A note from the family.

“4 weeks ago, at this exact time, we were ‘side by side,’ enjoying Montana’s backcountry, heading to the top of the mountain for a picnic. This was my very favorite planned activity of the week. S. and C. rode together, and I took the back position, which meant I had a full heart and dirt in my teeth (even with the buff generously provided by Canyon Adventures!). I couldn’t have been happier. We had the opportunity to drive side by side a few times, and while I couldn’t see C.’s mouth, I could tell she was smiling by her eyes.

A few years ago, S. had the chance to attend a winter TF, and I had the opportunity to attend one that summer. We both had such a great time and were so excited to plan ahead after finding out we would be welcomed back to experience Montana as a family. We are about to hit 20 years together, and S. has spent so much of that time away. Having the opportunity to just be together and unplug was so wonderful and felt so overdue.

The only thing I would change is that I would have tried to schedule this before my son left for the Air Force. He was by my side through every deployment, training trip, heavy losses, and homecoming celebrations. Watching your young boy comfort his little friends after losing their dad is something you don’t understand unless you experience it. I just wish that he could have been with us on this trip so he could be rewarded for all of his hard work, holding it down as the man of the house, all while truly understanding that his dad was somewhere in the world, doing things to protect our family and this country, the unfathomable, and knowing it may cost his life.

Thank you hardly seems adequate to express how grateful S. and I are for the incredible week you gave us. From the beautiful cabin and quiet mornings and dinner outings, to the rodeo, our side-by-side adventure, and our impromptu trip to see Old Faithful in Yellowstone, every part of the experience was truly special.

We loved having the opportunity to visit with K. and T., who are like family to us. Their mom is one of my very best friends, and her kids are like second children to us. B. and I were both active duty and married to Special Operators, going through the thick of it together; K. is our son M.’s best friend. He has flown a few states away to celebrate Christmas with us, flown across the world from Germany to surprise M. at my retirement from the Air Force, flown across the country to be here for M. and H.’s baby shower, and he was with us when he found out that he was accepted into Bently, his #1 choice. It was extra special getting to make a few memories with those two kiddos and having them show us around.

We played a few games in the evenings, explored, laughed, and relaxed, but honestly, one of the greatest gifts was simply having the chance to be together without worrying about what needed to be done next. We didn't have to plan a single thing, make arrangements, run errands, cook around a schedule, or think about all of the everyday responsibilities waiting for us at home. We could just enjoy the moment—and that was priceless. S. and I especially enjoyed our mornings sitting on the porch with our coffee, taking in the peaceful surroundings and wildlife, and simply enjoying being together.

Knowing that this entire experience was made possible through the generosity of your donors makes it even more meaningful. Please know that their generosity, and yours, touched us deeply.

Our week in Montana was relaxing, peaceful, fun, and absolutely perfect. More than anything, it gave us something that is easy to overlook in the busyness of everyday life: uninterrupted time together and the opportunity to simply enjoy one another.

We are incredibly grateful to Big Sky Bravery, to your amazing team, and to every generous donor who made this possible. Thank you for giving us an experience we will remember and cherish for the rest of our lives.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation.”