Task Force 99 | Big Sky, Montana

"I've got 99 problems but bravery ain't one," was the running slogan of TF 99.

This was always humorous in the moment, and we got a lot of laughs. But, reflecting back on each woman that I had the honor to meet during that week, bravery was certainly in no short supply. A truly amazing group of women landed at the Yellowstone International Airport on July 25th, 2023. The TF 99 recipients were lawyers, surgical PAs, small business owners, corporate employees, servants of their communities, veterans, moms and to add to all of those already overwhelming roles, wives of our nation's finest SOF community. They are literally some of the strongest and bravest women I have ever met. Not only did they soak up the love our amazing volunteers showed, they were in constant awe of the beauty of Montana, the mission of Big Sky Bravery, and the generosity and patriotism of our donors. I won't take much more of your time up on reading my words as they so wonderfully and eloquently put their own experiences into the words that follow mine in this recap...

In closing, I want to thank everyone who made this week possible. To Canyon River Adventures for donating side-by-sides and horses for the Kathy Hake Memorial Poker Ride, to Marcus Fay, Ben Anderson, and the rest of the guides who made our fly fishing trip on the Madison so memorable, to Katelyn Coon from Tune In LLC for donating a Sound Bath and reflexology to each of our recipients. To BJ O'Hare, the best Assistant Task Force Director a gal could ask for, and Bobbi Gilbert and Crystal Kramer who poured their heart and souls into our recipients, and last but not least, to my 6 little ducklings for opening up their hearts and trusting us with the things that mattered most... I love each one of you and am proud of you beyond measure.

Sincerely,

Mandy Canon
TF99 Director

TF99 Volunteers:

Mandy Canon, Task Force 99 Director
BJ O’Hare, Assistant Task Force Director
Bobbi Gilbert
Crystal Kramer

TF99 Patriots:

Tami McCauley | Bridger Bodyworx (discounted massages)
Katelyn Coon | Tuning In (reflexology and sound bath)
Ben Anderson + Marcus Fay (fishing guides)
Lone Mountain Ranch (rodeo)
Canyon Adventures (side-by-sides + horseback ride)

“My experience with Big Sky Bravery left me in awe at every turn. The beauty of Montana, the overwhelming generosity I was met with, the genuine care I received, the community I have been desperate for, the permission/time/option to embrace FUN, and the peace of simply needing to show up without preparation or pretenses was so restorative.

I can see how special this organization is and what a perfect combination of wildly generous donors, a breathtaking location, and an organization with a mission in which they so deeply believe. Those three things created an experience that left me emotionally tender as a recipient of such extravagant lovingkindness and support. I haven’t laughed that hard, cried that hard, or felt more free than I did during those five days.

For me, it was the reset and refresh I’ve craved since adding kids to our family. I’m the stay-at-home parent, responsible for the home and most of the goings-on. Even when I can get a break, I still have to organize it, plan for it, budget for it, etc. This task force was truly a break. I packed my suitcase, and that was it. I didn’t drive, cook, clean, plan, coordinate, stress, pay, or pivot for nearly a full week. I was just me, living in the moment, savoring it all. What a gift.

I think it was also a nudge to make things happen. Josh saw a need for SF troops to have opportunities for real R&R…and he chose to do something about it. I have my own needs resulting from our military lifestyle which remain unmet, particularly close-knit community and support in my day-to-day life. But maybe the takeaway is to stop waiting for someone else to do something about it.

I’m so thankful BSB does what they do. The support they offer to service members, spouses, and families is so desperately needed and so deeply appreciated. It matters in every way. From the staff who make the organization run to the donors who fund it all – please know that every hope and intention you all have is being realized.

-R.”

“As a recipient of BSB, I am grateful for the opportunity it provided me to disconnect from the stressors of life, recharge, and refresh. I was able to reconnect with nature through the beauty of Big Sky, MT. Fresh, crisp mountain air filled my lungs and my soul every day, and I miss the sweetness of it already.

As a busy working mother of small children and a spouse of a Special Operator, this trip was a much-needed opportunity to focus on myself; on my physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Prior to attending BSB, I felt as if my husband and children got whatever I had left at the end of every day which often was not much. Now more than ever, I am more aware and more appreciative of each moment with them.

In the day-in day-out activities, it is easy to lose sight of how much you appreciate the adversity and resilience that comes from being a military spouse. Forming new bonds of friendship with my TF mates allowed me to see the strength that is within me; strength I can draw upon to become a better version of myself going forward. Through our shared experiences during this time, it enabled initial strangers to become my tribe. Because of the incredible generosity of BSB donors, I am a better mother, supporter of my husband, and more effective working aprofessional, and for that I am eternally grateful.

-C.”

