TF149 | Canyon Ferry, MT
A note from the Task Force Director
For a couple of years, a neighbor of mine (Derek Tisdel) has offered to host a day of wake surfing on his boat on Canyon Ferry for a Task Force. I decided to take him up on his offer for TF 149 and plan everything around that. It was a different area geographically than previous Task Forces and would require a little more and different planning, but we decided to go for it. It was the first time a Task Force has included wake surfing as an activity. It was a tremendous success, and I doubt it will be the last time. The recipients are athletes and took to it very quickly, especially with Derek since he was an amazing coach. The weather could not have been better for early June in Montana, 88 degrees and sunny. We kicked off the week off with wake surfing and continued the week with fly fishing the Missouri River. The guides were all great and everyone caught fish. None of us had ever floated the "MO" and it really is a great fishery with lots of fish, and big fish. The scenery was second to none. The next day we all headed to Pipestone for a day of riding side-by-sides. The adrenaline rush we all had with these guys behind the wheel was amazing. Their driving skills were something all 3 of us volunteers had never experienced and after the initial pucker factor was over, it truly was exhilarating. The day was spent cruising the Pipestone area, exploring some of the designated sites, Ringing Rocks and the Petroglyphs, and had lunch at a mountain lake during a light rain. The following day we headed out to shoot sporting clays. The course was challenging and we were all humbled, but the banter and competition was a ton of fun. We wrapped up the week by going to Big Sky Archery and getting a lesson on shooting compound bows. The staff was great and the guys took to it very easily. I think a couple of them are going to be purchasing archery equipment in the near future.
The week was amazing on many levels. Montana put on a show with amazing weather for early June and all of the activities were a hit with the recipients. Nearly all of the activities were a "first" for each person. I was a bit concerned with the amount of time in a vehicle, driving to the various activities, but the benefits of the conversations and camaraderie during the drives, plus the opportunity to see more of Montana's beauty was well worth it. The time around a campfire in the evenings was special and a time to reflect on the day, and spurred some amazing and deep conversations. Watching the guys relax and continually decompress and open up as the week progressed was something special to behold. I have been on 3 Task Forces and all have been great, and I can't explain why, but this one was truly amazing. There were some strong bonds created on TF 149 and it is a perfect example of why BSB matters and how it changes lives.
Willie Schmidt
Task Force 149 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Willi Schmidt, Task Force Director
Tyler Wantulok, Assistant Task Force Director
John Schmidt
Patriots to Thank:
Engel & Völkers
Flanagan State Bank
FlasKap
Stone Glacier
Graplrz
FHF Gear
Simms | The River’s Edge
Melissa Ferraro
ANTHEM Snacks//LMNT//Wild Society Coffee
“Where do I even begin?
I truly didn’t know what to expect going into this.
I’ve been active-duty military for 15 years—dedicating my time, body, and soul in service to my country. But what no one tells you is how burnout slowly creeps in. It’s not loud or dramatic—it’s quiet, steady, and corrosive. It wears down your sense of self when you don’t take the time to decompress, to process, to heal.
Then I was given the opportunity to attend Task Force 149—a weeklong retreat designed for men like me. A week of healing with like-minded brothers. A week supported by volunteers who truly care, backed by donors humble enough to expect nothing in return. People who’ve invested in the well-being of those of us who’ve spent years putting ourselves last.
I’m incredibly grateful. Grateful for the evening fireside talks that created space for real healing. Grateful for the safe environment where men could share their fears and traumas without judgment or pressure. That’s where true growth begins.
TF149 recharged me. It made me feel seen and valued—not just for my rank or my service, but for who I am.
For the first time in a long time, I was asked: ‘Who are you when you’re NOT an Operator?’ And I didn’t have an answer. That question shook me—but in the best way. It reminded me that eventually, this chapter of my life will end, and I need to start writing the next one. This experience helped me begin that process.
The men at TF149 weren’t just there to talk about the job.
They wanted to know me—the man behind the uniform. And that’s something I’ve never really allowed myself to explore.
Nobody, including myself, has ever asked me the questions they asked. And that tells me everything I need to know about the kind of people running this program.
BSB saves lives. They look out for the brothers and sisters who’ve carried heavy loads for too long.
I’ll never forget this gift. I’m so eternally grateful.
Thank you, BSB.
-A.”
“I had been trying to find time to get to Big Sky Bravery for a few years. When I finally got the opportunity I was excited to go. I had heard great things from several friends who had gone but words fall short in attempting to describe the actual experience. The activities we participated in were absolutely incredible. It was more than just getting out in nature and having a good time.
Being present and really taking the time to enjoy the rugged beauty of the environment and the joy of participating in the events with new friends left me with a feeling of calmness and relaxation that I haven’t felt in a very long time.
Our discussions were thought-provoking and shed light on things within ourselves that we have neglected to address over the years. We were also able to find commonality in our experiences, both in times of joy and in suffering.
This time together was truly life-changing.
I will be forever grateful to Big Sky Bravery, the Gracious Donors and to Willi, John and Tyler for this unforgettable experience.
-G.”
“Big Sky Bravery Team and Donors,
I want to thank each and every one of you for allowing me to spend an unforgettable week with a group of Special Operators, and for doing it in a way that truly honors who we are.
The experience you provided wasn’t just a break from routine—it was a much-needed space to take a breath, decompress, and connect with other men who have walked through similar experiences. There is something special about being able to sit with others who understand you, where you are coming from, what you have experienced, and how those experiences have shaped you. At times this happened without words, at other times this was done while sitting around a campfire, overlooking a lake, and letting the question of the day guide conversation into unfamiliar places we have been hesitant to explore.
You gave us the freedom to share, to reflect, and to begin shedding some of the weight we’ve carried silently for years.
Your support of the Special Operations community is deeply appreciated. BSB understands something that not everyone does: this is a unique group that values anonymity, working in obscurity, and who is, frankly, uncomfortable with recognition and praise. But that doesn’t mean the needs—seen and unseen—aren’t there. And you’ve been attentive to those needs with a level of care, respect, and humility that speaks volumes about BSB and the people who support it.
To the donors: your generosity made this possible. You will likely never know the full extent of what your support has done for us, but please believe it has made a real difference.
To my mentors: Willi, John, and Tyler. Thank you for taking time away from your families and your jobs to invest in us. You knew when to ask questions, when to share your stories, and when to just sit and let the silence do its work.
Thank you for doing all of this in a way that honors the obscurity our community values, while still honoring what our families and we have had the privilege to sacrifice for this great nation.
With deepest gratitude,
-B.”
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in Big Sky Bravery. As a Special Operations soldier, it’s not easy to open up or step away from the mission, but this experience reminded me how important it is to reconnect—with myself and with others who truly understand.
The volunteers—Willie, John, and Tyler—were incredible. Their energy, dedication, and genuine care made every moment unforgettable. From wake surfing and fly fishing to ripping around in side-by-sides and shooting sporting clays, the activities were not only top-notch, but exactly what I needed to reset.
But what stood out the most—and what will stick with me long after—was the camaraderie. Spending time with others who share similar paths, and feeling that connection again, was incredibly powerful. Just as important was realizing that there are Patriot civilians out there who truly care about us—about me and my community of soldiers. That meant more than I can express.
Thank you, BSB, for reminding me of the strength in brotherhood and the healing power of genuine support.
-D.”
