TF117 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
BSB Family and Friends,
Finishing out the last of the winter programs here in Montana and welcoming the coming spring was the perfect time to bring out four more deserving individuals and show them what Big Sky Bravery is all about. “Sprinter” here in Big Sky country, that time between winter and summer can be a fickle beast. The weather truly can change every 15 minutes, and with the prior week's temps in the 70’s, we were worried there wouldn't be enough snow left on the ski runs. However, it seems every time these men and women get off the plane, the stars align and we were greeted with 3 days of fresh snow to enjoy on the hill. Followed by two bluebird days to soak up the sun and the views.
These weeks always start and end the same: strangers get off a plane and then leave five days later as family. What takes place in between is where friendships are forged, memories made, laughter and stories shared, and horizons broadened. It will never cease to amaze me just how many amazing men and women are walking this earth. And it just so happens that those in the SOF community and the BSB family are some of the best.
I’d like to thank all of the men on this trip for another incredible life-altering experience. Spending time in the mountains of Montana is restorative, refreshing, and downright good for the soul. Thank you to all the people who make it possible, on the front lines, in the office, donating behind the scenes and everywhere else people are contributing to our nation's elite warriors finding peace and reconnection.
Blake Dobson
TF117 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Blake Dobson (Task Force Director)
Marcus Fay
Steel Shaw
Patriots to Thank:
PEAK Skis
Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Natural Health
SITKA Gear
East Slope Outfitters
ANTHEM Snacks
Wild Society Coffee
Melissa Culver
“Firstly, thank you for your continued support to my Unit and for extending an invitation to me to attend BSB in Montana.
What you guys have created is a truly special and remarkable opportunity for any Operator, especially those who have grown weary during the long fight to preserve our freedoms.
The two particular things that make it very special are, firstly, Montana; a perfect and beautiful environment to escape the hustle and bustle of city and Operator life and to be at one with nature. Secondly, is your people! Our people are our number one asset but are often overlooked during busy operational cycles. Your people (the BSB Team) have the perfect balance to deliver these remarkable experiences and bond with the extroverts and introverts of our communities. They are the number one thing that makes this special. Thank you!
I will hold close and cherish the memories and friendships that BSB has forged for me, and once again, on behalf of my Unit, I must extend huge gratitude for these continued opportunities.
Thank you so much, BSB.
You guys are special, and you really are supporting the cost of our freedom.
Best wishes,
-L.”
“Starting off, I would like to sincerely thank BSB, the volunteers, and the donors for allowing me the opportunity to attend an amazing program. The vision, mission, and dedicated members are stellar and top tier. The volunteers Marcus, Steel, and Blake were amazing, hardworking, and genuinely cared about making everything run smoothly and ensured the experience was memorable. The trip allowed me to disconnect and participate in activities that I love, but have not been able to make time for with the crazy tempo of work and family. The nightly talks with new friends were deep and much needed.
A lot of my mates have spoken highly of BSB. I will continue that.
-R.”
“I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to come out and take part in your program. I have a newfound sense of purpose and a great appreciation for everything that y’all do. I cannot thank the volunteers enough for their time, friendship, and camaraderie. The conversations had while fly fishing and after eating dinner were the best part of BSB.
I’ve not opened up to anyone like that in so long I can’t remember.
I arrived in Montana as an individual and left with 6 new brothers, and I am forever grateful for that. Thank y’all again, and I can’t wait to come back.
-H.”
“This was an amazing opportunity that I was very lucky to be able to join. Our team was comprised with some of the most generous and knowledgeable volunteers. They only had one goal in mind and that was taking care of us and making sure we had a good time.
It was my first time in Montana and it was such a great experience. I felt a sense of freedom being away from work and being out with Nature. At the start of this retreat we were asked what we were looking to get out of this. One thing I mentioned was peace. Why peace? At work its always go go go. The machine never stops with or without you and there is a certain chaos that goes with it.
Thanks to this program and our wonderful volunteers, I was able to achieve that sense of peace I was craving.
We started each day with having a great breakfast, home cooked even! From there the adventure began. Some days it was snowboarding. And the team did such a great job pairing us with our skill level. They taught us what we could do to improve and different techniques to try. Each day they would push us to be better and challenge us which I appreciated. They never kept it the same and they had very experienced people that knew the mountain and what would be appropriate for our skill level. Some days we would also go fly fishing, which I enjoyed very much. Being on the water in some waders trying not to get tangled in all the extra line I pulled was a blast! Learning how to do it was even more fun. Fly Fishing is something I always wanted to do and Big Sky Bravery made it happen. The best part is we had another amazing volunteer that was a fishing guide and knew some great spots. He is a great teacher and kept me from getting tangled even more. At the end of each day we would go back to the house where they had something special scheduled for us. Whether it was a Skype call to set us up with contacts for retirement or an IV to hydrate after a long day in the mountains. There was always something else to look forward to. In the evening times it was time to relax and create another amazing meal. We ate really well there!!! After dinner I really enjoyed listening to the conversations. We always had a question of the day that was asked early on and it was neat to listen to others’ perspectives and answers because it opens you up to think even more into the question.
Big Sky Bravery is an amazing opportunity that gives active duty folks the time to think and get their mind right.
It gives us time to reconnect with nature and ourselves and reset. It creates families out of a group of strangers because we are able to relate to one another and share our perspectives. It’s just an extremely healthy and therapeutic experience that I hope to be a part of again. I am very thankful for the people I got to meet on our team and for the volunteers that made this a very special trip.
-C.”