“Words cannot adequately describe how fortunate I feel for being allowed to go on this past Big Sky Bravery trip. Having a week where each one of us was heard, supported, and acknowledged was a humbling but amazing feeling. I was able to leave there with a refreshed outlook. I left with nine new amazing friends and knowing that I am never alone - there are women beside me - women with the same fears, struggles, and hardships - women I would now call my sisters. I will cherish each adventure we all shared together and I look forward to seeing how we all grow in the future after such a powerful week in the mountains.

Much love,

E.”

“I am so grateful for what Big Sky Bravery does for members of the SOF community, but most importantly, the positive impact it has on our marriages.

Between colleagues, close friends, and my spouse, I've heard such great things from those fortunate enough to experience a BSB program. I anticipated the opportunity to relax and take a break from trying to manage the daily logistics of family, work, and self - what I didn't anticipate was the impact of a break from those daily stressors.

As a spouse in this community, we are charged with the task of doing it all, so our husbands can do it all, neither of which is sustainable. Secondary effects of 12 years in this high-tempo life has evolved me into a restless planner, and it's definitely hard to stop when I am no longer solo-parenting post-work trip or deployment. The time I spent in Montana was so meaningful because, not only was I rejuvenated by the beauty of Big Sky, but I was profoundly energized by being able to let go. Our TF99 volunteers were intentional about making sure we were fully immersed in each experience. They made sure we never had to think about a meal, schedule, or plan - all things that typically take up so much space in my mind. As I settle back into life after this program, I will be more intentional about less worrying about future plans or pains, and enjoy my spouse and family in the moment.

One of my favorite memories from our week was when the women of TF99 were all able to let go. We were on the side-by-sides provided by Canyon Adventures, near the top of the mountain and everyone was pinning the gas pedals to the ground. At one point, the trail opened up into three lanes and an impromptu Mario Kart-style race transpired. We all tapped into our "fun selves" and let go. Visions of these women executing flawless maneuvers with smiles I could see even through the goggles, neck gaiters, and dirt, will forever live in my mind as something I can look back on and laugh about.

BSB is an exceptional organization that acts as a conduit between our military community, and the overly generous donors of time and resources that count us worthy of support. I truly felt the love of a grateful nation this week.

For all involved at Big Sky Bravery, with gratitude, THANK YOU. I cannot wait to be an advocate, and part of your biggest fan club.

- M”

“The week with TF99 was more meaningful than I can put into words. It changed my perspective on what it means to be a military spouse. I've always felt uncomfortable when a stranger thanks me for my service because I'm not the one going to a war zone or putting my life on the line. Through the kind acts and words of the volunteers and donors, I felt seen, appreciated, celebrated, and even spoiled for being a military spouse. It helped me see the bigger picture that everything I do to support my spouse and kids is also an act of supporting our great country.

It was so amazing to be able to just relax, unwind, and live in the moment. I loved all of our fun adventures and felt like I could just be me again (as opposed to the mom version of me or the spouse version of me). I also loved the camaraderie with the other spouses and volunteers. I haven't laughed that much and that hard for longer than I can remember. Our group's genuine connection and joy were evident by the fact that every time we sat down at a restaurant, strangers came over to us wanting to know more about our group.

I am leaving Montana with amazing friends, beautiful memories, and a renewed sense of purpose as a military spouse. TF99 was an experience that I didn't know I needed, and I feel so grateful and blessed for having been a part of it.

Kind Regards,

-S”

“I find it difficult to put into words just how much the Big Sky Bravery retreat meant to me. Now, I am not one who often falls short for words (just ask my husband! Ha ha) but when my emotions get deeply integrated in an experience it can be difficult to pull them apart. I feel and see and hear and experience things in ways that many do not. This trip hit so many senses within my heart & soul and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity.

Sometimes people get stuck in the intricate web of life that we weave. We are spinning our wheels so fast and trying to balance so many balls that we rarely slow down long enough to reflect on what we are carrying. In a military lifestyle, we learn to cope with what is given to us and adjust to whatever we must to push through. Special Ops military wives become experts among experts. We specialize in adaptation, resiliency, survival, and so much more. As our men become elite, so do we. Our packs are heavy and often filled with the needs of our children and those around us. Sometimes we forget to pack for ourselves or simply give up the space that we reserve for our own needs thinking that we will always find a way to get by. Knowing that we must always find a way to get by.

It is a rare and beautiful gift when a person, let alone an entire organization, truly helps you to pause and reflect on the service that we live on a daily basis. To be seen, acknowledged, and valued for what one experiences in life can shift a person’s heart profoundly.

From the time that we all met in the airport, the entire trip was filled with moments of laughter and authenticity in ways that I was not expecting. In all honesty, I am not a clicky “girl group” type of woman so I was a bit intimidated by the idea of staying in a house with a bunch of chicks that I didn’t know for almost a week. I am too old in my ripe old age of 38 to be fake and I know that I am not everyone’s cup of tea, so I brought along my guitar as a distraction. How could any of these women truly get to know me in just a few short days? Would they even try?

