TF127 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
Trusted supporters,
I had the honor and incredible privilege of leading Task Force 127 in beautiful Big Sky, MT. Big Sky Bravery’s mission to serve our active duty Special Operations community under the natural beauty of the Montana landscape, is needed now more than ever. Each program is unique in its own way, but they all center around fostering healing through camaraderie and brotherhood…and this week was no different. With every day’s activities trust was built and with every evening conversation a true bond was developed amongst strangers…which cannot be replicated in any other environment!
Our first full day kicked off with a visit to one of our favorite supporters in Ed at Canyon Adventures. He and his late wife Cathy have been long supporters of BSB since its inception and it's always a pleasure to see the mutual respect from recipients and Canyon Adventures staff. We splashed our way through the muddy 15+ mile trail, hiked up BSB Ridge and let the picturesque view of the Sphinx take over in the backdrop. We made it off the mountain just before the rain kicked off (which was a theme for the week), enjoyed Ed’s company, and headed back to the house to relax for the evening. That evening we enjoyed Wapiti tenderloins at Horn & Cantle at Lone Mountain Ranch - owned and operated by another BSB volunteer - Paul Makarechian.
On the second day, we continued the hiking adventures with an early morning trip up to Lava Lake. It was overcast and cloudy the entire hike, but as we reached the water…the fog began to lift…revealing what can only be described as a high mountain lake postcard scene. That quickly turned into the six of us jumping into the 55 degree water, where some took a leisurely swim and others a quick cold plunge. You saw the inner child come out in our brave warriors as they played in the water and took in the views…it was something words can’t describe. That evening, I was able to share a tradition I was introduced to a while back and grilled up a protein lover's dream on salt blocks, we were paid a visit by a neighborhood fox, and spotted a giant black bear on one of the ski runs across from our house.
The next morning we took a drive over to the Madison river to hook up with Marcus and the top notch guides of East Slope. Watching people learn a new skill and become so immersed in the art of fly fishing is an annual highlight for everyone. The focus required and timing it takes to land a fish quickly push aside any outside distractions or personal issues and allow you to be present in the moment, which is foreign in the high-stress world our operators reside in.
On our last day, we headed into 4 Corners to meet up with a couple true patriots in Jaime and Tim, who’d set up a couple awesome courses for us to shoot. The morning consisted of a timed long gun target course out to 1k yards, while the afternoon was spent in close quarters on a challenging handgun course our operators admired. We capped our day there with a dip in the pond with a view of the entire valley and sent a few rounds down-range at a 1 mile target. On the drive home we hit a local spot to show off our aerial prowess to some of the locals, by jumping into the Gallatin River.
As with every Task Force, the secret sauce happens in the evening conversations, where vulnerability and trust are put on display in epic proportions. Recipients and volunteers become peers, friends, mentors, and advocates for one another and a brotherhood is built that leaves a lasting impression on your soul. One recipient asked an amazing question to the group, which we should all ask ourselves - “are you giving to give or giving to get”? We are not alone in our struggles and because of the gracious donors who make these programs possible, the ripple effect we take forward from these weeks has an immeasurable impact…so, WE thank you!
With heartfelt love and respect,
Weston Comfort
TF 127 Task Force Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Weston Comfort (Task Force Director)
Seth Thomas (Assistant Task Force Director)
Travis Smith
Patriots to Thank:
The Covert Foundation
Canyon Adventures
Montana Tactical
Tactic (Jamie Huestis & Tim Murphy)
Rich Searle
Melissa Ferraro
Anthem, LMNT, & Wild Society Coffee
“1) As a BSB receipt, I entered the program apprehensive, guarded and uncertain.
After 20 years of extremely stressful events (deployments, kinetic operations and constant uncertainty in my life), I knew deep down that I needed a trusted group to share and learn from and dare I say, "heal", even if only a little bit. To my great good fortune, the TF 127 group delivered this "medicine" and then some.
Looking back a week out now, I find it interesting that a majority of our discussions did not deal with our military or law enforcement exploits. Rather, the theme was, how to be better men to ourselves and our families and friends. I figured this out very early on in the week and my guard was immediately let down.
2) Impact on me: It is no overstatement to say that the week with BSB was one of the most impactful weeks of my life. The potent combination of outdoor activities, full logistical support and most importantly, candid discussions, allowed me to finally relax in a way that I can't remember doing since I was a teenager. While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the daytime adventures, it will always be the nighttime discussions that I will remember for the rest of my life. Everyone opened up to the group (recipients and volunteers) and those highly confidential and emotionally heavy stories gave me the courage to share my baggage without worrying about judgment or ridicule. I cannot get more specific other than to say that I have never felt closer to a group of fellow patriots in a shorter time.
I left the week with a solid understanding that "I was not alone" in my internal struggles and that has given me an unfamiliar mental strength upon my return to my home life.
My family keeps commenting that "something happened" up on that mountain. I'm sincerely grateful to the many good Americans who make the BSB program happen and I will never forget how lucky I have been to have gone through it. I pray I can continue to apply the lesson(s) I learned in BSB in my day-to-day life.
3) Favorite Memory: My favorite memories are the discussion groups, but again, I don't want to get into specifics. As for our events, we did have one rather fortuitous day hiking to Lava Lake. God was looking out for our group as, upon arrival, the clouds literally parted, the sun came out, and the next thing we knew, the entire group was swimming in the lake and yelling from the cold, refreshing water like little kids. It was a magical experience.
Again, I would like to thank the great men and women who make the BSB program possible. I'm humbled to be one of your alumni and will gladly support future beneficiaries.
V/r
-K”
“When I first heard that I had gotten a slot to BSB I was a little apprehensive. The idea of going to Montana was awesome but the thought of having to share personal stuff with a bunch of strangers was less than appealing, but that all changed quickly. From the moment we arrived Weston, Seth and Travis were incredible. Made everyone feel welcome and set up an awesome trip. Getting to take a load off, relax and have fun was great. All of it was great! Incredible views at Lava Lake, bridge jumping, side by sides and just hanging out with the boys were the highlights. Came away with some life long friends. Until next time boys!
-T.”
“I have known folks who attended BSB for the past several years, and I was always jealous of the opportunity to go to Montana and enjoy fun activities in the mountains. What I failed to understand, however, is that BSB is so much more than a Montana vacation. Yes, it is an opportunity to relax and unwind, but it is also an opportunity to reflect, explore life’s challenges in a non-judgmental environment, and build friendships with like-minded men in a way that I couldn’t have imagined.
I am incredibly grateful for the organization, the donors, and the volunteers who commit their time and energy to the program.
In my 17+ years of service in the special operations community, I have never felt more appreciated or understood.
Weston, Seth, and Travis—thank you for your leadership, your authenticity, and your willingness to give more than you take.
As someone who has experienced and observed the cost of serving in the special operations community over time, I can attest to the fact that BSB is undoubtedly making both a positive and significant impact in the lives of our special operators and their families.
Thank you.”
-B.”
