TF151 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director
Big Sky Bravery Family and Supporters,
It was once again an honor to spend the week with such an amazing group of warriors. The other volunteers and I truly look forward to supporting BSB TFs every year. It is a privilege to show the recipients the wonders that Montana has to offer and experience some much needed decompression time with them.
TF 151 started out with the pickup at Bozeman airport and the recipients getting kitted up at BSB HQ. On the drive up to our lodging in Big Sky we bonded over shared experiences and laughter. Our first full day of events started with a rafting trip down the Gallatin River where the recipients really started to soak in the beauty and peacefulness that Montana has to offer. After a quick lunch we had a mountain biking lesson and spent the afternoon enjoying the trails of Big Sky. Day two started at Canyon Adventures where we rode side by sides up Bucks Ridge. One of the vehicles broke down up at the top and gave us the opportunity to have great conversations while we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and waited for assistance. It was truly amazing to experience the camaraderie and laughter that ensued when things did not go as planned. The vehicle was fixed in no time, and we drove back and enjoyed the company of the wonderful people at Canyon Adventures. We ended the day with a trip to the Lone Mountain Ranch rodeo which never disappoints. Wednesday started out bright and early with the TF linking up with our guides from East Slope Outdoors on the Madison River for a day of fishing. Everyone caught fish and had a wonderful time, most found that when you are staring at a bobber, nothing else clouds your mind. We ended the day with a wonderful meal on Ennis Lake where we sat around a campfire and shared stories. Our last full day was filled with a hike to Lava Lake where some swam in the refreshing water while others sat in the sun and enjoyed the peacefulness of nature.
I cannot express the joy that I have when I see these patriots unwind, experience new adventures, and have meaningful conversations. Thank you to all the supporters of BSB for believing in the mission; it truly makes a difference.
Shane Kaliher
Task Force 151 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Shane Kaliher, Task Force Director
Ben Anderson, Assistant Task Force Director
Mark Renner
Patriots to Thank:
Canyon Adventures
Lone Mountain Ranch
The River’s Edge
Madison River Brewing
ANTHEM Snacks
Melissa Ferraro
Stone Glacier
FHF Gear
FlasKap
Graplrz
LMNT
onX
“Thank you. Thank you to Big Sky Bravery. Thank you to the TF151 volunteers.
Thank you to the patriot donors who care about the mostly forgotten service member.
I didn't know what to expect when I came out to Montana, but I do know that what I experienced is far from anything I thought I deserved.
Big Sky Bravery allowed me to see that strangers who have no idea who I am, what I have done, or where I come from care about the service member. That what we do for this country is not done thanklessly. I experienced some of the kindest caring people and in the most beautiful state that is truly the heart of this country. The level of gratitude and care TF 151 showed me will be with me forever.
I will be back to Montana, I will be in touch with Mark, Shane, and Ben, I will never forget the experiences shared, the trust gained, the lessons learned from three men that could have been home with their families but instead choose to spend a week with me reminding me how thankful patriots like them are of the active duty men and women that wear the nation’s colors on their sleeve. I still feel undeserving of the experience, but I am forever grateful to Big Sky Bravery and the impact it has and will continue to have in my future.
-J.”
“This was an opportunity that I’m glad I was given. I truly appreciate being afforded the chance to come out for this experience. It couldn’t have happened at a better time for me.
I almost did not attend as my father was in the final stages of his battle with cancer. I knew he would pass while I was out there. It was a difficult decision, but one that all of my family supported me to attend. While I was surrounded by people who didn’t really know me, their support during this time has provided the bedrock that I now support my family with.
I know that my time out there was well spent. Being able to do activities I did with my father while growing up was a way to pay tribute to him.
After 30 years in the military, with 20 of those in SOF, you never realize how important being able to go on a trip like this is.
Once again, thank you for providing me with this opportunity!
-J.”
“Arriving in Montana, the Big Sky Bravery volunteers were standing by with their sprinter van ready to receive us with open arms. From the get-go the BSB team was ready to launch us into a memorable, fulfilling, yet much needed relaxing week. The team thought of everything that we would need for next 5 days, not a single moment would I find myself wishing for something they didn’t already think of. There was never a moment of silence amongst the group. Great conversation, great food paired with the great views Big Sky Montana had to offer. Each day's events were fun and exciting, yet if that wasn't enough there was always an option for more. The week provided great memories with new friends and time to reflect on what is important in life.
I really cannot think of a better way for the men and women in my community to reflect and recharge. In fact, the day I got back to work I was told by multiple peers how refreshed I seemed.
I cannot thank Big Sky Bravery, the volunteers and donors enough for such a special week.
- A.”
“I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible experience you have made possible through your generous support of Big Sky Bravery.
The impact of your contribution is immeasurable and has touched the lives of many in profound ways.
Our daily lives are often a rollercoaster of emotions, making it challenging to maintain a balanced temperament. This can affect every aspect of our lives, from family and social interactions to our emotional and mental well-being. The opportunity to retreat to Montana and step away from the chaos, even for a short time, has been transformative. It has helped us down-regulate and return to our work with a renewed sense of resilience and tolerance.
The dedication and skill of the volunteers in orchestrating the week’s events and fostering meaningful conversations are truly remarkable.
Their efforts facilitate healing in ways that are difficult to comprehend until one experiences it firsthand.
Having traveled the world for the past 20 years, I can confidently say that Montana possesses unique healing properties that are unparalleled. Your support has allowed us to experience this magic, and I am incredibly thankful for your generosity.
Please know that your contributions are invaluable and will continue to benefit future teams. Thank you once again for your kindness and for believing in the mission of Big Sky Bravery.
-M.”
