A note from the Task Force Director…

“As we enter into the early days of Fall, Montana decided to show off some of her different climates. We had the 70 degree days, along with smoke so thick you could barely see the mountains from the valley, along with some 40 degree evenings…. which brought wind, rain and even snow in the higher elevations. With all this we were able to adjust.

This will be close to my 20th Task Force over the past ten years. Even though the activities are fun, what makes a great Task Force is the men themselves.

TF 131 started off at 5:30 am MST, when I got a call that two of the men would be late flying in, due to flight delays. My many thanks to the Big Sky Bravery Staff, (Jackie & Kris) who stepped up immediately to take care of them as I moved forward with the crew I had.At 8 pm that evening, I had the entire crew at our destination and TF 131 was underway.

The setting was Crazy Mountain Ranch (CMR) in a cabin nestled in the Crazy Mountains, fully stocked with food and snacks. However, they also provided our very own professional chef to cook evening dinners. This was an absolute treat, not only was the food wonderful, but this gave us more time to spend with the men, sharing stories etc…The setting also allowed the men to disconnect from all cell and Wi-Fi services and let Montana do the rest.

The men settled in for the first night, making sure they got plenty of rest for our second day of activities. On the agenda was an 11 mile round trip hike to Rock Lake to fish and to get their heart rates up as we climbed an estimated 2500 vertical feet. This was a true representation of Montana’s ruggedness as well as a great icebreaker. The next couple of days were filled with more fishing, horseback riding and even more fishing! Each night after our awesome dinner we spent hours in conversation around a fire.

As you can see from their testimonies below, BSB truly made a difference in their lives. It was unfortunate that one of our recipients was called back home due to family emergency. Again, I want to thank the staff of BSB who coordinated flights and arranged pick up all while TF 131 continued their week without a hitch.

Their last day in Montana was spent near Ringling, MT to scout for elk, and to catch a FEW MORE FISH to end the week.

After dropping the men off at the airport, myself and my volunteers Randy and Mark were exhausted but in a very good way. These men impacted our lives just as much as BSB impacted theirs, we will be forever be brothers. We will continue to nurture our friendships for years to come.

Once again, I want to thank our donors for all your support in making TF131 possible.

Shawn Hertz
Task Force 131 Director

Volunteers to Thank:

• Shawn “Papa” Hertz (Task Force Director)

• Randy Kleinhans (Assistant Task Force Director)

• Mark Renner

Patriots to Thank:

• Crazy Mountain Ranch

• Rivers Edge

• Melissa Ferraro

• Anthem Snacks, LMNT, & Wild Society Coffee

“To Shawn, Randy, Mark, and the whole BSB crew, and all the donors who enabled TF 131 to be what it was,

My time at Big Sky Bravery was simply incredible. First and foremost, it was a wonderful opportunity to try new things I’ve never done before in the great outdoors. Engaging mind and body in new activities and movements all while in gorgeous nature enables my mind to let go for moments, allowing me to be more present. What a unique experience this was to decompress, and one I would never have afforded myself otherwise. This, when coupled with care and support from our TF Director and volunteers who guided us through thoughtful questions designed to allow us to make ourselves more vulnerable, created the right atmosphere in which

we could open up and unburden ourselves of the hurt we carry.

I am truly humbled beyond words at the love, thought, and generosity that makes something like BSB possible. It reinvigorates the honor I feel serving our great nation and the American people!

Thank you!

-A.

Very humbling experience.”

“This was my first time in Montana and I was blown away by the experience. I felt a sense of freedom being in the outdoors without the stress of work. I enjoyed the brotherhood amongst our group and I am happy to have met the volunteers of BSB, I made life long friendships.

D.”

“The experience was a great reset from the hectic world of fast-paced mission-focused work that I usually lived in for the last twenty-plus years of service. Under the guises of: learning how to fly fish, hike mountains, elk spotting and horseback riding I was reminded of the important things in life while being guided by three patriotic father like figures, volunteers.  I also shared my introspective reflection with my four other brothers in arms cultivating our sense of community and commiserating over past deployments. 

This is a great program that gives as much as you are willing to take in. 

Thank you to all those who support this program.

W.”

“BSB truly saved me mentally, physically and emotionally when I truly needed it.

Our line of work demands a lot of us. Being able to have a week where we did not have to worry about anything and be able to re-connect with people was a blessing. I feel re-charged and ready to get back to work. I made connections with people I hope to keep for the rest of my life. Thank you. 

A.”