TF153 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
Many recaps of Big Sky Bravery Task Forces have a similar theme: amazing week, good people, stunning Montana scenery. Tast Force 153 was no different in any of those ways. What set TF153 apart in my mind was the overwhelming efficiency and thoroughness of the BSB mission: decompression and camaraderie. We started our week out with my fellow volunteers (Kris Poirier and Mike Hilbert) picking up three of the five recipients from the airport on Monday after learning that two of them were dealing with delayed flights. These three men showed up with smiles on their faces and spoke of stunning views as they made their final descent into the Bozeman area. It took about 30 seconds to recognize that these gentlemen were respectful, humble, and very excited to start their week. We loaded up and made the short drive back to BSB headquarters, where they had the opportunity to meet many of the staff and explore what was available to them in “the bay,” where all the gear was waiting for them. Once they got the lay of the land, we headed over to Rivers Edge, where the staff, like always, was extremely helpful with getting fishing licenses, gear, and the most recent fishing report. A big thanks to them for their support of Big Sky Bravery and the appreciation they show to those we serve. The first evening provided a great chance to get to know the guys and get them settled into the accommodation in Beehive Basin, where we’d be calling for the next six days.
Tuesday morning started early as we left the comforts of Big Sky to meet our fishing guide team on the upper Madison River, and thankfully, the two remaining travelers who arrived just in time to complete our TF group. When these two showed up at the parking lot, I was surprised to learn that they knew a couple of the other recipients, which made the “getting to know you” stage pass almost instantaneously. It was clear these two fit in perfectly with the rest of the group, making it an even better start to the day. When we hit the river, we had some overcast skies with a not-so-promising forecast. Fortunately, the fishing Gods smiled upon us, and we had a fantastic day on the river, thanks in part to our awesome guides. We caught fish, heckled our friends in other boats, had a great sack lunch on the shores of the mighty Madison, and made it to within 15 minutes of our pull-out spot before the weather rolled in. It was one of the better days on the river that I can recall in the recent past.
That evening, we enjoyed some home-cooked, old-world Italian meatballs and red sauce, courtesy of Melissa Ferraro. It’s always been a big hit, and this was no different. With full bellies, we retreated to the deck and sat around the outdoor fire to take part in “the question of the night.” The deep and meaningful conversation this spurred was nothing short of fantastic. I don’t recall a group of men that were willing to open up with so much “real talk” this early in the week. I gained an insight into the truly incredible nature of these heroes, whom I was happy to call my friends. Among other things, they spoke of the enjoyment of the outdoors, the impressive Montana mountain landscapes, and the joy of hikes. This was great to hear, given the next day’s activity….
Wednesday morning was cool, a little foggy, and perfect for a trip to Canyon Adventures for a little fun on side-by-sides. After the team got us loaded up in our adventure buggies, we took off up Buck Ridge for about 17 miles of back-country driving, where we had to keep stopping to take in the views only Big Sky can offer. Once we reached the end of our planned drive, we set off on foot to hike the famed “BSB Ridge.” And boy did we hike. Over the course of a few hours, we covered 3.2 miles and just over 1000 feet of vertical ascent to spend an hour or so at the top of Big Sky, where a well-earned rest was taken. Despite the fog, the views were incredible.
Once we returned to civilization, we headed to Lone Mountain Ranch for unmatched hospitality from the LMR staff, who provided appetizers in the Auric Room and a dinner fit for Kings at Horn & Cantle. Just when I thought that no one could eat anymore, the dessert arrived…completing the last ingredient to the impending food comas.
Thursday brought another hike to Lava Lake, where we swam in the cool waters of a high mountain lake and took in yet another breathtaking view. We snagged a few huckleberries on the way up, kept cool on a hot summer day thanks to a couple of mountain stream dunkings, and enjoyed the hike through the woods. That, in and of itself, would have made for a great day, but we topped it off with a trip to watch the Big Sky Professional Bull Riders show in the Meadow that evening. It was so much fun watching the guys take in the show. It was the first for many of them.
Friday was spent learning lake and river fishing. We learned of the subtle differences in fly fishing on a lake from what they learned on Tuesday during the river float. Once we had it figured out, we retreated to the Gallatin River to a secluded spot that was free of road noise and all but a few people. Some fish were caught, but I think the best part was just relaxing to the sounds of the cool river waters rushing by our legs while we found the peace and serenity of fishing Montana rivers.
Not a moment passed during the week that didn’t reinforce the aforementioned notion of decompression and camaraderie. The men who joined the volunteer group continually made mention of the relaxing nature of the program and the kinship that was formed very quickly and very deeply. The volunteer staff came away from the week with five new friends that none of us can imagine not having in our lives going forward. These connections and opportunities to spend relaxing days with them are something we will never forget.
