TF120 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
Completing a Task Force alongside men from the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community, and all that Montana has to offer, is a special experience. Over the course of our six days and five nights together, our Task Force of volunteers and recipients transformed into more of a brotherhood and family than a group of men, which was particularly unique.
Our time began in Big Sky with a hike up Beehive Basin, where we were greeted by a group of Mountain Goats with a kid (baby goat) grazing along the steep rocky slopes. It was a beautiful day with incredible views and near-perfect weather.
The following day began with a dusty drive in side-by-sides 15 miles into the Montana backcountry and up Buck Ridge, where we set up camp just before the skies opened and the rain began. The first set of lightning storms just missed us to the North and South. The second weather system, chock full of electricity, did not. We got absolutely hammered by an incredible storm at 4:30 AM that seemed to just sit on the ridge for an hour.
It was awesome.
The next morning, we raced down the mountain in our side-by-sides. Given the amount of moisture received overnight, the trails were soaked and muddy and perfect. We blasted through massive mud puddles at high speed, coating our every surface in glorious grit and grime while hysterically laughing like the 12-year-old boys trapped deep inside our brains -- a highlight for all involved.
We spent the remainder of the afternoon at Moonlight Sporting range, downing clay pigeons with 12 and 20-gauge shotguns on a course that provided incredible mountainside vistas. Naturally, competition ensued. In the end, a volunteer and recipient remained in the contest and, while the competition was fierce, the volunteer never really stood a chance.
Our fifth and final day together was spent floating the Madison River with fly rods in hand. We had four highly capable guides that put us in position to make the most of our time on the Madison and, as a group, we caught more fish than I’ve ever seen, including at least ten 16+ inch Rainbow and Brown trout.
Following our day on the Madison, we prepared a final night feast that included hand-searing cubed filet of elk, bison, mule deer, whitetail deer, and local beef on a 500-degree salt block. It’s safe to say the deeply personal conversation that ensued will not be forgotten by any of the involved. It certainly won't be by me.
I can’t thank the donors enough for providing the opportunity for such an experience. Without you none of the healing, relaxation, brotherhood, and family that was created amongst civilian volunteers and tenured SOF recipients would be possible. Special thanks to fellow volunteers Matt Ryan and Stewart Lewis, and to the involved SOF recipients, for showing up with open minds and hearts.
Respectfully,
Adam Callinan
Task Force Director, TF120
Volunteers to Thank:
Adam Callinan (Task Force Director)
Stewart Lewis (Assistant Task Force Director)
Matt Ryan
Patriots to Thank:
Canyon Adventures
Moonlight Sporting Clays
ANTHEM
LMNT
Wild Society Coffee
Melissa Ferraro
“Thank you so much for the opportunity this past week. The chance to attend a Task Force was really special. I've been sending my folks for multiple years and have heard nothing but exceptional feedback. I also have nothing short of exceptional things to say about my experience as well. The BSB volunteers were some of the most caring, genuine, and generous people I've ever known. They truly gave everything they could, both physically and emotionally. While I enjoyed all the activities, my favorite parts were getting to know all the people in the Task Force - it's surprising how close of a bond we were able to create in such a short period of time.
What this past week meant to me - For me, I haven't really had the opportunity to slow down and deliberately reset in about 10 years. The opportunity to be part of a Task Force was an invaluable time in which I got to let go of numerous outside stressors and begin to unwind and reset.
This was the first time in as long as I can remember that I felt relaxed and content.
Further, I really value the closer relationship we formed amongst the folks in the Task Force. I don't really make friends often and I will definitely stay in touch with everyone I've met. Towards the end of the week one thing seemed apparent - the volunteers may have needed this experience as much as we all did.
-N.”
“The TF120 Big Sky trip was one of the most impactful morale trips I have been a part of. It means the world to have people spending time with you that truly care about the BSB mission.
We were treated better than we ever have been on this week's trip to Montana.
We had impactful conversations that led to a better outlook on life following our return home. Friendships were made with people that matter. I look forward to continuing to stress the importance of this organization to others. Grateful for all those that contribute to the cause.
Real impact is seen.
-J.”
“BSB is a life-changing and authentic experience in a world dominated by the fake and cheap.
The combination of the most amazing volunteers and raw beauty of Montana creates a one-of-one environment for healing, introspection, and finding perspective. Adam, Stew, and Matt gave us genuine and boundless kindness and generosity. Add the overpowering nature of Montana's vistas, it facilitated the most honest and impactful conversations I have had in 23 years of service. Though I will remember the entirety of TF120 for the rest of my life, the final dinner and conversation completed the process of turning 8 friends into brothers for life and was beyond amazing.
Thanks to TF120's volunteers, the entirety of the BSB program, and the generous donors that fund this life-changing program.
-S.”
“The BSB experience was incredible, eye-opening, and humbling, I haven't been able to relax like that or had so much fun in a long time. For a while, I felt like I had been stuck in a funk and life felt like a dark place. It was because everyone was open and honest about life and their challenges that gave me hope and faith in others again.
BSB reminded me that there are people out there who care and that I can rely on others and trust them. BSB helped me refocus my life and gave me a way forward.
We all grew in some way throughout the week and for the better, I certainly did. We all became like a family and I can't express enough how thankful I am to Adam, Stew, Matt, and all of BSB for the love and support they have shown to me and everyone who was on TF120. I will never forget this experience.
-C.”
“Attending Big Sky Bravery (BSB) was amazing! My wife was a Task Force recipient a year prior, and although an extremely introverted person she raved about the people, the place, and the experience. I didn't know exactly what to expect for the week, but I was motivated to find out.
From the moment we landed in Bozeman the volunteers were incredible. Adam, Stewart, and Matt greeted us with a friendly atmosphere and continued this disarming culture throughout our trip. Meals, accomodations, hiking, side-by-sides, clay shooting, and fishing all added to the opportunity to "reset" our perspectives on life. All of the experiences helped us bond with each other regardless of our backgrounds.
I think that is my biggest takeaway from the entire trip; fellowship that built connections and understanding that we are all going through similar phases in family, work, and life.
The evening questions gave me an outlet to discuss things that I've not shared with even my closest friends. Additionally, I think being immersed in the Montana lifestyle accompanied by three amazing volunteers and four other brothers-in-arms truly served its purpose of internal reflection, future planning, and overall perspective on life; something that routinely gets avoided or misplaced in my day-to-day career.
Thank you to the BSB family for continuing to show your appreciation to all that serve!
Without this organization, its donors, and especially its volunteers we wouldn't have a safe haven to remember what and who we do this job for!
-C.”
