Sarah Maschino | Volunteer Spotlight
“The level of selflessness I have seen in our recipients has been astonishing to me. They truly live their lives for a greater purpose of serving others and protecting our country.”
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 participated in my first Task Force in February of 2024 with active-duty females.
What made you want to get involved with Big Sky Bravery?
My husband, Sam, has been a volunteer for over 7 years with BSB. With every Task Force, he brought home new insight and perspective on how blessed we are to have these humans fighting for us. We have the opportunity to give back and potentially make an incredible impact on those who protect our families and freedoms. It is an honor to give our time and share our hearts.
Can you share a moment that has had the most significant impact on you since joining Big Sky Bravery?
Female TFs are always going to be inherently different from male TFs. Women have dynamic emotions, and to be placed with strangers and feel pressure to take on physical and emotional risks is tough and intimidating. My first Farewell Dinner on my very first program was transformative. We were all bursting with gratitude and exhaustion, belly laughing at each other - but also so surprised that we had gotten to this point - so connected and close to one another. It really is the good stuff – to have those moments to cherish forever in your memory bank.
How has Big Sky Bravery's motto, 'Give More Than You Take,' influenced your mindset or actions?
Spending a week in Big Sky skiing, boarding, snowmobiling, etc, is heaven on Earth. I never take it for granted. My purpose is to encourage, enlighten, empower our recipients to say yes to things they would have otherwise said no. I aim to give them courage, give them a safe space, and give them support and affirmation. I have always felt like a citizen of the Earth in Montana – and to give that feeling to another, who has given us so much, is priceless.
Is there anything you see differently or appreciate more deeply since your time with the SOF community?
The level of selflessness I have seen in our recipients has been astonishing to me. They truly live their lives for a greater purpose of serving others and protecting our country. In a wild world that celebrates egomaniacs and the circus of social media, these women have kept it simple. They see themselves as the owners of a certain skill set as protectors – in their minds, why would they NOT step forward? Or when their husbands are away for weeks on end, fulfilling their duties, they count their blessings, and love and protect their babies. Complaining is non-existent. It is honorable and eye-opening.
Where did you grow up, and what kind of work fills your days when you're not volunteering with us?
I grew up in Tennessee and have been in Montana for almost 15 years. I am the Head Trainer for MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab - where I create fitness programs to help prepare both backcountry hunters and military athletes for physical and mental feats in the mountains. I am blessed to connect with the SOF community through my work with MTNTOUGH as well as through Big Sky Bravery.
When I'm not serving with Big Sky Bravery, I'm most passionate about…
….spending time with my crazy 2.5-year-old, Hank, my husband, Sam, and my precious lab, Birdie. We love to travel and are both grateful to love our work. I have been a trainer for over 17 years and will be for another 17, I hope. Fostering mental and physical resilience is a joyful and fulfilling line of work. Helping to open doors for others to live a more abundant life is a wave I will keep riding as long as I can.
Is there a particular quote or saying that guides or inspires you?
“You are strong as an ox.” Whether it’s crushing a trail run, a nasty pack workout, or through labor and delivery - this mantra has always held weight to me. It is simple and has always resonated with my inner meathead.
