Marty Schuma | Volunteer Spotlight
“I recognize that I will never be able to give enough of my time, talent, or resources to fully repay what has been given by these remarkable individuals. What I can do is remain committed to giving more than I take, and to supporting this mission in any way I can.”
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?
Three years.
What made you want to get involved as a volunteer?
I’ve always carried a sense of regret for not serving in the military. When this opportunity came along, it felt like a chance to give back and show just how grateful I am to the incredible men and women who made the choice to serve our country.
What is a moment of significant impact you have personally experienced since volunteering?
Two moments have had the most significant impact on me during my time with Big Sky Bravery. The first occurred on day one with my first Task Force, TF 106. I had no idea what to expect as I met my fellow volunteers at BSB headquarters and we headed to the airport to pick up our recipients. I didn’t know any of the men—neither the volunteers nor the operators. After a few initial, somewhat awkward introductions at the airport, something remarkable happened. It quickly felt as though we had known each other for years. It was unlike anything I had experienced before.
These men—who have given, lived, witnessed, and sacrificed so much—had no reason to immediately trust our volunteer team or me personally, yet they did. That trust wasn’t earned over time; it was freely given. I had always believed trust had to be earned, especially mine. This experience challenged that belief entirely. Instead, I realized I would have to earn their distrust. That shift in perspective has stayed with me and has profoundly influenced how I approach both life and relationships. For that, I will always be grateful to these patriots.
The second moment came during the time I spent with Josh McCain. While we had spoken before and crossed paths briefly, we had never had the opportunity to simply spend meaningful time together. What I gained from those few days was a deeper understanding of a man whose convictions, compassion, and sense of duty are truly exceptional—beyond anything I have experienced in the civilian world.
I have always believed that I am a good husband, father, and person—someone who does the right thing, even when no one is watching. Josh embodies that philosophy at an entirely different level. He is a role model I feel privileged to call a friend. What he and his wife, Kristi, sacrificed to build Big Sky Bravery is something I have rarely, if ever, seen. Their willingness to give up everything they had worked for in the service of others is both humbling and deeply inspiring. It is a powerful reminder of what it truly means to live a life centered on giving rather than taking.
How has Big Sky Bravery's motto Give More Than You Take influenced your mindset or actions?
I have always considered myself a grounded person. Historically, my motivation has been driven by a desire to excel in my craft and to build a healthier, happier family than the one I grew up in—two priorities that don’t always align easily. While my mindset has never been rooted in taking from others, it also wasn’t fully centered on giving. Too often, my pursuit of professional excellence and perfection took precedence.
My experience with Big Sky Bravery has fundamentally reshaped that perspective. It reinforced the importance of living with a “give more than you take” mindset—especially when you have the time, resources, and ability to make a difference. In my professional life, I have long believed in investing in people, taking responsibility, and sharing credit. However, I had not consistently extended that same level of commitment to causes as meaningful as Big Sky Bravery.
Spending time with the men of TF 106 was a humbling and transformative experience. For perhaps the first time in a professional or peer setting, I felt a profound sense of humility. It became clear that not only these individuals, but all the men and women who choose to serve—those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so others may live freely—possess a level of courage, selflessness, and commitment that is truly extraordinary.
I recognize that I will never be able to give enough of my time, talent, or resources to fully repay what has been given by these remarkable individuals. What I can do is remain committed to giving more than I take, and to supporting this mission in any way I can. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be involved with Big Sky Bravery and honored to contribute, even in a small way, to such an impactful organization.
Do you view anything in a different light - or is there anything you appreciate more deeply - since your time as a volunteer?
Big Sky Bravery has helped me become a better person, husband, and father. There were periods in my life—sometimes lasting months or even years—when I wasn’t the partner my wife deserved. I prioritized my own needs, didn’t consistently show appreciation, and too often chose convenience over service. Coming to terms with that required a level of honesty and vulnerability that I hadn’t always been willing to embrace. Being a volunteer with BSB has further cemented my belief that vulnerability is essential to building meaningful, trusting relationships—whether at work, at home, or within a family.
Spending time with these individuals brought those shortcomings into clear focus. The way they carry themselves, their sense of responsibility, and their commitment to others reflect a standard that leaves little room for self-centered thinking. It’s a level of discipline and selflessness that is simply expected in their line of duty—and it made me reflect on my own approach to life at home.
Being around the people involved with BSB—the volunteers, and especially the recipients—has not only made me a better person, but has also created a daily expectation for myself to continue improving. It’s not a one-time realization; it’s an ongoing commitment to be better each day.
Where did you grow up and what kind of work fills your days outside of volunteering?
I grew up just south of Helena on a 20-acre property and attended high school in Boulder, Montana. After taking a year off following high school graduation—while waiting for my now wife to finish high school—we both went on to attend Montana State University from 1988 to 1992. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology and started working at Dick Anderson Construction as an intern in 1991. I’ve been with the company ever since.
Outside of work and volunteering, I stay busy managing our property in the Helena Valley, where I grow hay and try (sometimes unsuccessfully) to keep up with the weeds. I also enjoy spending as much time as possible at Flathead Lake, along with golfing and mountain biking in the summer, and skiing during the winter months.
What brings you the most joy and purpose in your life?
My wife and I have been empty nesters for a little less than one year. Spending as much time together traveling, going to D'Backs baseball games, and sailing brings me the most joy. Our youngest of four kids graduated from high school last year, so we were consumed with kid stuff for about 25 years. Rediscovering a life outside of kids has been really fun.
Now that our kids are out of the house, two things are paramount to me from a purpose perspective. Being involved with Big Sky Bravery and making sure that the next generation of Dick Anderson Construction is set up to thrive gives me the most purpose in my life. While the kids were home, my driving purpose was to be engaged and purposeful in their growth and learning.
what do you hope others will remember or carry forward from your contributions as a volunteer?
I hope others carry forward the same sense of gratitude and pride that I feel in being involved with Big Sky Bravery. This experience has reinforced my belief that I have a responsibility to give back—to offer as much of my time, support, perspective, and resources as I can to this organization and the men and women it serves.
Nothing we value as Americans exists without the daily sacrifices made by these individuals. If there is one thing I hope others take with them, it is a deeper appreciation for that reality—and a commitment to find their own way to give more than they take in support of those who make our freedoms possible.
In closing, what quote or piece of wisdom do you return to when needed, that you can leave us with?
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius