Katie Callinan | Volunteer Spotlight
“Spending time with these incredible women, hearing their stories, and building friendships has shown me that sometimes you go in thinking you’re there to give, only to realize you’re the one receiving the greater gift.”
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?
2 years.
What made you want to get involved as a volunteer?
I wanted to become involved with Big Sky Bravery after seeing firsthand the positive impact it had on my husband as a volunteer. He had formed such meaningful relationships with the recipients, and I wanted to find a way to give back to the women in SOF or the wives of the men he had become so close to.
The timing felt right when my youngest was finally old enough for me to leave him for a week. Spending time with these incredible women, hearing their stories, and building friendships has shown me that sometimes you go in thinking you’re there to give, only to realize you’re the one receiving the greater gift.
What is a moment of significant impact you have personally experienced since volunteering?
It is really hard to pick just one moment, as there is so much that happens during each TF. I would say that it truly amazes me that you can go into a week with a group of complete strangers and leave with some of the deepest relationships in your life. There is something magical about the atmosphere that BSB creates, where you can be truly vulnerable on night 1 and then just grow and go deeper with each passing day. It is a true rare blessing to make such meaningful relationships later in life, and that is all because of what BSB offers.
How has Big Sky Bravery's motto Give More Than You Take influenced your mindset or actions?
The world would truly be a better place if more people lived by that motto, right?! There is nothing better for the soul than experiencing the true joy of giving, as anyone who has volunteered ends up receiving so much more than they give. What a beautiful thing. I almost feel guilty as a volunteer with how much I get in return when serving these incredible women, who have given so much of their lives to help keep us safe. As someone who has not served in the military, it is so rewarding to do something to show those who have sacrificed so much, how much we appreciate them.
Do you view anything in a different light - or is there anything you appreciate more deeply - since your time as a volunteer?
After returning from a TF, you see your whole life in a different light. Things that you deem as "difficult" immediately seem trivial after seeing how those in lifelong careers in SOF handle stress and what is truly hard. I have had the pleasure of volunteering with the wives of SOF members, and they are the hidden heroes of this country. They hold together their families and marriages in a way that is so strong, so supportive, that it can only make you want to be a better wife and mother. It resets your perspective in the most beautiful way and reminds you to focus on what really matters.
Where did you grow up and what kind of work fills your days outside of volunteering?
I grew up in Phoenix, then lived in Manhattan Beach until moving to Bozeman in 2020. I sell medical devices but spend most of my time raising my beautiful kids (7-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy) and spending as much quality time outside with my family as I can. My husband and I love to travel, hike, ski, drink wine, and enjoy the gorgeous life that Montana offers!
What brings you the most joy and purpose in your life?
My marriage, beautiful kids, and trying to make those around me feel happy and important.
What do you hope others will remember or carry forward from your contributions as a volunteer?
I hope they feel understood, appreciated, and heard. I hope they know that we see what they are doing, and are truly grateful for their sacrifices. I hope they know that we are always there for them, even after our incredible week together, and they have a lifelong friend to depend on.
In closing, what quote or piece of wisdom can you leave us with that you return to when needed?
"Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright" -Bob Marley