Task Force 97 | Big Sky, Montana

Trusted supporters,

The week started out with continued travel challenges for one of our recipients who was actually scheduled to come out a few programs earlier…but finally made it in around midnight on day one and immediately meshed with our crew. It became clear to me throughout the week that each of us had a purpose for being involved with TF97 and were all where we were needed most.

Night one delays afforded the rest of us to begin to explore the natural beauty of the Shaw family ranch. We grabbed our fly rods and headed to one of the upper ponds on the property to get the recipients acclimated with their equipment. The smiles on their faces said it all as each one landed their first fish on a fly rod amidst the serenity of Big Sky country.

The next day we loaded up the van and headed up to Canyon Adventures to start the day with a side-by-side trip up a challenging trail. Our recipients took on the course in true operator form…with speed, dirt flying, and even some gravity defiance. We hiked the ridge up to BSB Ridge and let the beauty of Eglise Rock take over. The return hike had a few more twists and turns…and maybe a few additional miles. As we descended the mountain, you could feel some of the weight being shed just as the rain clouds made way for the warming sun.

The next two days were spent challenging ourselves on the long-range course at Tactic MT and a Team - Pro/Am close-range weapons course on the Shaw ranch. The competitive banter picked up as the events unfolded and we were able to see true weapons proficiency on display. One comment after all the trash-talking subsided and competitions were over, was the authentic support shown by each person for their fellow brother. Steel showed off his culinary prowess every night with meals that would give chefs at five-star restaurants a sense of jealousy. These nights ended with some great conversation around the fire and a few polar plunges in the chilly Gallatin River.

The final day was spent on a guided fishing trip down the Yellowstone River with Marcus Fay and the boys from East Slope Outdoors. You could see the stress melting away as the day progressed…hours were compressed into minutes and our minds were given a reprieve from the day-to-day grind.

As with every Task Force, the true magic happens in the evenings when we tackle the “question of the night”. I’m always blown away by how quickly men who were complete strangers just days earlier become brothers and trust enough in one another to open up. It was monumental to see that as the conversations became more difficult and honest, the outpouring of love and support shown increased proportionately. The themes we all took away from the week were authenticity, intentionality, and the fact that you are not alone. A huge thanks to all the donors, as TF 97 was further evidence this program is absolutely necessary and truly makes a difference! This is a week the 7 of us will never forget.

With heartfelt love and respect,

Weston Comfort
TF 97 Task Force Director

TF97 Volunteers:

Mitch Davis
Steel Shaw

TF97 Patriots:

Shaw family ranch (lodging; honorable mention - Zach for his help during the week)
Canyon Adventures (Side x Side)
Montana Tactical (discounted ammo)
Tactic Members (Keelan James and Steve Mayville)
Marci Gehring/From the Heart Foods (Breakfast Burritos and Lasagna Dinner)
East Slope Outdoors (fishing guides, Marcus Fay and crew)

“I can’t thank Big Sky Bravery enough for the experience they provided. With numerous veterans service organizations out there, BSB donates the most meaningful commodity—time. And time in an outdoor paradise no less. The fact that these patriots take a week out of their lives and away from their families to assist folks in the SOF community is simply inspiring.

Furthermore, BSB donors and businesses in the local community ensured we had a world-class experience with everything Montana has to offer. From hiking to ATV’ing, to fly fishing, to shooting, we did it all.

Most importantly, BSB provided an environment where we could all share our demons and learn from each other. The fact that both participants and BSB volunteers could take off our proverbial armor and work thru problems together did more than any counseling session I’ve had.

‘Based on this experience, it is my goal as a SOF leader to ensure every one of my operators has the same opportunity to attend a BSB TF.’ -L.

BSB has been the most sincere program I have been involved with in over 19 years of service. In the six days spent with TF97 never once did I question the motives of the volunteers or other recipients. From airport pickup to drop-off, these gentlemen showed honest care and passion for each other.

BSB gave me an opportunity to try new things like fly fishing and shooting weapons I have not shot, but that is not what I will remember most. I will remember the bonding around the table. The stories and emotions that were able to be shared in a safe space are what will last a lifetime.

