TF158 | Female SOF | Big Sky, MT
Civilians and Warriors,
It is with such honor that I have the chance to write this recap of a week spent in the backcountry of Montana with five of the most elite women SOF members. Each woman embodied the very core of what it means to be female, to be free, to be a fighter, a team member, an individual, and to be brave and vulnerable all at the same time. It’s always fun to witness the transformation from strangers to “forever bonded” within days. It starts with the awkward hugs and greetings on day one, and ends with tears and long embraces by the end. These women have been peeled away from their units, their families, spouses, and familiarity and thrown into a giant VRBO with strangers…and yet, Big Sky Bravery provides the framework, the resources, and the volunteers to set the stage for an unforgettable week and long-lasting friendships.
It’s not only an honor, I feel it’s a responsibility. For me, it’s my duty to love and support the women fighting for our country, for our freedom, and for the young generations behind us. It’s my job as a volunteer and a citizen of this country to show hope and light when things feel overwhelmingly dark.
Although quiet and reserved on night one, this group slowly started to open up with such authenticity and trust. Small bonds were made in the kitchen, on the back patio, on the couches, or over the dinner table. The laughter started to seep in and the pain and the shields started to fall away - each day becoming funnier and funnier. Each night we went a little deeper and got to know what was behind each beautiful smile of these 5 women. We heard about heartache, chaos, grief, and celebration. They shared their hopes and dreams as women, as moms, as wives, and as warriors.
We had so many highlights, but let’s just say that our hike to Beehive Basin that ended in all 9 of us doing downward dog against the backdrop of the mountains was what we will never forget. We are all actors in the greatest movie of all “DOWNWARD DAWGS”. And all proceeds of this great motion picture will go to an organization that has an acronym too long to type, but each recipient knows exactly where this was created and the laughter we heard when coming up with it. Side by sides NEVER disappoint, especially the one giant puddle at the end. We also felt like we were on a Montana wildlife safari - we had a visit from mama bear and 2 cubs at the VRBO, moose on the way home from Ennis, fox, deer, bald eagles, and of course lots of trout. Montana showed its true colors and made it unforgettable- many of which had never been to this great state!
Lastly, I couldn’t have made it through the week without the best TF volunteer crew out there! These active duty task forces require volunteers who have also served, and for this, I am forever grateful for Bobbi Gilbert and Shay Edmonson. They bring a perspective only someone who has served can bring. And last but not least, thank you to the one and only Jenn Alpard, who brought laughter, levity and the biggest heart to the table, every single night.
I get to live in the best country on the planet and volunteer for the best organization serving active duty SOF members and their families. I will always give more than I take.
With honor,
Robin White
Task Force 158 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Robin White, Task Force Director
Bobbi Gilbert, Assistant Task Force Director
Shay Edmonson
Jenn Alpard
Patriots to Thank
Ascend Properties
Canyon Adventures
Lone Mountain Ranch
Madison River Brewing
ANTHEM Snacks
Melissa Ferraro
Stone Glacier
FHF Gear
FlasKap
Graplrz
LMNT
onX
“BSB came at a time when I truly needed a reset, and it brought a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long while.
Surrounded by Montana skies, I was able to breathe deeply and feel grounded again. Sharing my experience with other strong, accomplished women was the most meaningful part of BSB. I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships that were formed and the genuine connections that continue weeks later.
For me, BSB was more than just a getaway; it was an opportunity to be part of something uplifting and real.”
-TF158 Recipient
“Big Sky Bravery gave me things I didn’t know I needed: time to recharge both physically and mentally, the opportunity to reconnect, and the ability to reset.
Stepping away from high operational tempo to connect with others who understood the unique challenges of active duty special operations built camaraderie and reminded me of the importance of balance and community.
I left feeling connected, recharged, and ready for the rest of my journey.”
-TF158 Recipient
“It took me some time to truly understand how this week impacted my life. The words are not hard to find, but trying to explain it to someone else is difficult. How do you put meaning into text? I can only offer this: I left for Big Sky Bravery, feeling like a stranger, I didn’t know who I was. I had a life-altering experience at the beginning of the year. The volunteers and recipients I spent time with in Montana are one of a kind, caring humans who did not judge me. I cried, I laughed, and I had meaningful conversations. I was allowed time to process my trauma and was given heartfelt advice. I was encouraged to work through my problems. Most importantly, this experience allowed me space in my life to come to terms with who I am again.
I am not the same, but for the first time since November 2024, I feel like I am going to be okay and there’s a path forward for me.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Big Sky Bravery.”
-TF158 Recipient
“For the first time in my 25-year career, I didn’t feel like a member of an unspoken and invisible special operations sub-community who has to contend with unique dilemmas in my role as a mother, partner, leader, and technical expert.
For one week, I had the space and peace to crossload weight with my sisters and build bonds with a new support network I will rely on and support for years to come.
Thank you, Big Sky Bravery, for this amazing gift. There are so many more women warriors and their families who can benefit from Big Sky Bravery.”
-TF158 Recipient
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity BSB offered me and my dedication to serve our great Nation. Their tailored and very intentional program provided me an opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, connect with other women, and most impactfully, connect with myself again.
I saw myself in the women of BSB TF 158 and I found myself in the mountains and trails of Montana.
The connections I made and the growth I experienced rejuvenated my path to continue serving, which I knew my heart wanted but my spirit needed some respite in order to CM. Thank you, BSB, for your generosity and love. I am forever grateful.”
-TF158 Recipient
