TF157 | Spouses | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director
Leading the spouses of TF157 was both humbling and deeply meaningful. From the moment they arrived, I felt an unspoken understanding between us, born from shared experiences, silent strength, and the weight of loving someone who serves. Over the days together, I was able to have heartfelt one-on-one conversations with many of them. Walls began to lower, and the heaviness that so often follows this life started to lift.
In Montana, resentment and bitterness are left behind, and hearts are restored. I’ve now had the honor of leading six spouse programs, and it never ceases to move me. To be trusted with these women’s stories, their hearts, and their healing is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Watching them return home to their husbands and children, a fuller, lighter, more alive version of themselves, is one of the greatest joys of my life.
When you pull the spouses of our nation’s warfighters out of the shadows and into the spotlight - when you honor their sacrifices as much as their husbands’ - it restores the heart of the home. The ripple effect is immeasurable, touching not only their families but the entire Special Operations community.
To our donors, partners, staff, volunteers, and the local Montana community - thank you for believing in this mission and for investing in the hearts of our unseen warriors: the spouses.
With gratitude,
Allyson Keller
Task Force 157 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Allyson Keller, Task Force Director
Melissa Ferraro, Assistant Task Force Director
Louise Schelhammer
Liz Schwing
Patriots to Thank
Lone Mountain Ranch
Canyon Adventures
The Rivers Edge
ANTHEM Snacks
Explore Rentals
Melissa Ferraro
Stone Glacier
Rich Searle
FHF Gear
FlasKap
Graplrz
LMNT
onX
“My experience with Big Sky Bravery in Montana is one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
As a military spouse of more than 20 years, I have often felt forgotten and unacknowledged in the shadows of service, particularly with the unique demands and pace that come with Special Operations.
Before this trip, I was slipping into a level of bitterness I had never known before. This week pulled me out of that.
It restored something inside me that I wasn’t sure could be repaired: my belief in people, my faith in Americans acknowledging not only my husband’s sacrifice, but mine and our family’s as well, and that I am not alone in this journey.
The volunteers on my Task Force were nothing short of extraordinary. Each night’s conversations, the thoughtful questions, and the intimate, real moments we shared left a lasting imprint on me. Their selflessness, authenticity, and humor reminded me that genuine kindness still exists in this world. They made me feel seen, valued, and protected in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.
Every detail of this experience was intentional, thoughtful, and impactful. I am blown away by the kindness behind it all, the generosity of donors who make these trips possible, and the care put into ensuring we felt supported at every turn. This wasn’t just a trip for me; it was healing, perspective, laughter, and connection.
It was the gift of being acknowledged after decades of quietly enduring.
I leave Montana with a full heart, with new friends in my community, and forever friends through Big Sky Bravery. I feel called to give back and volunteer myself in the future, because I don’t believe there is another organization that compares to the heartbeat behind this one.
I am forever grateful to Big Sky Bravery for changing my life at exactly the time I needed it most. Thank you so much for the opportunity!'“
-TF157 Recipient
“Being a SOF spouse can be incredibly isolating. In many ways, we have to live separate lives from our husbands. They are away so frequently, and when they are home, it can be hard for them to assimilate back and be mentally and emotionally present. There are painful experiences that we go through alone, that we can’t always share with family and friends, or even with fellow spouses who we are stationed with.
When I had arrived at BSB, it had been at the tail-end of a particularly difficult year.
I had felt like I was drowning under the seemingly unending weight of sacrifices made for my husband’s job, with no end in sight, and I just needed some kind of life preserver to help me keep showing up for myself and my family. BSB was that for me.
I remember the first night, all of us sharing years of heartache that we’ve had to suffer through privately. Each time another woman would talk, I felt a deep resonance with her words and experiences. We all had some similarities in experiences, but had processed different parts; hearing words being put to feelings I’d experienced for so long, I could just feel my heart opening and glowing for the first time in so many years. I felt safe and seen; we could talk about these things without judgment, to a group of hearts who fully and completely understood. I didn't realize how badly I longed to feel held and seen in this way, until I was given the forum for it at BSB.
As SOF spouses, we are asked to provide an unending stream of strength, resilience, and perfection in support of our husbands' demanding careers. It’s no wonder with all these demands on our time, energy and hearts, that our sense of selves quietly slips away over the years.
Over the course of the week at BSB, we released years of pain, healed together, laughed together so hard that it hurt, bonded over the beauty and adventures of Big Sky, and began allowing our true selves to step into the light.
Ally and the volunteers are absolutely beautiful human beings who cared for us and created the space for us to heal together in ways that I’m still comprehending. As time continues to unfold post-TF157, I am seeing how I am much stronger, more patient, more understanding. I am showing up how I have wanted to, with more lightness and a more loving heart towards my family.
The weight feels less heavy because I am not alone.
I am forever grateful for this experience, the people who made this possible for me, and the sisterhood I am now a part of. I now have women I know can lean on when things get tough in this journey as a SOF spouse. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to BSB, the volunteers, and those who financially made this possible. You made this hope I had for deep healing a reality. My life is forever changed and I owe my deep gratitude to you.”
-TF157 Recipient
“After going through many deployments, raising my kids mostly on my own, and stepping away from my career to be there for my family, I found myself facing a deep sense of emptiness and bitterness that echoed in my heart.
