TF147 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director…
The last Task Force of the year, TF 147, began with an unintended overnight stay in an airport hotel due to storm-related flight cancellations – but that didn’t stop our group from diving headfirst into an exceptional week of decompression, adventure, and brotherhood in Montana.
We had overwhelming luck with snow and weather – it snowed over 2 feet the week prior, providing us with over 90 inches of base in Big Sky on one of the last remaining weekends of the ski season. This is not typical, but very welcome.
Our first full day together started with hitting the slopes alongside Jim Mikulich, a military veteran and long-time ski instructor in Big Sky. It’s one thing to be a great skier, but an entirely different thing to be a great ski instructor – Jim is both.
Among our recipients, four of the five were either first-time skiers or had very limited experience. Yet, I’m constantly amazed at the speed at which they pick up and advance in the sport. I suppose their physical abilities and capacity to quickly learn shouldn’t come as a surprise, given they are the most elite warfighters in history.
That evening, we ventured to Lone Mountain Ranch, boarded a sleigh drawn by two massive Belgian work-horses named “Tom and Jerry”, then headed into the mountains as the sun set for a log cabin dinner under kerosene lanterns. As is typical at LMR, the affable codger, Bruce Anfinson, told tales and sang songs that covered his 40+ years at the ranch while we broke bread together. This is a special night for the group that I was excited to share.
Our second full day together took us through a private community in order to get our group on snowmobiles and 15 miles into the backcountry, up Bucks Ridge and past the Sphinx. This is always a highlight for the group, and we’re very fortunate to have been able to enjoy the backcountry that day for two reasons: there was still an incredible amount of snow, and Ed and his team at Canyon Adventures delayed their seasonal closure by multiple days just to accommodate us.
The third and final (full) day together had us back on the mountain for true “spring skiing”. Although there was still quite a lot of snow, it was heavy and wet by noon. As you can surely guess, it slowed down exactly nobody.
As a group, we boarded the tram and headed to the top of Lone Peak to share the view and take a few pictures. When we reached the top, the weather was turning quickly due to an inbound storm from the South. Despite the accelerating wind and snow, two recipients were adamant about skiing off the back of Lone Peak and down Liberty Bowl, a feat not many recipients have done, particularly considering one of the two was in ski lessons just two days prior! But we saw his incredible progress and deemed it a minimal risk in exchange for a “once in a lifetime” experience (his words, not mine). In the end, with Travis as their guide, they dominated Liberty Bowl, stopping only to take some pictures with a herd of Mountain Goats. A truly special experience.
Our last night together was exceptional. As a group, we cooked a dinner of elk, bison, beef, and venison on 500-degree salt blocks - much of which had been harvested locally by our volunteer group via last fall’s archery and rifle season.
It’s hard to explain the impact that these Task Forces have on those involved, both for the recipients and volunteers. We leave our time together both exhausted and refreshed, decompressed and renewed, and re-sensitised to what is important. But most of all, we leave with new brothers, bound by our deep and intentional experience together in one of the most beautiful and relaxing places in America, which is impossible to replicate outside of Big Sky Bravery.
A special thanks to my fellow volunteers Matt Ryan and Travis Lowry. You two were all-in, and it showed.
Respectfully,
Adam Callinan
Task Force Director, TF 147
Volunteers to Thank:
Adam Callinan, Task Force Director
Matt Ryan, Assistant Task Force Director
Travis Lowry
Patriots to Thank:
Big Sky Resort
Canyon Adventures
Engel & Völkers
Flanagan State Bank
FlasKap
Melissa Ferraro
ANTHEM Snacks//LMNT//Wild Society Coffee
“When I heard I was selected as a recipient for Big Sky Bravery, I thought that I got hooked up with a free ski trip. I thought that BSB was a benevolent organization that did that, and just that. While I certainly appreciated everything the terrain and environment offered, the most notable experiences I got out of our week could have been achieved inside the confines of our suite: placing five men with incredibly successful military careers in the same room as three men with equally incredible civilian ones.
BSB represented an intersection of two otherwise disparate worlds that rarely get to know one another.
This week was a chance to get to learn of one another’s motivations, experiences, successes, and failures that ultimately led me to the conclusion that we are one in the same.
I will hit two decades of active military service this summer, and while I have received plenty of sincere thanks for my service, BSB has committed the most sincere act of thanks I have ever experienced. This thanks wasn’t delivered with things, money, or services. It was the most priceless commodity that I have come to cherish the most: to be understood.
Thank you.
-J.”
“The week with BSB was a much-needed reminder of the strength found in shared experiences with fellow like-minded individuals. The breathtaking landscapes and thrilling activities that BSB donors provided were nothing short of transformative. It was an incredible mix of skiing, snowmobiling, and fellowship. The entire experience brought forth a sense of wonder and exhilaration not just from reconnecting with nature, but reconnecting with my inner self through the evening discussions.
The week provided not just physical relief, but emotional and mental clarity.
Thank you for this incredible opportunity.
-H.”
“My experience with Big Sky Bravery’s team of volunteers and fellow service members absolutely positively impacted my life.
Our time in the beautiful mountains and nature of Montana was truly serene; the peaceful mornings, framed by breathtaking sunrises, provided the perfect moments for meditation. I was able to reset and focus on myself—on what truly matters in life—while meeting like-minded individuals who share similar American values. The questions of the day served as the capstone of each day, provoking deep thought and helping us identify our current life status and future aspirations. My favorite question was, “What legacy do you want to leave behind?” Daily, we bonded through new outdoor activities, and this exposure was important for growth and confidence outside of the military.
-W.”
“Spending a week as part of a Big Sky Bravery Task Force was absolutely life-changing. The camaraderie and renewed sense of purpose I found there gave me a new perspective on life. The experience wasn’t just about the activities - it was about reconnecting with others who understand the weight of service and the importance of healing.
The ski days at Big Sky were incredible. Being out on Lone Peak - surrounded by breathtaking views, mountain goats, and crisp Rocky Mountain air - revived a sense of freedom and reminded me to step back and appreciate life’s blessings. Pushing myself and cheering others on created bonds that felt immediate and lasting.
Snowmobiling with Canyon Adventures added another level of exhilaration—it was pure fun and adrenaline, shared with people who genuinely understood one another. Hearing about Kathy’s story was heartwarming and brought an appreciation for life.
One of the most memorable moments came during the sleigh ride dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch. Sitting around the table, listening to Bruce’s songs, and sharing stories and laughter created an ambiance that made for an unforgettable evening.
Most importantly, the volunteers who hosted our Task Force at Big Sky Bravery were second to none. They played an integral role in facilitating purpose-driven discussions and brought perspective that instantly established meaningful connections. Beyond that, they ensured every last logistical detail was cared for, making the entire event seamless.
This week gave me more than just an adventure; it gave me gratitude, clarity, and renewed strength.
I left with a full heart, a few new friends, and a fresh perspective on what it means to keep moving forward - true core memories. I’ll carry this experience with me for the rest of my life.
Respectfully,
-N.”
“I will never be able to put into words what this truly meant to me. Not only did the last week give me the opportunity to decompress from the stress of my most recent deployment and get ready for the busy schedule ahead, but it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors in one of the most amazing places in the country.
Upon arriving at the airport in Bozeman, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness that stayed with me throughout the trip. I think mountains just have that effect.
The TFD / volunteers and BSB staff we met were all so welcoming and genuinely happy to host us. The week’s activities were the perfect blend of fun activities and downtime allowing us (the recipients) and the “TF Leadership” to form bonds that I hope will last a lifetime.
-B.”
