TF141 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
BSB Supporters-
TF 141 welcomed in a new organization through Big Sky Bravery’s doors for the first time. I had known about this unit for a while and was excited to get some of the men in to meet them and get to know them. The week certainly did not disappoint.
We were blessed with a few days of sub-zero temps to immediately test the guys and push them harder. Skiing for the first time in 10 years is hard, but doing it when it’s -15 degrees outside is that much harder. The first two days of skiing topped out at a high of 2 degrees but we skied all day long from open to close and the progression we saw was impressive.
As things warmed up we had an epic day of snowmobiling with Canyon Adventures in chest deep powder. One of the recipients burned over 6,000 calories that day! Our last day was our best day where the sky dropped about 4” of fresh powder and temperatures were toasty in the upper 20’s.
We had incredible dinners each night and even better conversations. This group of men had been fighting our enemies for an incredibly long time and I know this week was welcome respite. I could see the weight being lifted off their shoulders and faces a little bit more each day and the smiles on Friday in the powder were priceless. As we rode the last chair lift of the trip on Friday afternoon, we sat in silence and I could feel the peace and happiness of the group. It was a special week spent with special men who have fought for over two decades keeping us safe.
We had a little excitement at the end of the week as one of our volunteers, Degan Barber, had to be rushed down to Big Sky so he could make the unexpected delivery of baby girl Peyton Barber later that day. She came about 6 weeks early but is happy and healthy. Congratulations to the Barber family! And that same day one of our recipients found out he was having a baby boy later this year.
It's always bittersweet dropping everyone at the airport to say our goodbye’s but I’m so grateful Big Sky Bravery was able to make an impact on these men in a short but powerful week. None of this would be possible without our generous donors and supporters.
God Bless America,
Austin McPherson
Task Force 141 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Austin McPherson (Task Force Director)
Dave Baringer (Assistant Task Force Director)
Degan Barber
Jake Kauffman
Patriots to Thank:
Michele & Jack Lafield
Big Sky Resort
Ascend Properties
Canyon Adventures
Braza
Peak Skis
Flaskap
Big Sky Natural Health
Outdoor Research
Melissa Ferraro
ANTHEM Snacks//LMNT//Wild Society Coffee
“I think I'm going to look back on TF141 for the rest of my life as a pivotal moment in my career and personal life.
From the initial reception, gear outfitting, experiences, friendships, and farewell send off, the opportunity to participate in
TF141 was the first time in a long time I felt my individual contribution to the country was truly valued.
The professionalism of the BSB volunteers and staff exceeded expectations allowing me to legitimately relax; also, for the first time in a long time. As "high responsibility individuals," we're usually the folks developing and executing the plan while traveling for work or vacation, but the caliber of the BSB volunteers is the same, which allows us to take the back seat, reflect, and enjoy the experience. I read another blog post that said that BSB has the "it" factor. It's hard to describe but there's just something about the organization and experience that is "it".Personally, I think that factor lives inside of the BSB volunteers, staff, and their dedication to us, and the donors, which make this whole thing possible. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of TF141.
-J.”
“The donors and volunteers of this program are second to none. The support given by Big Sky Bravery's active decompression is something we will all carry with us for life.
After years of grinding away personally and professionally, I feel a profound sense of pride to continue serving and a renewed sense of purpose in my personal life and relationships.
Thank you all."
-E.”
“I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest thanks for such an amazing week.
From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience that has left a profound impact on me personally.
Learning to ski in the fresh powder of Montana was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. The contrast between the smooth, soft snow and the ice-bound snowboarding I’m used to on the East Coast was remarkable. It was such a refreshing and exhilarating change! The snowmobiling adventure was equally thrilling, offering a unique way to explore the breathtaking landscape and take a moment to quiet all the noise in my life. Not to mention, the horse-drawn sleigh ride to dinner was memorable.
Beyond the activities, what truly made the week stand out were the deep conversations we shared. It was a pleasure to engage in meaningful discussions with such a group of thoughtful, grounded Americans.
I walked away feeling more inspired and enriched,
and I’m incredibly grateful for the insights and perspectives everyone offered.
-G.”
“I don’t know where to start with what Big Sky Bravery gave me during that week with TF141.
After nearly 20 years of hauling around stress I’d gotten used to, I felt it peeling off me, day by day, in Montana’s mountains. I hadn’t hit the slopes in over a decade, and BSB didn’t just bring that back—it lit up something I’d forgotten I could feel. That escape turned into somewhat of a lifeline, and it was positive, meaningful, personal in a way I didn’t see coming.
The team behind Big Sky Bravery didn’t just go above and beyond, they poured everything into us. I saw it not just in the BSB team members, but in the patriots giving their time, resources, and heart to guys like me, and that’s burned into my memory now.
That week was more than a break from work, it was a reset.
I grew in ways I didn’t expect, made friends I’ll carry with me for life, and walked away changed for the better. I owe them more than I can ever put into words, and
I’ll always be grateful for an experience that shifted everything from my perspective, my purpose, and me.
-J.”
