Jeremy Swenson | Volunteer Spotlight
“My hope is that both the recipients and volunteers remember me as someone who listens and someone they can trust. Someone who cares about them and is passionate about life.”
Big Sky Bravery is shaped by the volunteers who show up with humility, integrity, and a heart of service. We want to share their stories so others can feel the meaning of this mission through the people who make it possible.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN a VOLUNTEer with BIG SKY BRAVERY?
I began volunteering in late 2022 and participated in my first Task Force in 2023.
What made you want to get involved as a volunteer?
I was initially introduced to Big Sky Bravery by one of my very good friends, Austin McPherson. Each year after Austin completed a Task Force, he came back with such a renewed outlook and purpose on life. His experiences and passion about Big Sky Bravery really intrigued me to look further into the organization. This, along with my extreme respect for our military, and especially the SOF Community, helped drive me to get involved with BSB.
What is a moment of significant impact you have personally experienced since volunteering?
There are so many great moments that I think about when it comes to my time volunteering at BSB, and all of them have to do with the people, especially the recipients and my fellow volunteers. The deep relationships that are formed throughout the Task Forces are authentic and genuine. The format and programming created by Big Sky Bravery allows a group of men to let their guards down and really dive deep into life. My most vivid memories are during the questions of the night, later in the week, surrounded by new friends. The true-life-altering discussions that I have participated in will live with me for the rest of my life. I also love the 1:1 time on the chairlift, getting to know the amazing heroes who protect our great nation.
How has Big Sky Bravery's motto Give More Than You Take influenced your mindset or actions?
I think about this motto often in life. I do my best to try to live this day in and day out, both personally and professionally. Personally, having two college-age boys and a high school daughter, this motto is something I want to model and instill in each of them. Professionally, I want to lead my team of high-performing individuals by giving more than I take. I feel that this is true leadership that builds great teams.
Do you view anything in a different light - or is there anything you appreciate more deeply - since your time as a volunteer?
Volunteering for BSB has allowed me to really look at life through a different lens. The experiences help me appreciate and understand that everyone is dealing with their own battles in life. It has also helped me realize that authenticity and genuineness are two of the most enduring qualities of people and friendships.
Where did you grow up and what kind of work fills your days outside of volunteering?
I grew up on a wheat and barley farm north of Cut Bank, MT. I went to college at Montana State University. I currently work for Stryker, a medical device company, where I have been employed for over 23 years.
What brings you the most joy and purpose in your life?
My family brings me the most joy and purpose. I have been married to my amazing wife, Katie, for over 20 years. We live in Helena, MT. Our twin boys, Alex and Brady, both go to college at Montana Tech University, where they both play football, Roll Diggs! Our daughter is a freshman at Helena High School. We love to ski in the winter and get out on the lakes/rivers in the summer.
what do you hope others will remember or carry forward from your contributions as a volunteer?
My hope is that both the recipients and volunteers remember me as someone who listens and someone they can trust. Someone who cares about them and is passionate about life.
In closing, what quote or piece of wisdom do you return to when needed, that you can leave us with?
I love the quote by Teddy Roosevelt…
“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care!”