TF140 | Spouses | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
I had the honor of leading TF140 with the help of two phenomenal volunteers, Sarah and Geri! It was truly a time of learning, bonding, and pure joy. Together, we had the opportunity to embrace new challenges and push ourselves outside of our comfort zones. Everyone got up on skis with the help of Cass from Big Sky Resort. Her positivity and patiences was exactly what our group needed to feel safe on the mountain. We learned how to snowmobile with the remarkable Canyon Adventures team. Lunch and stories around the campfire surrounded by the beauty of Big Sky was something we will never forget. But beyond the activities, it was the deep conversations and the belly laughter we shared that truly made this experience special.
Throughout the week, the women were given a safe space to support one another, exchange stories, and celebrate their shared journeys. I was truly amazed how they spoke with gratitude and pride about the opportunities and experiences that come with military life. Friendships were made that will last a lifetime—friendships rooted in understanding, empathy, and shared experiences.
I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this unforgettable weekend possible. To the generous donors, volunteers, and staff—thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Your contributions allowed us to come together, learn, grow, and make memories that will stay with us forever.
Here’s to the friendships we’ve made and the support system we’ve built. Thank you all once again for being part of this amazing experience!
Emily Hanson
TF140 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Emily Hanson (Task Force Director)
Sarah Maschino (Assistant Task Force Director)
Geri Siudzinski
Patriots to Thank:
Big Sky Resort
Ascend Properties
Canyon Adventures
Big Sky Natural Health
Mountain Sol Massage
Outdoor Research
FlasKap
The Auto Inn
Melissa Ferraro
ANTHEM Snacks//LMNT//Wild Society Coffee
“I owe a BIG thank you to Big Sky Bravery and TF140 volunteers Emily, Geri, and Sarah. The week spent in Big Sky was something I will never forget and truly life-changing.
From not knowing a single person to developing lifelong friendships in less than a week is a true testament to the mission of BSB.
The ability to unwind, relax and form bonds with other women going through similar stressors as a SOF spouse was something I didn't know I needed until I got there.
I had no idea what to expect during this week, but I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend a spouse program. Skiing in fresh powder, snowmobiling, fireside chats, eating, laughing, and sharing stories with incredible women opened up a new door for me and my path to finding myself. The nightly questions were thought-provoking and I feel like I am able to be a better wife, mother and friend because of the connections I made during this trip.
It's incredibly hard to put into words how truly amazing this week was, but simply put (in the words of our volunteers), "Let Montana do, what Montana does" and boy, did Montana do it. Thank you BSB!
- B.”
“My time in Big Sky, Montana, with this incredible Special Operations Forces-focused nonprofit was nothing short of transformative.
The beauty of Montana itself provided the perfect backdrop for bonding with other spouses, where we quickly realized how much we all had in common. I have never laughed so much for so many days in a row- it was a genuine release and something I will cherish forever.
The home we stayed in was absolutely beautiful and perfectly captured the essence of Montana. Every day, we were surrounded by its breathtaking landscapes. Skiing and snowmobiling on the mountain were unforgettable experiences that added to the adventure, but it was the deep conversations we shared each evening that truly stood out.
The “questions of the day” facilitated introspective and meaningful discussions, leaving me with a deeper sense of connection and personal growth.
But above all, the volunteers (Emily, Sara, and Geri) were some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Their dedication and focus on ensuring we had a memorable, impactful experience made all the difference. I am incredibly grateful for the time they gave us and the effort they put into making sure we had an experience we’d never forget.
To the donors who made this trip possible for us, we are forever grateful for your support!
-R.”
“After my transition from the military, I felt like I was thrown straight into being a wife and mom and never had time to fully decompress and process the change before taking on a new role as being a good and supportive wife and mother My identity was slowing turning into something I didn’t recognize anymore.
My time at BSB really has put so much into perspective and shed a light on how important it is to take care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself and be there for those you love most.
The gratitude that I feel for BSB and every single thing that was provided to us this week was immense. The experiences were AMAZING and I couldn’t plan a better week if I tried. It was exactly what I needed, even though I didn’t know I needed it.
