TF121 | Spouses | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
This summer I went on my 6th BSB Task Force program and every time it blows my mind that we start the week as individuals that barely know each other that happen to be going on a trip together and leave as lifelong friends that spent an unforgettable week together. I had the incredible honor to lead the BSB Task Force 121 with a great week of events set against the always breathtaking backdrop of Big Sky, Montana. Our goal was to provide the recipients with a rejuvenating and adventurous experience and wow was this a great week with six well-deserving women and hard-working volunteers to make that happen.
Every time I head to the airport to pick up the women, I’m always a bit nervous to meet these people that have a mix of expectations for what they’ve been signed up for and have been put into my care and responsibility to ensure it’s worth their time to take a week off of from their daily lives (jobs, kids, house management, etc) to experience a Big Sky Bravery Task Force program. We had a motto this year…”You get out, what you put in”. Everyone embraced this so that we could share, listen, laugh, and do some crazy jumping jacks out in the middle of nowhere Montana.
We started off the week with riding side-by-sides up the Big Sky mountains. The recipients are sometimes hesitant about this activity but it always proves to make smiles and laughs and results in a ton of great stories to share. The next day had relaxation time to do a bit of reset. These women are coming off of managing their house and family and other responsibilities they have and rarely get ‘me’ time so we wanted to make sure there was time for that. We also took the women floating on the Madison River that is also kind of like white-water rafting but instead of oars you use your legs and arms at times to stay on the right path down the river. LOL. And the grand finale of the week was a day of fly fishing where everyone caught fish and a bunch of bug bites.
Thank you to all the Recipients for entrusting me on your Task Force program, to Jackie McCullouch-Lodine & Genevieve Kaliher who are one of the best volunteer crews I could have asked for, to Big Sky Bravery for creating these programs to serve those that serve our country, to all of the companies that helped make an unforgettable week of activities, and to all of the donors that believe in this program. I am forever grateful.
-BJ O’Hare
Task Force 121 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
BJ O’Hare [Task Force Director]
Jackie Lodine [Assistant Task Force Director]
Genevieve Kaliher
Patriots to Thank:
Canyon Adventures
Reset Big Sky
SIMMS
Rich Searle
ANTHEM
LMNT
Wild Society Coffee
Melissa Ferraro
“I had the opportunity to be part of TF 121 in July. Let me start by saying that this event fell right in between my two largest work events of the year and I almost backed out several times to alleviate stress. I am so grateful I did not do that.
I would say that this opportunity is exactly what I needed and it completely exceeded my expectations.
First, BJ, Jackie and Genevieve were with us to help facilitate the week, but they did way more than just facilitate. Each of them brought something different to the group and they were a perfect match for our TF. They went above and beyond to make sure each of us felt comfortable, happy and relaxed. I felt like they had special radar and knew when we needed something, whether it was a coffee break or a laugh. I was nervous about spending time with a lot of people I don't know, but within a few hours, we were no longer strangers...and by the end, I left with lifelong friends. There were several things on the itinerary that I had never done, specifically riding side by sides up a mountain and fly fishing. I was nervous when I saw those events on the schedule, but it was all amazing and definitely brought about a different feeling of joy and relaxation that I hadn't experienced in the past.
As a working mom married into this lifestyle, It is an unfamiliar feeling to have people you just met go out of their way to just be there for you in whatever way you might need in that moment...and all sincere and genuine.
I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone that has the chance to go. You will find yourself surrounded by selfless individuals who want to help you relax and show appreciation for the service you support as a spouse. I was hesitant to go, and then I didn't want to leave.
Thank you to Big Sky Bravery for taking time to care for the ones who hold it down behind the scenes.
You are so appreciated...I will never forget this.
-M.”
“Did the program meet your expectations? Absolutely!
The program was everything I hoped for and more.
I went in looking for a relaxing escape and came away feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired. It exceeded my expectations in every way.
What was your experience like? My experience was transformative and like a breath of fresh air. Each day was filled with fun and engaging activities, insightful sessions, and meaningful interactions. BJ, Genevieve, and Jackie were supportive, creating a nurturing environment that was both challenging and relaxing.
What did the week mean to you? The week was a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was a time to slow down, reconnect with myself, and soak in the tranquility. It provided a rare opportunity for personal reflection, growth, and development that I will cherish forever.
How would you describe the week to someone attending an upcoming program? It is a serene retreat that offers a perfect mix of relaxation and personal growth. It’s a week where you can unwind, meet wonderful people, and engage in activities that nourish both your body and spirit. Be open to new experiences, embrace the calm, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Get ready for an unforgettable vacation.
How did you feel during the week?
During the week, I felt a deep sense of peace, contentment, excitement, and fulfillment.
There were moments of quiet reflection, joyful interactions, and plenty of new experiences. It felt like taking a deep, refreshing breath of fresh air.
How did the program make you feel? The program made me feel relaxed, embraced, valued, and heard.
I left with a renewed sense of calm, a clearer sense of my goals, and a fresh perspective on life.
It was a truly soothing, uplifting, and profound experience that has had a lasting impact on my life.
-C.”
“Big Sky Bravery amazed me by the immediate sense of community it created.
We formed strong bonds through shared stories and experiences, which alleviated the isolation often felt in our unique situations. The activities were thoughtfully planned to encourage meaningful interactions and lasting friendships.
This experience reminded me of the importance of focusing on the people in our lives and the strength we find in unity.
I returned home feeling rejuvenated, connected, and grateful for the newfound support network.
-T.”
“The Big Sky Bravery task force totally exceeded my expectations in every way. I felt appreciated, understood and cared for all week.
I don't know many organizations that acknowledge the military spouse and the toll that this life also takes on us.
I will forever be grateful for BSB allowing me this opportunity to reflect, relax and bond with some incredibly strong women.
You are actively making a difference in the lives of so many people who truly deserve it.
-C.”
“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” - Hippocrates
“Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn’t you - all of the expectations, all of the beliefs - and becoming who you are.” - Rachel Naomi Remen
“When I arrived in Montana, I didn’t realize that I needed to heal.
However, my time there gave me the opportunity to heal. It allowed me to let go of the expectations that go along with being a mother and a wife, all of the beliefs about what I need to accomplish to be successful in those roles and it accorded me with the opportunity to find myself again. It helped me remember that to be the best I can be in all of my roles, I need to be true to myself and find time for myself. It reminded me to have fun with life, to play with my kids and value the time I have with my spouse.
BSB, the beauty of Montana and the camaraderie of other military spouses helped me find me again.
I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and hope that others in positions similar to mine get the chance to experience the restorative effect BSB provides.
-K.”
“The BSB program exceeded my expectations. I was very nervous to go on this but my husband had convinced me that it would be a great experience. Not only was the entire week so organized and well run, but I met some of the most amazing, caring, selfless people. Everyone was so open to sharing their experiences and offering great advice or just an ear to listen. By the end of the week, it felt like I had known all of the women for years. It was honestly amazing to me how close a group of strangers could get in just a few hours. The volunteers were so thoughtful and created such a safe place and environment for us to relax, bond and really have a ton of fun. I felt so appreciated and understood all week long.
As spouses, we don't always get to be involved in some of the perks of the Special Operations community, but BSB made us feel like we were a part of the community, too.
We were so spoiled and taken care of! I honestly don't know if I could adequately describe the way it made me feel to anyone else, all I can say is that if anyone is lucky enough to get this opportunity, they have to take it! It is something I will remember and cherish forever. Thank you so much for this opportunity BSB!!!!
-K.”
