TF128 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
Big Sky Bravery Family and Supporters,
It was an honor to spend a week with such an amazing group of people, It is something that I truly look forward to every year!
The week started out with an ATV journey deep into the Gallatin National Forrest. When we reached a ridgeline and turned off the vehicles, everyone was amazed by the beauty and stillness of nature. We had great conversation while watching the wildlife. Once the ride was concluded we had a chance to visit with Ed Hake as he shared some amazing stories.
Tuesday started slowly as we waited for some thunderstorms to pass but we still made the hike up to Lava Lake in time for lunch. Some of us cooled off in the lake while others sat and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. The evening activities included a rodeo at Lone Mountain Ranch which was a first for many. Everyone had a wonderful experience and laughed hysterically at the unscripted rodeo antics.
Wednesday was an immersion into small stream fishing in Montana. The recipients all learned how to cast a fly rod and tease Cutthroat trout into taking their fly. We spent the day on the riverbank and in Taylor Creek enjoying nature and sharing new experiences.
On the last full day of activities, we met our fishing guides on the Madison River. It was another new experience for most as we used drift boats to float down the river and catch some amazing fish! Some of us got lost in the river and had to be reminded to look up from fishing and enjoy the scenery. We finished up the day with a great meal in Ennis, MT.
Each evening was spent with great food, conversation, and laughter that brought us all closer with shared experiences. As a retired member of the Special Operations community the positive impact that BSB has on the recipients is astonishing. In six short days these individuals took time to decompress and will go back to their family and communities a better version of themselves. I want to thank everyone involved in providing this amazing program and my fellow volunteers!
Shane Kaliher
Task Force 128 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Shane Kaliher (Task Force Director)
Mark Esponda (Assistant Task Force Director)
Dave L.
Patriots to Thank:
Lone Mountain Ranch
Canyon Adventures
Melissa Ferraro
Anthem, LMNT, & Wild Society Coffee
"BSB is on a noble mission to transition service members from a fast-paced, high-stress career to the calming environment of nature.
Having an eight year stretch of constantly deploying, redeploying, and sometimes waking up unsure of which country I was in, I know firsthand how important this mission is for mental peace.
Decompression not through medication, but provided by the natural cadence in fly fishing, fresh air, and the silence of the mountains.
The Army or VA will never provide such a treatment.
I would never do this for myself and it was because of BSB that I had this experience.
The facilitators of the TF are exceptional. They exemplify what it means to give back to the community, carrying with them deep empathy for the participants. In my 16 years in the Special Operations (SOF) community, I have never experienced anything like it.
J.”
“I had an great experience with the Task Force, which was brilliantly designed and executed. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to disconnect, decompress, and immerse myself in nature.
The time spent was not only refreshing but also invaluable for my well-being.
The attention to detail and thoughtful planning made it a truly memorable and restorative experience.
B.”
“Big Sky Bravery was the best experience I did not know that I really needed. There is never a good time at work or at home to say, “I’m going to go take a ‘me’ week and do cool stuff in Montana.” However, after you pull the trigger and participate, you understand that this experience is about much more than an awesome week in Montana, (and it IS an awesome week in Montana).
What a wonderful escape from the grind of the operations cycle: out, back, out.
This experience helped me to take a step back and gain some perspective about life: priorities, decompression, the balance of work and family, what is important and what is simply pressing, and of course - the importance of mental self-care. It was refreshing to commune with men who face the same pressures and stressors that I do. I found an easy bond with my teammates.
I want to highlight how instrumental our volunteers were to the experience. Shane and Mark provided sage advice about navigating your career and life because they’ve already been there. Dave showed us what service looks like. I am still taken aback by how much they did for us. Everything was planned, prepared, and executed for us. We did not have to worry about a thing. That took a lot of effort, and they did it simply because they feel passionate about this cause. Wow. I will never forget it. Servant leadership that truly exemplifies the spirit of BSB…. GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE.
I remain profoundly grateful to all the donors, organizers, volunteers, and partner businesses that make this remarkable experience happen. I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful experience. I will proudly wear my BSB gear, and I look forward to giving back when my time comes.
With humble gratitude,
S.”
