A note from the Task Force Director…

TF 123 started on a whirlwind. On arrival day, the airlines worldwide shut down due to a botched computer update.  What was slated to be a full TF was cut down to 3 worthy recipients due to the travel issues.  This gave us a very special and unique opportunity to have an equal number of recipients and volunteers.  After 12 grueling hours of travel, our small crew headed up to Big Sky.  

We started the week with a stunning 4-hour horseback ride to Ed Hake’s hunting camp deep in the woods. When we arrived, we unsaddled the horses and set up camp, where we would stay for the next 2 nights.  We ended the day with some archery. Nighttime was spent around the fire with some great conversation.  The next day, we rose early, saddled the horses, and set out on a 2-hour ride deeper into the backcountry.  We rode the horses until we got to the base of Sage Peak, where we began our arduous trek to the summit.  When we arrived at the peak, we were greeted with a stunning 360-degree view of the beautiful Montana backcountry.  After some much-needed rest at the summit, we headed back down to the horses and made our way back to camp.  That afternoon, we grabbed the fly rods and headed down the stream. We fly-fished until the sun went down.  We ended the evening with a well-earned steak dinner and some remarkable stories shared around the campfire. 

On day 4, we broke down camp, stopped by Canyon Adventures to sign Ed’s BSB flag, and returned to civilization. We headed to our beautiful accommodations at the base of the Big Sky Resort.  On night 4, we had an amazing dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch’s Horn and Cantel.

On our fifth and final day, we floated down the scenic Madison River. Fly fishing on the way down, everyone reeled in a fair number of rainbows, browns, and whites.  We capped off the trip with a delicious farewell dinner, during which meaningful conversations went deep into the night.  

This trip was an amazing way to come full circle with BSB.  My journey with BSB began as a recipient, volunteer, and now TF Director.  This program changed my life. I am so happy to share stories, connect, and help others who have had a similar journey. I can’t thank the donors, volunteers, and staff enough; you make this program special.   

Jake Kauffman
TF123 Director 

Volunteers to Thank:

• Jake Kauffman (Task Force Director)

• Trae McInroe (Assistant Task Force Director)

• Willi Schmidt

Patriots to Thank:

• Canyon Adventures

• Anthem, LMNT, & Wild Society Coffee

• Melissa Ferraro

“To the family at Big Sky Bravery,

It’s challenging to determine where to start with the benefits of this phenomenal program. The opportunity to recalibrate and recharge in the natural wonder and beauty of Montana is something that is priceless. Our profession requires us to isolate and section off experiences into our deep recesses. This compartmentalization is necessary because if we are to allow our experiences to run throughout us unchecked, they can threaten to overwhelm and overtake us. The internal vessels that we use to contain these experiences have a finite amount of room and at some point, will threaten to overflow. 

BSB is a pressure valve that successfully vented off the build-up of 20-plus years for me and did so in a one-week Task Force.

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man,” this quote has been attributed to everyone from Winston Churchill to Ronald Reagan, wherever its origination, the words remain true today. On the back of a horse, deep in the Montana backcountry, alongside five new teammates, I found a peace and quietude that has been a challenge to obtain over the years. 

Thank you for your hospitality and generosity in taking care of those who are most often the last to say they need “taking care of.” 

To the staff and volunteers at Big Sky Bravery, the entire Montana community and donors beyond, thank you for this opportunity to stop, breathe and remember why people choose a life of service. You have made me a better husband and father. Thank you.  

-D.”

“To say that I was given a breath of fresh air cannot even begin to describe what I got out of just a week at Big Sky.  

Spending the time with likeminded individuals gives you a comfort to reset and relax. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed like I walked into my own front door. Riding horseback up a mountain and climbing with a stranger, that you are only tied to by job experience, gave me peace I didn’t know was missing. Traveling out to Big Sky I didn’t know what to expect, but I found every expectation I had was exceeded. Big Sky found a way to get through to a group of individuals that in their very nature are reserved and guarded. Every volunteer was dedicated and genuine making my time there memorable and inviting.

J.”