TF126 | SOF Females | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
Task Force 126 started off with a perfect Montana day, which set the tone for our week. We were privileged to host five active-duty Special Operations Forces (SOF) women for six days and five nights. It would be impossible to capture the spirit of what this week meant, both to the volunteers and recipients, but I’ll try. We met at the airport with handshakes and awkward hugs, but left as the greatest of friends, with brimming eyes (do they cut onions at the Bozeman airport now?!) and whispers of how incredible the week had been.
After settling into our home for the week, we came together for our first night, many not knowing what to expect. Yet still, everyone came with open minds and hearts, and it was quickly evident this was a special group that was ready to connect. Our first full day was spent riding side-by-sides up to Buck’s Ridge. The ride started with a little rain, which thankfully subsided after a couple miles, presenting us with a beautiful rainbow as we crested one of the first hills. Our second day was spent relaxing at Reset Big Sky, which truly was a reset, and enjoying one of the last Lone Mountain Ranch rodeos of the season. We spent the next day fly fishing on the Madison River, followed by dinner in Ennis and the most spectacular sunset drive back to Big Sky - with the best music, I might add. We hiked Beehive Basin on our last full day in Big Sky, and enjoyed a beautiful evening together. Each day ended with lively conversation and meaningful connection.
Thank you to all the donors and supporters who made this possible; there is no way we can truly convey the power this week had on everyone present. To the volunteers: thank you, thank you, thank you. You took time out of your (very!) busy lives to give selflessly, and I could not have done this without you. From meal prepping to racing up mountain sides, you created a beautiful week for these women, for each other, and for me. To the recipients: thank you for trusting us, for showing up authentically, and for being vulnerable. I truly hope this is just the beginning.
To Big Sky Bravery: thank you for allowing me to continue being part of something so very special. These experiences are extremely impactful for all involved, including me, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
With sincere appreciation,
Bobbi Gilbert
TF CXXVI Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Bobbi Gilbert (Task Force Director)
Louise Schelhammer (Assistant Task Force Director)
Robin Scott
Patriots to Thank:
Canyon Adventures
Reset Big Sky
Lone Mountain Ranch
Melissa Ferraro
Anthem, LMNT, & Wild Society Coffee
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to be a member of TF 126 through Big Sky Bravery in Summer of 2024. The world-class adventures and bonds forged throughout the week were beyond anything I could have hoped for.
It can be easy to experience burnout and isolation over the years with high operational tempos and long periods of time without genuine connection with yourself, nature, and others. As a female working in a predominantly male workforce, it can be tough to find folks who truly relate to your unique experience and can offer mentorship or a listening ear.
As a direct result of their exceptional professionalism, humor, and warmth, the volunteers at Big Sky Bravery cultivated an atmosphere which made it easy to detach from the stressors waiting at work and build deep, meaningful connections with the members of our task force.
Meeting such remarkable women and building life-long relationships through adventure, reflective discussion, and too many heartfelt chats to count, has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life.
-B”
“What a week! I want to thank everyone in Big Sky Bravery for creating such a life-changing experience. This was the first time – in a long time – I felt truly relaxed and detached from our busy and chaotic world.
From the moment we landed, Bobbi, Louise, and Robin showed us so much love and compassion. I’ve never experienced so much gratitude for our service, and I’ve never felt such unconditional kindness.
This opportunity gave us time to slow down, reflect, and connect with others in a truly authentic and meaningful way. The outdoor activities were an absolute blast; the evening discussions were so thoughtful and encouraging.
I’m leaving this experience with genuine friendships (a new tribe) and the desire to create a more balanced life.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and want to thank Everyone that made it possible.
You are making a difference.
- R”
“I went into the whole experience expecting to rest and relax, but I never expected to make lifelong friends. From the very beginning, we clicked and it just felt like a weight had been lifted. Finally, I found a tribe that understands me and the struggles I go through daily.
I felt like I could be my most authentic self without masking anything from the group. I had a voice again. After so long in service one gets lost; I got lost. I wasn't sure who I was anymore outside of what I did at work and being a wife and mother. This experience, with these women, helped me discover that again. For that, I could not be more grateful.
- K.”
“Being part of the military is woven in every fiber of the fabric of my life. Doing what we do requires this all-consuming belief and dedication that at times becomes detrimental to ourselves and those around us. And yet, here I am, doing it because I love it and because I feel so very honored to do it.
When I was told I was going to be part of the Big Sky Bravery, I had no idea what that meant. In the end, I figured I would be away from home and work for about a week and could maybe try to sleep in.
I was so very wrong. It is hard to put into words what it means when you are surrounded by those alike; those who share the same concerns and frustrations; those who share the same sense of honor and determination; those who are out there trying to make a difference despite all odds.
I can equate it to coming home to a family.
By the end of the week, that is what we all became: family. Not blood kind of family, but a chosen one. There were so many opportunities to share adventures and special moments together. Things I would have never had the chance to do on my own.
Even though we were moving and busy discovering and sharing new things, to me, there was this beautiful stillness that filled my heart with rest and peace.
I didn’t have to wear any “hats” or be anything other than myself, and I was so very grateful for the opportunity to just breathe and be.
Every little detail was thought out carefully to make us comfortable. I was pampered for the first time I can remember (my mother doesn’t count). I have no words to describe the work our volunteers did. At this day and age, it is hard to believe that someone would leave their families and lives behind to spend a week catering to the needs of a group of total strangers. And yet they did. I will never forget that week, not only because we tattooed its significance on our bodies, but because the friendship runs deep, and so do the beautiful memories of unrestrained laughter and joy.
To all those who made it possible: thank you!
-L”
“The Task Force 126 trip with Big Sky Bravery will always be a trip that forever changed my being.
The trip was located in one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and arguably the world! It was matched with equally beautiful human beings to direct, guide and support us throughout the week. Being unsure of how the week was going to unfold, the volunteers immediately calmed all our nerves, broke the ice and had us laughing in less than 60 seconds. Our group hit it off pretty well, fairly quickly, which I believed allowed us to open up to each other earlier about important topics or trusting each other in adventures; which ultimately allowed the moments to be more tectonic.
The impact the week had on me was immeasurable.
I did not realize how much I needed to talk, laugh, relax and just be. A lot of us may be in patterns of life that function to reach a goal; whether it's motherhood, student, career, wife or even neighbor. I think we all forgot ourselves in that routine a bit and BSB was a moment in time and space to see ourselves again for just us; no other outside pressures or expectations, no deadlines or products, etc. Having a chance to just breathe around other amazing human beings was invaluable.
It felt like for the first time, in an exceptionally long time, I could slow down enough to enjoy the small things again.
I will be trying everyday to hold on to that feeling and self-respect that I found at BSB to keep some peace and smile in the thick of things moving forward.
The adventures we were so fortunate to do, were epic! Montana is beyond gorgeous and getting the opportunity to see it from a side by side or from fly-fishing down a river, it was a tremendous blessing. Montana's nature penetrates the soul in a very humble, comforting and exciting way. On top of nature, getting out and doing adventures as a group bonded us to the point where we could not stop laughing! Most of us even said, often, that we haven't laughed this hard since we were in grade school! That was a truly special moment and bonded all of us ladies on our task force forever!
Between the delectable cuisine the volunteers shared, to our adventures with Montana and even our late night deep conversations of soul searching and healing;
six days can really change a person's life forever.
I now have seven more sisters and best friends I truly believe I can rely on. I couldn't be more grateful for Big Sky Bravery, the volunteers, and the moments they allowed me to have. When I retire I have every intention to request to be a part of Big Sky Bravery, especially as a volunteer!
CXXVI.
J.”
