Volunteer Spotlight | Kristi McCain
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: Kristi McCain
I’ve been volunteering for BSB for almost 7 years. I was actually on the very first Task Force with my husband, Josh, and Shawn Hertz!
Before the women’s Task Forces began, I watched my husband volunteer numerous times and heard all of his stories and how impactful it was for him. When I found out about the first female Task Force, I knew I wanted to be part of it. Volunteering for BSB gives me a greater purpose and pushes me to do things outside of my comfort zone. I always return from the week feeling extra grateful for the men, women and wives who fight for our country. Freedom isn’t free, and I’ve learned so much more about the sacrifices those families make to protect us, as Americans.
I’ve been with BSB since the very beginning (2015), when it was only an idea in a tiny apartment in NYC, so I’ve been able to watch it grow into what it is today. It’s amazing to see the hard work and dedication of all the employees and volunteers that have helped grow this organization and to see how many lives have been changed, both on the recipient side and the volunteer side. I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of the recipients that have come through, several that I now consider great friends. I love when they come back to visit Montana and choose to spend time with us while they’re here. It is an honor to introduce them to my kids and have them grow up around such inspirational men and women. Also, the conversations we have at night during a Task Force are some of the most meaningful conversations I’ll ever have. To have them open up and share their joys and struggles to a group of strangers is a pretty awesome thing to be a part of.
“Give more than you take” is a motto we should all strive to live by. I’ve always been a pretty quiet and reserved person and like to sit back and take it all in. These Task Forces are no different. It’s amazing what you’ll hear if you just sit back and listen, and sometimes that’s all they really need, is a listening ear. Volunteering for BSB is such a small part that I can do to give back to those who have given so much to me and my family.
Outside of volunteering for BSB, I recently started working with a home organization company in town called The Neat Method. Since I was young, I’ve always had a love for organizing and cleaning, so this was a perfect match for me!
When I’m not volunteering, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and two kids, Emmie (3) and Grayson (1). My kids are my greatest accomplishments and fill me with lots of love and laughter! Now that they’re no longer babies, you’ll find me in the gym a little more these days as well.
I can’t end this without saying how proud I am of my husband, Josh, who has given so much of the last seven years to BSB. The kids and I love you and are so thankful to be a part of something so much bigger than us.