I have felt more like “me” than I have in a very, very long time.
So thank you to BSB and everyone on TF140, and every single person that made it possible for me to be there.
I had no idea that people cared about us to this extent.
A special thank you to our volunteers that made our time extra special…Chief Emily, Sarah, and Geri—you are all amazing and inspiring, and I am so thankful you were with me.
-H.”
“This was an amazing opportunity for me. I have been a military wife for almost 20 years. With countless deployments and TDY’s my presence was always needed on the Homefront and homeschooling our 5 children. This was the first time I was ever away from both my kids and husband for more than a couple days. It was a time of relaxation, adventure, and recharging.
The camaraderie was lovely with the other military wives as we all related to the challenges of, and offered encouragement in, being the support system for our elite soldiers.
It was a new experience being cared for and served by the AMAZING volunteers, and it was just what I didn’t know I needed. It was a truly incredible, unique, and unforgettable experience. Thank you so much to everyone who helps make this happen!! Your generosity is so inspiring and so much appreciated!
-N.”
“A heartfelt thank you to all the BSB volunteers, staff, and donors for their invaluable contributions, which provided both rest and an extraordinary opportunity to experience the magic of Montana.
As a military spouse for 17 years and a mother of six, the years often pass without much time to process or decompress. Having grown up in Montana, it holds a special place in my heart, and spending a week there, soaking in the grandeur of its wide-open spaces and mountains in a way I never had before was truly an incredible gift.
Although I didn't grow up skiing, it’s a passion of my husband’s that he wishes to share with our kids. I've always felt nervous about skiing, but after several days with fantastic instructors and amazing snow, I can now say I'm eager to hit the slopes with my family. Thank you for providing me with the space and encouragement to embrace something my husband enjoys.
Snowmobiling was an incredible experience! Mark and the team at Canyon Adventures were a blast, and sharing lunch with them was one of the trip's highlights. Over the past decade, I've experienced numerous adrenaline drops due to stress and a body caught in fight or flight mode. However, the exhilarating rush from snowmobiling was a fun surprise, reminding me that the adventurous and daring girl I once was is still there.
Emily, Sarah, and Geri were outstanding, and I am so grateful for their support, hard work in preparing for this trip, and the wonderful memories we now share. Each of them is a powerhouse, yet they worked together seamlessly, making the experience so fun and memorable. It’s incredible how a group of women who start as strangers can feel like family by the end of the week.
Thank you for everything you do. It was exactly what my soul needed, and I returned home feeling like I had rediscovered a part of myself.
I am incredibly thankful to be a part of the BSB community and would love to return as a volunteer if the opportunity arises.
-S.”
“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to attend BSB because I honestly didn’t think I needed it. The thought of being in a house with women I didn’t know doing winter sports I didn’t think I’d be good at was intimidating and scary. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I left my TF week with 8 new incredible friendships and a renewed sense of adventure.
The BSB volunteers were phenomenal. From the beginning Emily put me at ease with our initial video chat and then the excitement she, Sarah, and Geri exuded while picking us up at the airport (and throughout the week) helped me to feel comfortable and excited for what was to come. Meeting the other mil spouses was the highlight. I made friends that understood the crazy life I lead, with all the uncertainties and chaos. I felt at home with people who get this weird SOF spouse life.
Everyone knows the military is around, but the SOF community is often overlooked because they are supposed to be unnoticed. Being the spouse of SOF means we are even more overlooked. However, knowing that BSB and all their sponsors not only see us, but care for us with insane generosity, makes my heart so full. To make sure the SOF community (and their spouses, family) have an outlet to meet others, share in the hard, and explore beautiful Montana that we would never otherwise experience, BSB is extraordinary.
I cannot thank Big Sky Bravery enough for all they are doing. While I was nervous to leave my family for a whole week, I returned refreshed in both mind and spirit. Thank you to all the donors, volunteers, and everyone who works for/with BSB.
-C.”