I was so wrong in my assumptions and I am humbled in my soul.

In just a few short days, those women who didn’t know one another created a bond that we will forever honor. We were real & raw & honest & loud & open & willing. We were exactly who we are inside and weren’t afraid to hold it back. We wanted to share the parts of us that we kept hidden away. In fact, I think that we all craved it. We forged a bond full of love that couldn’t help but to spill out around us. It was awe-inspiring and even commented upon at dinner by other customers in the restaurant we attended. The connections that were made in those few days were profound.

That is what I want to speak on most in this testimonial. That opportunity for pure connection that was harnessed by Big Sky Bravery. I wasn’t sure exactly what word to use in that last sentence until I looked up the official definition for harness and it states, “control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy” (Oxford Languages Dictionary/aka Google search- lol) It fits perfectly for what I wish to reinforce.

Big Sky Bravery saw an opportunity to make use of resources around this incredible country to produce energy that could benefit the entire special operations military community. Big Sky Bravery not only seeks out generous potential donors to provide such opportunities but they facilitate the entire operation from start to finish. The amount of thought & consideration for every single detail of the trip was astounding. Not only did they do all of the logistical planning for every activity that we were honored to be part of, they also created an even deeper experience that was unlike any that I have ever witnessed.

I specialize in connections and intimately know the profound impact that each thread can make on a person’s life. To witness the weaving of such a powerful web among all of the women was inspiring. We opened up to one another with our own truths of what it felt like to be a special ops military wife and we forged bonds that have the capacity to withstand any storm. None of which would have been possible without the absolutely amazing volunteers at Big Sky Bravery prompting us with new pushes for growth. They were the boots on the ground portion of the task force. The volunteers were our anchors during the week and I believe that their roles are an invaluable asset to the entire Big Sky Bravery team. I will forever be grateful to each of them for stepping away from their own lives to give their time, energy, and hearts to us for those five days. It has renewed my own calling to service & volunteer work.

Aside from the emotional impact on each of us wives present, we were given the opportunity to have some epic life experiences! Many of us had never experienced what it felt like to push the pedal to the metal in a side-by-side as we raced up the mountain trail like we were in the middle of the best round of Mario Kart ever! I saw a shy woman in the bucket seat next to me come out of her shell in utter laughter as she took on jump after jump. We both laughed at ourselves as we remembered the women that we often lose in the lifestyle that we lead back home. It was such a good reminder of the capacity within each of us to face our fears and enjoy this crazy race of life. Thank you Big Sky Bravery for reminding us all to find moments for adventure in our lives back home.

I was also surprised to discover just how much I enjoyed fly fishing! I had always wanted to learn how to fly fish so I could honor my grandpa’s fishing poles that I keep in our shed but I never really put that on the priority list of my life. It was such an awesome opportunity to have a guide take us out on the river and teach us skills that we can add to our tool belts. The guide was fantastic in breaking things down in a simple way while also allowing opportunities for hands-on learning. We all laughed as we discovered that fish do in fact go after raisins from cookies as bait. Ha ha I appreciate all of the effort involved in coordinating & executing, the entire experience.

The final activity on the last day was the memorial horseback poker ride to honor Kathy at Canyon Adventures. It was such an honor to be present for an event held to memorialize a life. Our inner cowgirls came out as we climbed on the backs of those beautiful animals to head up the mountain. The scenery was stunning as the endless mountains were filled with wildflowers. It was emotionally symbolic to follow the guide who was trailing along Kathy’s empty horse and it struck my heart during many moments of the ride. I know in my heart & soul that if Kathy had the opportunity to be there that day then she would have been right there on her horse guiding us along. Though military wives intimately know the fragility of life, sometimes we all need hard reminders of what matters most.

Needless to say, the Big Sky Bravery retreat was life-changing. It provided an incomparable opportunity to connect with other women who already relate while simultaneously creating new life experiences to facilitate personal growth. All of which generate energy so we can continue to support our men & families back home. I can’t think of many organizations that have been able to successfully accomplish such a mission. Big Sky Bravery should be extremely proud.

To try to close such an experience is difficult, so I will not try. Instead, I will keep the connections open along with my heart. I will hold dear the lessons that I have learned, the laughter that I so badly needed, the friendships that I have gained, and the moments that I will never forget. When I speak of Big Sky Bravery, it will be with pride and intimate devotion to the cause that underlies every single action taken. I hope to someday take part in or volunteer at another task force down the road so I can pass along what was given to me. Life is an energy exchange, and I would be honored to help light a match in someone’s life like Big Sky Bravery and the volunteers did in ours. Until then, I will be one of their biggest super fans!

Keep it up Big Sky Bravery…you are doing so much more than you even realize! I hope that future donors realize what an incredible opportunity this is to be part of something so invaluable.

Thank you so much!!!

Love Always,

-S”