TF129 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
Patriots,
Being able to lead this TF was something special. Spending time with these men was something that we all gained something from. Hearing the experiences each person is walking with or has walked through is amazing to listen to and glean knowledge and life experiences from. Throughout the week we shared amazing memories and got to see some some amazing views in Montana.From the side by side to camp site location to the hike up the ridge and views to the animals seen as the sun was setting as well as the night sky was something talked about for a long time. All of this allowed each person to reflect and take some personal time to think and let go of the daily stressors. Learning about each person and what thy have done and continue to do, hearing the sacrifices they continue to make humbles me. Throughout the week, we shared stories of lost comrades and friends, how we honor and remember them and what each person does for them. Watching them each become more and more free each day, less burdened was evident on the river day and the ride back. The conversation was deep but allowed for laughs to be had.
I thank each one of you who supports and donates so men and women like them are able to have a reprieve in their struggles. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for you all.
V/R
Jeremy Keller TF129 TFD
Volunteers to Thank:
Jeremy Keller (Task Force Director)
Cal Arnold
Eliot R.
Patriots to Thank:
Canyon Adventures
Melissa Ferraro
Anthem, LMNT, & Wild Society Coffee
“Words like “thank you” and “much appreciated“ seem hollow when trying to capture what a week with BSB meant to me. It is extremely hard to take time away from work and family to focus on myself, and until this trip I didn’t even know how to do it, or how much I needed it.
The program shined a light on how important taking care of yourself is and the importance of relying on friendship and camaraderie to help you be the best version of yourself. The awesome and unique experiences (hiking, camping, fly fishing, skeet shooting) and relationships I built during my week with BSB were truly life changing.
Knowing there are so many people who have the same dreams, worries, and goals as I do is reassuring and hope inspiring.
Knowing there are so many great Americans who I never met, that care enough about a total stranger to donate time, money, and effort to ensure I have a life changing experience is the one of the most humbling and inspiring experiences I have had. So, because I know no other words, thank you for making this experience possible, I hope one day to be able to give back the same way this was given to me.
N.”
“I didn’t know how much I needed this. Burnout was right around the corner from deployment experiences and constant work tempo.
This experience brought a new sense of value and worth into my life.
I was in a dark place of self-doubt and anger from experiences overseas; BSB and our TF members showed me that people care and can be your light in dark times.
The daily questions were deep, thought provoking and the conversations that came from them brought the entire TF together. There wasn’t any judgment on your answer, which is a stark contrast to everyday SOF life. The activities like riding side by sides, camping, shooting sporting clays and fly fishing were amazing, but pale in comparison to the camaraderie and conversations that our TF had.
“May the men who drink from this truly know their worth” really hit home because I was just making it day to day, hiding how I felt worthless.
I can't thank BSB, Jeremy, Cal, and Eliot enough for guiding me through this week.
T.”
“Team BSB,
I want to start by thanking you for an incredible week. It is tough to put into words what the week truly meant. Prior to the program I was consumed by work physically and mentally, but also mentally consumed by personal issues some simple, others complex. Unable to detach or let go of the past and present work-related things to look forward to the next chapter.
To sum it up, prior to the program I found myself stuck, detached from what is important (my family) and going through spats of depression. What BSB did for me was somehow provide a complete break both physically and mentally from past and present stressors.
While simultaneously providing an environment to think about what is important, and talk about it with a great group of patriots. Anyone who has done these jobs long enough knows how hard it is to truly detach.
Being able to enjoy an extraordinary part of the country and be free to open up and talk, seek advice, or simply listen and absorb completely judgment-free is something I have never been able to do.
I have work to do as far as honestly opening up in conversation. However, what I will take away from last week is that it is ok to enjoy myself and or ask for help. I have never been able to seek assistance for simple physical ailments much less complex mental stressors, last week knocked down a few personal walls for me to begin seeking that help in order to move forward. Lastly, I have always prioritized the Job, and have been mostly unorganized in personal life despite extensive training in the military in organization and planning. Simply sitting around a campfire, or the patio in the hooch I picked up some great tools to combat this. All that said, it is my job to act. I forgot to mention how awesome Big Sky is. It’s almost impossible to say which part I enjoyed the most. I could not have asked for a better experience and would not have changed a single thing.
Thank you so much.
G.”
