Willi Schmidt | Volunteer Spotlight
“The SOF community has given us so much, and it’s the least I can do. It’s a small role to help them realize there are Americans who appreciate and value what they do.”
THIS MONTH’S VOLUNTEER: Willi Schmidt
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 have been volunteering for BSB since 2022. I have been on two summer task forces #102 and #123 and will be doing my third in June of this year.
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR BIG SKY BRAVERY?
When I was introduced to it and met the people behind it, I couldn’t help but feel compelled to get involved. The SOF community has given us so much, it’s the least I can do. It’s an honor to give my time and spend a week to help them relax, decompress, have fun and enjoy Montana. It’s a small role to help them realize there are Americans who appreciate and value what they do.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL MOMENT FOR YOU SINCE BEING INVOLVED WITH BIG SKY BRAVERY?
There have been so many great moments in my relatively short time with BSB. I have had some amazing times on Task Forces with the recipients, from climbing Montana’s mountain peaks to sharing time around campfires, but one with the staff really sticks out: I needed to have a dress rehearsal practice for my father-of-the-bride speech and have an objective audience. I mentioned it at the office and the staff jumped at the chance to be that audience. It’s a very personal special moment and I will always be grateful to them for that opportunity and their willingness to take time out of their day.
HOW DOES OUR MOTTO “GIVE MORE THAN YOU TAKE” APPLY TO YOUR LIFE?
I’m fortunate to have parents who raised me to live my life that way. It’s a great motto and is significant to me to try to raise everyone up around me. Whether it was raising our grown kids, mentoring co-workers, encouraging teammates, volunteering or helping a friend through something. I try to help everyone be greater and build a stronger community. As JFK said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
WHAT DO YOU NO LONGER TAKE FOR GRANTED AFTER SPENDING TIME WITH THE SOF COMMUNITY WE SERVE?
All the little things in life, like the time spent with family and friends whenever I want, the ability to make my own decisions from when I get up, go to bed, what and when I eat and how I get to choose how to spend my day. When there is stress or pressure, it’s nothing compared to what these individuals go through, and I have come to appreciate the relatively easy life I have.
WHAT JOB TITLE DO YOU HOLD OUTSIDE OF BEING A BIG SKY BRAVERY VOLUNTEER?
I have some small business interests including “Pure Hunting”, producing short hunting films and a small Turo rental fleet, but right now I guess I’m semi-retired trying to figure out what my next phase in life will be.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE, “WHEN I’M NOT VOLUNTEERING WITH BSB, YOU’LL FIND ME…”
Trying to find time for all my hobbies, which include golf, hunting, fishing, camping fitness and spending time with Sherry, my wife of 31 years and best friend.