Ron Culver
Task Force 153 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Ron Culver, Task Force Director
Kris Poirier, Assistant Task Force Director
Mike Hilbert
Patriots to Thank:
Lone Mountain Ranch
Canyon Adventures
East Slope Fishing Guides
The Rivers Edge
Madison River Brewing
Explore Rentals
ANTHEM Snacks
Barbara Poirier
Melissa Ferraro
Stone Glacier
FHF Gear
FlasKap
Graplrz
LMNT
onX
“When I got back to work after BSB I was asked what I thought about it and what the next guys need to know about it.
I told them and would tell anyone that BSB helps you feel appreciated. It helps you understand what sacrifice means.
It gave me hope, joy, and happiness knowing that although some people won’t understand the what, they sure as hell know the why and are damn proud of military service.
I am thankful for my time at BSB with like-minded individuals who got to fellowship and take a load off in reflection of storied careers. I look forward to being involved in BSB in the future. I will gladly volunteer my time to give back to this organization, and it has rejuvenated me and given back to me.
Thanks guys!
-J.”
“After two decades of staying focused on the job, I hadn’t really taken time to reflect or reset. This week gave me that chance—and it made a massive impact on my well-being.
The volunteers who led the BSB TF gave their time, energy, and perspective in a way that was truly selfless. They were just genuinely committed to creating a meaningful experience for all of us. Their example stood out in a big way and was inspiring on its own.
Personally, I saw how powerful it can be when experienced professionals drop the walls for a bit and focus on growing—not just as professionals, but as people.
My BSB TF experience gave me a healthier perspective on my role—both in and out of uniform
—and helped me think through what life might look like when my time serving in uniform comes to a close.
I’m truly grateful I had the opportunity to be part of a BSB TF, and it will be a memory from which to build on and continue to grow personally and professionally.
-S.”
"It's hard to explain how refreshed I feel after spending a week experiencing our beautiful country with the awesome folks of Big Sky Bravery (BSB).
Although I expected to have a great time, I didn't expect to feel the renewed connection to the country I love and have served for almost 20 years.
I feel like the real difference about this trip was that BSB leveraged the beautiful, rugged terrain and patriotic townsfolk in a manner that helped high-tempo guys relax without the pressure of highly structured, rigid decompression programs. The folks of BSB are fun and interesting people and made me feel welcome without precondition or stipulation. It was like meeting friends of friends who ended up becoming my friends too, and then we hung out fly fishing, hiking, driving side by sides, swimming in alpine lakes, eating great food, and more! Even though I may never meet many of the folks whose generosity made this incredible experience possible, I hope they know they sent me back to my family better than before, and that I will always be thankful to them.
Thank you!
-S.”
"My experience at Big Sky Bravery exceeded all expectations.
To the donors who give of their means to ensure a program like this exists, your donations have made an indelible impression on my life.
It is amazing what a week in the great outdoors of Montana can do for the soul, especially with the addition of the great volunteers who make the TF run.
I know that I am in a better mental and emotional space as I return to my unit and put my rucksack back on.
I feel like I have a better understanding of what pure charity is thanks to your donations. To the volunteers of Big Sky Bravery, you all are heroes to me. To give so freely of your time, your patience, your understanding, and your love, blew me away. Your willingness to share your personal experiences and feelings during our nightly conversations made it easy for me to be more open and share my feelings and worries in life. Those discussions went deeper than I expected and ended up being one of the major highlights of my trip. It isn't easy for me to connect with people on that level, and you all made it not only easy, but uplifting. I will look back on this trip with great gratitude and memories while I look forward to continuing to build on new friendships and visiting again in the future.
-B"
“I’ll be honest, I was skeptical.
I’ve done deployments, I have seen the best and worst of humanity, and I have learned how to armor up emotionally without realizing it.
So, when I first heard of Big Sky Bravery, I assumed it was another well-meaning gesture that lacked the ability to mute the never-ending hyper-vigilance in my mind or turn off the over-activated switch in my head. What caught me off guard was the genuine appreciation I received. It was hard to believe the volunteers truly wanted to get to know me and dedicate their valuable time to help me enjoy the experience.
The volunteers, donors, and Big Sky Bravery crew expressed an authentic gratitude that was immediately disarming. Every detail was intentional, every handshake firm, and every conversation was an invitation to breathe some relief.
In a world that often moves too fast to acknowledge the service of others, Big Sky Bravery thoughtfully plans every moment to honor our warriors. It reminded me of why I put the uniform on in the first place.
By the end of the week, something had cracked open.
I left Montana not just decompressed, but renewed in my motivation to serve. I felt pride in this great nation and cherished these wonderful human beings I spent the week with. They gave me perspective, brotherhood, and some healing I needed. I created lifelong friends.
I am walking away with a recalibrated sense of self. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
Big Sky Bravery is truly unique. Thank you, BSB.
-D.”