BSB helped me grow professionally and personally. It showed me I was not alone in the crazy lives we live and I am not just defined by the job I do. I am defined by the man I am and the person I can become with some self-care and hard work. I wish six days were six weeks! Thank you for the memories and experiences!

Send Me!

-C.”

“The past six days were nothing short of amazing. I am proud to call myself an alumni of TF 97 and cannot put into words the gratitude I have for being a part of this amazing group of men. While only six days in length, I know the bonds and memories made will stay with us all for the rest of our lives. All of this would not have been possible without the generosity of the donors and volunteers who selflessly gave the time and resources to make this week and other TFs possible. We are forever indebted to their kindness and generosity and will never forget what they did to make this experience possible.

Being a southern beach boy, born and raised, I did not know what to expect when I stepped off of the plane. Weston, Steel, and Mitch welcomed us with open arms, and it was clear from the start the experience was going to be a memorable one. From day one out on the pond, the one thing that really stood out was the genuine joy and pride they each took in seeing us step outside of our comfort zone and do something we may have never done before. The camaraderie between all of us grew each day and it was amazing to see such a group of people with diverse backgrounds come together so quickly.

While the week was jam packed with activities, it did not feel like the hectic pace or high opp-tempo we are often used to enduring. Instead, it felt natural, fun, and relaxing. All A-type personalities, there was plenty of competition between us, but what impressed me most was that despite the competition, there was a level of support and encouragement not many get to witness in their lives. Many days we would all discuss how three hours felt like three minutes, but in the best way possible; in that the way time passed was not important but rather it was being fully present in the moment, letting the stress of the outside world fade away.

The memories that will stick with me most though, are the times spent around the dinner table and fire. In these moments, we found the beauty of real fellowship and the ability to drop the veil we so often have in the presence of others. Nothing felt forced and no one felt judged. As we laughed, cried, and told a litany of stories, you could feel the appreciation for what each person shared. It was a reminder that while we are all unique individuals with different personalities, talents, and opinions; the thing we shared was a love and hope for our fellow man and this great nation we chose to serve.

To sum my experience up in one sentence. Big Sky Bravery is the program I never knew I needed. For years I pushed everything down inside, not wanting to lay my burdens on anyone else. The time with my fellow recipients and volunteers showed me I was not the only one dealing with these issues and by opening up and sharing, I do not have to deal with them alone. I may not know where the next chapter of my journey will take me, but because of Big Sky and Task Force 97, I am confident I am heading in the right direction. I count my blessings that I was able to spend the week with six other amazing men and patriots and know that the brotherhood built between us will continue no matter where our lives take us.

Regards,

-M.”

"Participating in Task Force 97 was an absolutely incredible and life-changing experience, one that will forever be etched in my heart. From the very beginning, it was evident that this was no ordinary nonprofit organization - the sincerity and authenticity of everyone involved were simply remarkable. Steel, Mitch, and Wes, the extraordinary patriots behind TF 97, immediately created an atmosphere of camaraderie, breaking down barriers and ensuring our comfort in every possible way. Their dedication was unparalleled; they opened their homes, offering us a warm place to rest and sharing delightful meals that they lovingly prepared.

Throughout the week, we were treated to a series of thrilling and unforgettable activities, perfectly complementing Montana's breathtaking beauty. From adventurous ATV rides to invigorating hikes, from fishing escapades to honing our shooting skills, every moment was filled with excitement. But beyond the adrenaline-fueled experiences, what truly set this journey apart was the deep sense of connection we fostered as a team. The bonds formed during these events were profound and lasting.

Each night, during the insightful and engaging question sessions, I witnessed the transformation of seven rugged and rough individuals into a group of thoughtful and compassionate friends. These moments were the heart and soul of the trip, as we openly shared our thoughts and struggles. Through these discussions, I realized that I was not alone in facing life's challenges; I had found a network of support and a way forward, all thanks to Big Sky Bravery.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the TF97 team and everyone at BSB. Your dedication and passion for creating life-changing experiences shine through in every aspect of this remarkable journey. Thank you for providing a safe haven for growth, understanding, and camaraderie. Task Force 97 will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am immensely grateful for the lifelong friendships and memories I have gained from this extraordinary adventure.

With heartfelt thanks and warm regards,

-J."