BIG SKY BRAVERY WOULDN'T BE WHAT IT IS TODAY WITHOUT THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF OUR VOLUNTEERS. TO CELEBRATE THEIR GENEROSITY & INTRODUCE YOU TO SOME INCREDIBLE INDIVIDUALS, WE INVITE YOU TO READ OUR MONTHLY VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!

This month’s volunteer: Marcus Fay

How long have you been volunteering for Big Sky Bravery?

I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering with Big Sky Bravery since winter 2017-2018. I have participated in six weeklong programs and twelve stand-alone days of guided fly fishing.

Why do you volunteer for BSB?

I volunteer for Big Sky Bravery because it’s the very least that I can do and I enjoy serving those who serve us. Every subsequent program that I participate in humbles me more than the last. The Special Operations Community is a tight community and it is a pleasure working with these silent professionals.

What has been the most impactful moment for you since being involved with BSB?

The most impactful moment I have had while volunteering would have to be when I took “R” and “Z” down the Otter Slide at Big Sky Resort. This particular run is a triple black diamond run and I definitely felt like it left lasting impressions on the recipients who trusted me enough to take them there. Snowboarding down an extremely steep and challenging run requires a high level of focus and execution. During the descent, you have no choice but to be present in the moment. Of course, these two guys did very well and we all celebrated with a beer on the sunny deck of the Shedhorn Grill.

How does our motto GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE apply to your life?

The Big Sky Bravery motto, “Give more than you take” applies to my life in many ways. The first way that jumps out to me relates to my experiences as a young adult in North Dakota. “Give more than you take” seems like it is the default way most everyone in that state is programmed. Growing up there, it wasn’t uncommon to see people going above and beyond to help others. This attitude is contagious and Big Sky Bravery is a great venue for the continual promotion of this mentality.

What do you find you no longer take for granted after spending time with the active-duty SOF community we serve?

The thing that I no longer take for granted after volunteering is the understanding of the level of dedication that these men and women have. I’m speaking specifially to their dedication to their families, fellow soldiers, and The United States. I can’t say that I fully understand the scope and intersectionality of all their sacrifices. When I come home from my job, it’s relatively easy to separate work from personal life. I feel as if many recipients are not afforded this luxury. In order to operate at such consistently high levels, these folks have to make their work their life. Complete dedication is required of them and I can’t thank them enough for their everyday sacrifices that are just as important as their career sacrifices.

What job title do you hold outside of being a BSB Volunteer?

Outside of being a Big Sky Bravery volunteer, I work at East Slope Outdoors in Big Sky as a fly fishing guide on the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone Rivers. In addition to guiding, I’m a real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Realty in Bozeman.

Finish this sentence: “When I’m not volunteering with Big Sky Bravery you’ll find me…”

Standing in the tram line, camping with my fiancé Olivia, rock climbing, fly fishing, playing pickleball, or backpacking around the great state of Montana.