Charlie Johnson | Volunteer Spotlight
“It is the ultimate honor to give back to the men and women who sacrifice everything for our freedom. ”
Big Sky Bravery is built on the heart and grit of our volunteers—the unsung heroes behind every life we impact. Our monthly Volunteer Spotlight honors their selfless dedication and gives you a chance to meet the remarkable people who help make our mission possible.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN a VOLUNTEer with BIG SKY BRAVERY?
I have been a volunteer with Big Sky Bravery since 2020 (5 years). I started guiding fly fishing with BSB in the summer of 2020, and the following winter, I had my first TF. I have now volunteered on 5 Task Forces and guided on numerous summer Task Forces.
What made you want to get involved with Big Sky Bravery?
I come from a family that was raised in the military and hence with a family that volunteers and cares deeply about giving back to our community and to those that provide the freedoms that we enjoy every day. I met a supporter of Big Sky Bravery guiding them fly fishing the summer of 2020 and I was wearing a BSB hat. He told me I would be a great fit for Big Sky Bravery and I immediately asked how I can help. Giving back is important to me and very fulfilling as I navigate my adult work, life balance. It is the ultimate honor to give back to the men and women who sacrifice everything for our freedom.
Can you share a moment that has had the most significant impact on you since joining Big Sky Bravery?
As a younger volunteer, there are so many instances that have had significant impacts on my life since joining Big Sky Bravery. From each of my 5 Task Forces and getting to know each and every recipient and sharing experiences and creating friendships that will last lifetimes, in fact one of my TF recipients, who has become one of my very best friends, is spending July 4th with me and my family.
How has Big Sky Bravery's motto, 'Give More Than You Take,' influenced your mindset or actions?
“Give more than you take” aligns directly with my family core values and how I try to live my life every day. It is more than just words it is the actions of our daily life.
Is there anything you see differently or appreciate more deeply since your time with the SOF community?
After spending time with the SOF community I greatly appreciate day to day life that much more. Spending time with my family and friends enjoying every part of the awesome life we get to live to the simple things like waking up in a comfortable bed, having a leisuring cup of coffee, the opportunity to have a job that I love and daily stress free (relative to SOF) living.
Where did you grow up, and what kind of work fills your days when you're not volunteering with us?
I was born and raised in Big Sky and now I work in real estate and development with my family in Big Sky. I love to hunt and fish, snowmobile, ski, boat - embracing the Montana lifestyle and love to share it with our SOF recipients when the opportunity arises.
When I'm not serving with Big Sky Bravery, I'm most passionate about…
Living the outdoor lifestyle. From flying fishing to playing golf and everything in between.
Is there a particular quote or saying that guides or inspires you?
A quote I live by and think about more often than not is, “The only things in life you regret are the risks you never took.” This helps push me out of my comfort zone when I’m unsure and feel proud of myself for doing so.