This void was not merely a fleeting feeling; it was a complex tapestry woven from heartache, a significant shift in my identity, and an overwhelming sense of loneliness that had become a familiar companion. The bitterness and pain that accompanied this tumultuous period in my life were emotions I had long avoided confronting. Instead, I would often find myself suppressing those feelings, pushing them deep down within me, only for them to resurface at the most unexpected moments, reminding me of the unresolved turmoil I was carrying.
However, the opportunity to participate in Big Sky Bravery was nothing short of transformative. Surrounded by a remarkable group of volunteers and an incredible community of women,
I began to experience a profound sense of connection. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly seen and heard.
The warmth and encouragement from those around me created a safe space that allowed me to unpack my experiences and begin the process of healing. With each shared story and supportive word, I felt as though a heavy burden was gradually lifted from my shoulders, granting me the freedom to envision a future filled with possibility.
The gratitude I feel for the hope that Big Sky Bravery has instilled in me is beyond measure.
I am deeply appreciative of the love and unwavering support that was so freely offered by those involved in this initiative. The bonds I formed during this experience have blossomed into an incredible sisterhood, one that I know will endure throughout the years to come. This journey has not only been about healing; it has been about rediscovering my strength and resilience, and for that, I will forever be thankful.
With gratitude,
-TF157 Recipient”
“Dear Big Sky Bravery Team and Donors,
I wanted to extend my deepest and most heartfelt thanks for the incredible experience I had during the spouse retreat. From the moment I arrived, I felt seen, supported, and cared for in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.
Every detail — from having daily chores taken off my shoulders to the emotional space held so gently — allowed me to truly rest and focus on myself. That kind of opportunity is rare, and I know without a doubt that I couldn’t have given that gift to myself without this program.
What you’ve created is more than just a retreat. It’s a space for healing, connection, and renewal. I made lifelong friends, and
for the first time in a long time, I felt part of a community that truly understands.
There was deep, honest healing in that space — something I will carry with me forever.
I can’t fully express how life-changing this experience was.
Please know that your efforts have made a lasting impact not only on me but on the lives of the families who love and support our servicemembers. I am beyond grateful.
With love and gratitude,
-TF157 Recipient”
“It is so hard to even know where to begin when trying to express my gratitude to Big Sky Bravery for what they’ve provided not only for myself but to my entire family!
Our journey with BSB started many years ago when my husband had the opportunity to be a recipient. We had essentially hit a fork in the road for our relationship. When people mention rock bottom, you don’t even know you are there until things look so dark you do not know where to turn to. I would look at my husband who had become a shell of a being-I no longer knew him. When we were together (which was rare due to deployments, training cycles and whatever else was being mandated) and it felt like he looked right through me and didn’t see that I was also struggling to stay afloat. We didn’t talk much about emotions or our struggles, but we did spend a lot of time talking about where we saw our future going. For us, there was no future together if something didn’t change.
Now insert BSB at exactly the right time in our relationship when we needed support the most.
He came home from his Task Force happier, more relaxed, and open to talking about EVERYTHING in our relationship. We could start to envision a new future for us- together and happy once again! The light was back in his eyes and I felt like the man I married years ago was standing in front of me again.
I felt something I hadn’t in a long time - peace.
This is the same feeling I was able to take home from being a spouse recipient. The peace and serenity (with a lot of epic adventure!) that BSB Spouse TF is an experience unlike any other. You are uprooted from your day to day of being boo-boo kisser, errand runner, wife, teacher, nurse, chef, etc etc. and you are COMPLETELY taken care of from the moment you step off of the plane. The six of us wives on TF157 met together at the layover for our flight to Montana and we all just clicked. When we arrived in Bozeman, it felt complete when we joined with Ally, Weezie, Melissa and Liz. These volunteers made our time together unforgettable. We cried together, went down hard paths together and best of all: laughed together! To connect with other wives and the volunteer team through laughter may have been the best part. The questions of day allowed space for deeper thought on past experiences and also to reflect on where I am currently with my relationship with my husband, with my children and most importantly, myself.
I’m beyond grateful for what Big Sky Bravery has meant to our family. My children now have a mom and dad who are in sync and excited for the future together- this is the greatest gift I can imagine giving to them.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the donors, BSB team and all of the volunteers for all they do!
Forever grateful,
-TF157 Recipient”
“Big Sky Bravery knew exactly what I needed without me having a clue myself as a military spouse.
After I got home and was telling people about my amazing experience, people often said ‘Wow, the spouses are kind of forgotten with all the sacrifices they make.” So BSB is doing amazing things with their spouse program. I have never felt so appreciated and seen during my time with all the other amazing ladies. It was so nice to be surrounded by others who knew exactly what you felt and have gone through.
The volunteers of our Task Force are angels. From the homemade cookies, to the deep conversations to the belly laughs I never so quickly connected to all of them. The setting being in beautiful Montana, was just the cherry on top. I had never been before this Task Force and will certainly be back! The Task Force had perfect amounts of adventure and relaxation while being immersed in Montana's beauty.
I am so honored and thankful to be a recipient of BSB. The memories and friendships will last a lifetime, and that is priceless! Thank you so much to everyone involved with Big Sky Bravery!
-TF157 Recipient”
