TF139 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
Task Force 139 is in the books, and what a week it was. Our group of five recipients and four volunteers came together in Big Sky, Montana, and in just six short days, we went from strangers to brothers. The laughs, the challenges, and the moments around the fire made this experience something none of us will ever forget.
This was my third time as Task Force Director, and I can say without a doubt—leading this group was an absolute honor. Watching these guys push themselves, trust each other, and open up in ways they never expected is something truly special.
Monday set the tone in the best way possible—powder runs at the Yellowstone Club. Some of us charged hard, while others got their first taste of Montana snow. By the time we sat down that evening, the conversations were already real, raw, and meaningful. No small talk, just true connections forming.
Tuesday delivered crisp, quiet groomers—the perfect setup for recipients to push their skills. Beginners moved from Greens to Blues, while experienced riders took on steeper terrain. That night, dinner wasn’t just about the food; it was about trust, camaraderie, and the kind of conversations that stick with you long after the week is over.
Wednesday was a shift—snowmobiles at Canyon Adventures. Fresh snow, deep powder, and a few stuck sleds kept things interesting. And then came the blizzard. The Canyon Adventures staff cooked us a burger feed right in the middle of it, and for many of the recipients, it was the highlight of the day. There’s just something about eating a warm burger in the middle of nowhere while snow whips around you—it’s the kind of moment that sticks with you. That night, sitting by the fire, we shared stories, and built something bigger than just a shared experience.
Thursday hit hard because we knew the week was coming to an end. But we didn’t hold back. Beginners took on Blues and even dared a Black, while the advanced riders made sure they explored every inch of the mountain. The final steak dinner was more than a meal—it was a celebration of what we had built together. And as we gathered by the fire one last time, it was clear that what we had created was more than just a friendship; it was a brotherhood.
Our volunteers—Tom Boyce, Josh McCain, and Jim B.—were instrumental in making this happen. The trust we built with our recipients allowed us to push them past their perceived limits in a way that was safe, challenging, and ultimately rewarding.
From the young operator eager to learn, to the seasoned professional preparing for retirement, every single person played a role in making this week unforgettable. The mountains tested us, but the fireside conversations gave us clarity. Task Force 139 was a reminder that shared experiences have the power to change us, and the appreciation we all felt will carry far beyond Montana.
To our recipients: thank you. For your service, your trust, and for allowing us to be a part of this journey. To my fellow volunteers: your dedication and camaraderie made this week what it was.
Here’s to the memories we made, the bonds we built, and the friendships that will last a lifetime.
Don’t ever forget: you are worth it.
Brandon Vancleeve
TF139 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Brandon Vancleeve (Task Force Director)
Tom Boyce (Assistant Task Force Director)
Josh McCain
Jim B.
Patriots to Thank:
The Yellowstone Club
Canyon Adventures
Outdoor Research
The Auto Inn
Flaskap
Melissa Ferraro
ANTHEM Snacks//LMNT//Wild Society Coffee
“I can’t put into words how my BSB trip impacted me and how grateful I am for the volunteers and the opportunity to be a recipient. Below is my attempt.
I recently had the privilege of attending Big Sky Bravery TF 139, and I can honestly say it was a life-changing experience. The opportunity to decompress and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life was invaluable. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who not only understood my struggles but shared their own, created a sense of community and camaraderie between complete strangers.
The chance I was provided to confront and release some demons and trauma that I’ve been carrying for a long time was a powerful and liberating experience.
The authenticity and compassion of the volunteers was inspiring. The adrenaline-filled activities were an exhilarating way to challenge myself and push past my limits, which I haven’t had the confidence to do in years. What stuck with me the most was the sense of worthiness the volunteers made me feel during my time at Big Sky Bravery.
For the first time in a long time, I felt seen, heard, and valued for who I am, without judgement.
The experience was a powerful reminder that I am worthy and appreciated not only from others, but myself. I left Big Sky feeling lighter, freer, and more at peace than I have in years.
It was like I dumped 90 Lbs. for my “Stress/Trauma” ruck sack that I’ve been carrying around for years in one week.
My experience at Big Sky Bravery was a gift, and one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
V/r
-A.”
“The volunteers at BSB’s dedication to making the experience as comfortable and easy as possible was nothing but perfection. I had the opportunity to experience a week I’ll never forget. From day one, the team at BSB handles everything from food to activities to keep the TF busy and occupied. Everything was meticulously planned and had a volunteer at every skill level of the activities. I greatly appreciate everything the BSB organization has to offer and highly recommend, if given the opportunity, attending the Big Sky Bravery organization and their team of absolute professionals
- B”
“The task force took us on an adventure in the mountains that I'll never forget. From the first email, Josh, Brandon, Tom and Jim made it apparent that we would be 100 percent of the focus. The team worked seamlessly behind the scenes to make sure we were at complete ease. This experience provided a much-needed escape from the everyday stress at the end of my high-stress military career.
During this journey, we opened up about ourselves in ways I had never been able to before. I will take these lessons home with me and apply them to my everyday family life.
This has been one of the best experiences in my military career.
Thanks,
J.”
“Dear BSB Family,
Challenging oneself to conquer something new—both internally and externally—is what drives growth and sets us apart. Big Sky Bravery provided those challenges, forcing open a part of me I hadn’t accessed in a long time.
Learning to ski for the first time, and doing so in one of the most breathtaking places on earth, was an unforgettable experience. It shook me out of a comfort zone I hadn’t realized I’d been living in.
Beyond the physical challenge, the true highlight was meeting eight incredible individuals and forming deep, meaningful connections with each of them. This experience not only provided perspective on my own life but also pushed me to reflect, adapt, and embrace discomfort in ways I hadn’t before.
Big Sky Bravery thrives because of the selfless dedication of its donors, employees, TF Directors, and volunteers. They are the backbone of this incredible organization, and I cannot thank them enough for an experience that was truly life-changing.
M.”
“I came into the week with very little knowledge of what it would be like, other than the expectation of a great snowboarding trip. What I left with was more than I could have ever imagined. We started the trip as 9 strangers and left as 9 brothers. The beautiful Montana mountains provided the perfect setting for this experience. I was challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout the week as we pushed the limits on the mountain as well as within our own selves.
After almost a decade of suppressing feelings and personal thoughts, I was given the opportunity to deeply explore those thoughts surrounded by people who genuinely cared. I learned more about myself during TF-139 than I have ever learned at any other point in my life.
The best part was that I had an incredible amount of fun while doing it. The volunteers are simply great Americans. They did absolutely everything within their power to ensure we had the best week possible. None of this could have been achieved without the tremendous support from the donors, for which I am eternally grateful for.
Leaving Montana and BSB was difficult, but I left with memories, experiences, personal tools, and brothers that I will have forever. I look forward to sharing some of these experiences with my teammates and being an advocate for BSB.
I know that there is an abundance of service members who would greatly benefit from this experience.
Thank you Brandon, Tom, Jim, Josh, donors, and all of the members of BSB!
-M.”
