TF150 | Jefferson Island Ranch, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
TF 150 was a true Montana Ranch experience. We set out to put these recipients on a working cattle ranch and let them partake in the western way of life. The Jefferson Island Ranch and all the folks that work there did not disappoint. The ranch sits just East of Whitehall up against the Tobacco Root Mountains and offers everything one would expect to see here in Montana.
Day 1:
Day one started with horsemanship at the barn, where recipients met their horses for the week and learned to brush, saddle, and bridle. We then took each recipient out for an hour ride so they could get comfortable and ask any questions they may have. Following a big lunch with the ranch hands, we had a surprise for the recipients. I said,”I know we’ve talked a lot about decompressing and relaxing the rest of the week, but right now I need you to have an open mind and a great attitude as we are about to take it up a notch”. You could hear the wheels turning as we drove to the arena. We helped load steers and put them through a bulldoggin’ practice. I explained that this is the one event in rodeo where an individual event has such a team feel. Each man is rooting for another, all the while trying to best his time to win. The men took to this like real cowboys. They dove headfirst into the practice and made it one of the most memorable TF activities I’ve ever been a part of. We then helped gather 30 head in one pasture and drove them up and over the mountain to new grass. The guys got to see the dogs work for the first time and did a great job lending a hand. That evening, we drove down to jump in the hot pots just off the banks of the Jefferson River—a great way to end the long day.
Day 2:
Day two was a big day. We were in the saddle by 6:00 a.m. and rode out to gather 175 head of cows and 175 calves. We vaccinated the cows, then spent the afternoon branding the calves—a full day of work and a long-lasting experience. The boys jumped right in, giving shots, wrestling calves, running the irons, etc. They embraced the work and found an appreciation for what it took to complete the task. We then soaked in the Jefferson to cool off before heading to shoot trap to end our day.
Day 3:
A full day off the ranch to fish the Jefferson River. Holman Outdoors and the folks there did a great job trying to put us on fish—a slow day of catching, but great weather and great memories for all.
Day 4:
A truly special day as Beartrap Outfitters took us over towards Ennis, MT to ride into a mountain lake for a day of fishing. A 2-hour ride in and the guys did awesome. Once there, the rods got strung up, and fish got caught. An amazing lunch prepared over the campfire, including brisket and the fish the guys caught just minutes before from the lake. There’s no better way to show off what MT has to offer than what we did that day.
There are no words to describe how appreciative we all were for the folks at Jefferson Island Ranch for making this happen. It provides an experience offered nowhere else within BSB. It combines the mountains and river-bottom scenery with a western lifestyle experience that no one will soon forget. These recipients earned every memory they took from this place. They embraced the place and the process as well as any other group I’ve had out. Thanks to them…we are all better men for it.
Sincerely,
Ryan Elliott
TF150 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Ryan Elliott, Task Force Director
Dusty Daws, Assistant Task Force Director
Gabe McMasters
Patriots to Thank:
Jefferson Island Ranch
Nicky
Beartrap Outfitters
Holman Outdoors
The River’s Edge
Engel & Völkers
Flanagan State Bank
FlasKap
Stone Glacier
FHF Gear
Melissa Ferraro
ANTHEM Snacks//LMNT//Wild Society Coffee//Graplrz
“I just wanted to take a moment to share how truly incredible and fulfilling this past week in Montana was for me. From the breathtaking views along the trails to the mountain lake on horseback, to the adrenaline rush of steer wrestling—it was the kind of experience that sticks with you.
But beyond the adventure, what meant the most were the deep conversations, the exchange of perspectives, and the overwhelming sense of purpose shared by everyone there.
It was exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed—a powerful reminder that there are still people and moments in this world worth fighting for.
-T.”
“It's somewhat hard to articulate how phenomenal and impactful the experience was. First of all, you packed the week with these amazing activities. I was able to enjoy things almost no one gets to do and it was incredibly fun. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Then, I consider the people I was able to experience this with (both volunteers and fellow recipients). What a solid group of men. We had guys at different stages of their careers and lives who fully engaged in the process and shared challenges and unique perspectives openly and honestly.
In reflecting on the experience as a whole, I'm aware now I needed the reset and pause more than I thought I did. It's easy to get caught up in busy family life and an unending operational tempo at work. BSB provided me with an extraordinary way to relax and self-reflect.
I'm without a doubt better for it, and I feel rejuvenated.
I'm incredibly grateful to the BSB organization, the volunteers, and the donors for making these experiences possible.
It's beyond humbling to know there are people that care this much and are this generous.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Respectfully,
-A.”
“I was lucky enough to be a part of TF150. Having just got back from an absolutely incredible trip to Montana, which was generously provided by Big Sky Bravery, and it honestly was a dream come true. Every day was filled with moments that made me stop and just take it all in — the open skies, the rugged land, and the kind of experiences that stick with me forever.
We spent our days riding horses across rolling pastures and wooded trails. There’s something so freeing about being on horseback out there — just having time to reflect with the horse, the men, and miles of wild country. One of the most unforgettable parts was getting to help brand calves on a real working ranch. It was hard but honest work. Also exhilarating — stepping into a tradition that’s been part of ranch life for generations. Everyone pitched in and by the end of the day we were all sweaty, tired, and content.
But honestly, what made the trip truly special was the volunteers. I was surrounded by amazing character, down-to-earth, tough as nails but with hearts open to listen and give their experiences. Evenings were spent sharing our opinions and stories, camaraderie that made you feel like you’ve known these guys for a long time.
All in all, it was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. I came home with a few sore muscles (from horse riding), a lot of great memories, and a huge appreciation for the land and the people who call it home. Can’t wait to go back and do it all again.
I’m deeply grateful to BSB, the donors, the volunteers and everyone who gave their valuable time to make it such an enjoyable and unforgettable trip. Here’s to them who deserve the credit!
-P.”
“I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for your support. After taking some time to reflect on the retreat, I find myself smiling often—grateful for the unforgettable memories and meaningful experiences this past week provided.
This retreat impacted me on many levels. It gave me the opportunity to connect with incredible people, create lasting memories, and—for the first time in a long time—step away from work and truly focus on my own well-being.
As you know, our line of work can be both mentally and physically demanding. This week reminded me that it doesn’t have to wear us down. Like any tool, we require care and maintenance in order to remain sharp and effective. Thanks to BSB, I feel recharged, refocused, and better than I have in years. I am truly grateful for the perspective and restoration this opportunity brought me.
Thank you for your continued support, your time, and your unwavering patriotism.
Very respectfully,
-B.”
