THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER: Weston Comfort

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!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY

I began volunteering with BSB in 2020 and have been on 3 programs (2 Task Forces as a volunteer and 1 as a Task Force Director).

WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?

Military service has been a huge part of my family: My uncle flew Navy F8 fighter jets, my Dad served in the Air Force, his Dad flew the F86 saber jet, and my other grandfather served in the Army during WWII. I had plans to join the Navy straight out of high school, but my Dad convinced me to pursue my degree first, and that took me down a different path in life. Not only did I grow up within a patriotic family, but I also saw the toll war takes on a family from the scars my Dad wore after losing his father at a young age. When Josh presented me with the volunteer opportunity to give back to the men and women who’ve sacrificed so much to provide us our freedom and the way of life too many take for granted in the great Nation…I jumped all over it. I wanted to show my heartfelt appreciation and have an opportunity to demonstrate the civilian support and love so many of our SOF recipients don’t see/feel frequently enough.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL MOMENT FOR YOU SINCE BEING INVOLVED WITH BIG SKY BRAVERY?

Every Task Force has been impactful for me, but one moment stands above the rest. During my program as TFD, I could see one of the recipients pulling back during the “downtime,” so we broke away from everyone and took a walk down the river. I knew something was weighing heavily on his heart as soon as we started and I didn’t want to force the issue, so we just walked until he felt compelled to start talking. During the next few hours, both of our lives were changed. He unburdened himself of some childhood trauma, the toll of war after 24 years of service, and how he’s felt alone and that he doesn’t belong throughout his life. It was in that moment I could feel the presence of God in me, speaking through me and using me as a tool to help this man. We cried together; he hugged me with so much bottled-up emotion I thought he would crack a rib ;), and I watched his physiology change after opening up. As we walked back to the group, I stopped him short and thanked him for sharing, and offered my unwavering support as he embarked on a journey of healing. I left him with one request, if he felt compelled to do so during our question of the night…to share his story with the group…which he chose to do. In that moment, I watched 7 strangers bond as brothers, offer words of encouragement, and embrace this man so that he knew he wasn’t alone. Since returning home from the program, he’s started treatment and shared that he is closer than ever with his family and is on the long road to healing. That moment will forever be etched in my soul!

HOW DOES OUR MOTTO “GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE” APPLY TO YOUR LIFE?

I’ve always aspired to servant leadership. From my early days in Boy Scouts to different sports teams, to coaching football, to leading professional sales teams…I’ve always put the team first and tried to lead by example. My decision to volunteer with BSB was based on a desire to show a genuine appreciation for the men/women who sacrifice everything on the front lines so that I can raise my family in a free country. As a civilian, I wondered how I would be able to relate, but that would never be possible on a professional front. What I’ve come to realize through my interactions is that I have real world experience as a husband, father, and leader of men that provides a common ground to bond with these brave souls. If I can have a minor impact on just one person…the ripple is immeasurable, and that is why I volunteer. Hearing how this program gives hope for a future to our SOF community gives me a major sense of fulfillment and joy.

WHAT DO YOU NO LONGER TAKE FOR GRANTED AFTER SPENDING TIME WITH THE SOF COMMUNITY WE SERVE?

Being intentional and present with my family and not taking any of these moments for granted. Hearing the sacrifices these men have made and the toll it has taken on their families/relationships…it was made abundantly clear to me that I need to stop taking my relationships for granted and invest back/nurture them. I’d been putting my professional aspirations ahead of my family…assuming those relationships would magically just follow along. Things can change on a dime, and when the dust settles, you are left with faith and family… The brave SOF men are now my extended family. I truly believe that after spending time with these men…I’m a better husband, father, and leader.

WHAT JOB TITLE DO YOU HOLD OUTSIDE OF BEING A BIG SKY BRAVERY VOLUNTEER?

Most recently, I served as VP of Sales for a Scottish-based tech company (Administrate) that specializes in training management software. I was responsible for all commercial revenue operations, from business development to sales to account management and partnerships. I'm currently transitioning into my next opportunity and look forward to writing my next chapter. 

FINISH THIS SENTENCE, “WHEN I’M NOT VOLUNTEERING WITH BSB, YOU’LL FIND ME…”

Enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. I have a beautiful wife of almost 14 years and have been blessed with two amazing kids (9 and 5). We enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, basketball, and softball as a family. I put big game hunting at the top of my list…because it’s tough to beat chasing bugling bulls in September during archery season. My wife has recently shared her passion for horses with me, so I’ve been learning a new craft and putting on a lot of miles in the backcountry. When I’m not in the woods, I’m at the gym on a regular basis so I don’t get left in the dust by my wife and have enough energy to chase my kids around.