on the deck or in the hot tub, or relaxing by the fire at night. This group really opened up and gave a lot during our conversations late at night. We all learned a lot about each other and grew immensely closer as the week progressed. 

This week would not of been what it was without the exceptional help and trust of the two volunteers Jon Gilbert and Stu Binenstock.  I am forever grateful for these men.

Bond is built through struggle and bond is built through vulnerability. The group of guys this week are forever my brothers. This week was special and this group will reunite again! 

Sam Maschino
Task Force 116 Director

“Don’t strive for success, strive for significance” -Driz

Volunteers to Thank:

• Sam Maschino (Task Force Director)

• Jon Gilbert

• Stu Binenstock

Patriots to Thank:

• Hunter Parks

• Big Sky Resort

• East Slope Outfitters

• PEAK Skis

• SITKA Gear

• Marci Gehring

• Big Sky Natural Health

• ANTHEM Snacks

• Wild Society Coffee

• Melissa Culver

“BSB was an extremely impactful experience for me personally. As a leader in my organization, I have been encouraging my teammates to participate as recipients, but have been hesitant to go myself because of guilt associated with taking someone else's spot and a hypocritical denial of needing the benefits of BSB myself. Nevertheless and thankfully, my team nominated me to be a BSB recipient and I can now say that it is one of the best experiences that came with perfect timing.

I had no idea how much residue with which I was burdened, why I always felt like I was drowning, and why I was starting to have trouble recognizing the guy in the mirror.

The BSB volunteers made me feel welcome and broke down all walls of hesitance through their humility, patience, kindness, humor, and fluent cultural competence, to which no other organization of its kind could compare. My fellow recipients and I bonded before we even left Bozeman airport upon arrival, setting the tone for what has become a lasting friendship built on a foundation of shared experience that BSB laid. 

Thanks to the recreational decompression, camaraderie, and depth of conversation throughout my BSB experience, I have regained a clarity of mind and appreciation for my life that I haven't felt in a long time. 

I cannot repay BSB for the enduring, indelible, and significant impact it has had on me and my teammates who I will continue to nominate. I pledge, however, to stay involved here forward and encourage those members of our tribe who need it most to take the leap.

Thank you to the selfless BSB volunteers, staff, and donors.

Without you, I'm convinced my journey would have remained on a collision course. Thanks to you, I've found my way again.

Servare Vitas,

-B.”

“Big Sky Bravery came at the perfect time for me personally and professionally. I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I was up on the mountain. What an amazing week, I felt completely recharged and reset.

Once I returned home, my family noticed a tangible change, I was more relaxed and I wasn’t so quick to anger.

Thanks Big Sky Bravery! 

-T.”

“I never realized how much I needed this week. I was able to meet and connect with incredible operators going through similar struggles.

The volunteers and other operators brought out a happiness within me that has been dormant for a long time. 

Thank you to the volunteers and donors. 

-K.”