TF161 | Spouses | Crazy Mountain Ranch
A Note From the Task Force Director
I love airports, especially when it is Task Force (TF) pickup day! Our team was so excited to welcome TF 161 SOF spouses and guide them through a transformational Big Sky Bravery week. Six enthusiastic, smiling, and chatting ladies arrived together, having already met in an Atlanta lounge.
Our first job, secure proper gear. Stops at BSB HQ, Murdoch’s and Rivers Edge fulfilled the list. What fun it was to see the gals in Murdoch’s make the ever so important cowgirl hat selection.
Geared up and filled with an adventurous spirit we began our road trip to Crazy Mountain Ranch (CMR) in Clyde Park, Montana. CMR was our stage for the week. The 18,000 magnificent acres at CMR epitomizes the spirit of Montana. It is a place to unwind, to have fun, connect to the historic old west, and savor nature.
After receiving a warm welcome from the CMR staff, we loaded the Can-Ams and drove 9 miles off road to our homestead, Rendezvous Cabin. Appropriately named, it would be our gathering, sharing, and relaxing place for the week.
Calamity Jane was the theme for first day activities. It was designed for a full speed, full immersion experience. In the spirit of a frontierswoman, we zip lined, shot skeet, and rode horses. We enjoyed a delicious dinner in the Saloon followed by dessert watching sunset at the lake pavilion. Invigorated, the ladies rallied for an evening of line dancing lessons.
Overnight the rain washed away the smokey skies of Montana unveiling the powerful blue big sky country. A perfect backdrop for hike day. Over the course of 7hours 36 min 44 seconds, 2808ft elevation gain, and 11.85 miles, the ladies would all successfully navigate the climb to Rock Lake. The laughs and chatter ebbed and flowed, but the overall determination to push on and reach Rock Lake was a stronger motivator than relenting to fatigue. The incredible restorative power of breathlessness, sore feet, sore body, and best friends were felt by all.
On the second day, the weather again blessed this group as we fished the Yellowstone River on a windless blue sky day! Guides from East Slope Outfitters expertly instructed and guided all the boats to successfully catch lots of fish. Yes, there were endless “big” fish stories that were shared over a delicious steak dinner in the Saloon at CMR.
Finally, recovery day! With coffee in hand, we began the road trip to Yellowstone Park. The drive through Paradise Valley at times left the van speechless, ladies just staring out the window reflecting on nothing and everything all at the same time. Our first stop was admiring the Roosevelt Arch then on to Mammoth Hot Springs. After a short stroll around the geothermal area, we returned to Gardiner. In true local form, elk and bison burgers were consumed by all finished with a huckleberry shake. Sage Lodge was our afternoon destination. The outdoor hot tubs, sauna, and massages at Sage Lodge Spa were just what TF 161 ladies physically and mentally needed. A gourmet meal at Sage Lodge Grill overlooking Paradise Valley created a stunning back drop to share more stories, laughs and love.
My team was so proud of these ladies who all had the courage to show up despite the fear of not knowing what to expect and the anxiety of leaving children for the first time. Most could not remember the last time they did something for themselves. The joy of watching these ladies thrive at new activities was heartwarming. Beware the ladies all have long shopping lists when they return home that include shot guns, can-am, horses, cowgirl boots, and fishing rods.
I am grateful to Geri and Laura for expertly assisting and guiding all actions in support of TF 161. They were incredible and I could not have done this without them. We are very thankful for the donors whose support allowed 6 women this positive and lasting journey. TF 161 left Montana refreshed, reinvigorated, appreciated, and loved.
Ennea Dailey
Task Force 161 Director
Volunteers to Thank:
Ennea Dailey, Task Force Director
Geri Siudzinski, Assistant Task Force Director
Laura Kauffman
Patriots to Thank:
Crazy Mountain Ranch
ANTHEM Snacks
Melissa Ferraro
Stone Glacier
Dermatome
FHF Gear
FlasKap
Graplrz
LMNT
onX
“After reflecting on my week at Crazy Mountain Ranch, I can truly say it was a life changing experience. I didn’t know what to expect and really had no intention going into the week.
What I took away from this experience has changed my attitude and outlook on who I am and how I want to live my life going forward.
I met the most amazing women who are just like me. We love our families to the core but we’ve lost a part of ourselves along the way. We tried new things, laughed, and let our guards down. I am so inspired by the passion and grit these women posses and I’m so proud to now call them all my friends.
I can’t thank Big Sky Bravery enough for this incredible experience. I was able to just be me and not worry about anything else. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and did some of the coolest things.
There are really no words to describe what you have done for me.
I feel so fulfilled and grateful to be a part of this amazing organization and I seriously cannot thank you all enough.”
-TF161 Recipient
“My experience at the spouse retreat in Montana was phenomenal! I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the donors, volunteers and BSB. This opportunity was exactly what I needed to let go and focus on myself for a full week.
The setting was stunning, and every day was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. It gave me the opportunity to clear my head and laugh with the wonderful women I was surrounded by. Skeet shooting and fly fishing were a blast and something I never thought I’d get to do. But the food!—it was plentiful and every meal was delicious.
What really made this retreat special was the time spent with other spouses and volunteers. We were able to laugh and share stories, which made me feel understood and connected. Ennea, Geri and Laura did an amazing job of creating a judgement free environment which allowed me to be more open and vulnerable, while they listened and made connections through similar experiences. I am so grateful for the connections I made while there; we came together as strangers and left as friends.
This retreat was more than just a vacation; it was a chance to recharge and remember the importance of taking care of ourselves.
I left feeling renewed, re-energized, and incredibly grateful for the experience.
Thank you Ennea, Geri, Laura and BSB for an unforgettable week! The adventures of that week will always hold a special place on my heart.
I will be forever grateful for your generosity.”
-TF161 Recipient
“This Task Force kicked my butt in the best way. It challenged me to try so many new things and threw all expectations out the window.
Being a stay at home mom, my life revolves around everyone else’s schedule and it was nice to have a break from that responsibility and focus on my interests for a change.
Keeping busy was a struggle at first but it was the best thing for me. The key was to unplug and enjoy everything Montana has to offer. Before the trip I most looked forward to going on a hike and riding a horse and taking in all the beautiful views. Although those activities were breathtaking, I was pleasantly surprised to find out I have a new found love for fly fishing and skeet shooting! Something I can now do with my husband. We are always looking for hobbies and fun activities to do together and now I know that not only can I do them, but actually enjoy doing those activities together for years to come! Thank you BSB for the opportunity to learn a bit more about myself and all of your hospitality has been very much appreciated.”
-TF161 Recipient
“I recently had the incredible opportunity to spend a week in Montana thanks to Big Sky Bravery and their donors. Alongside 5 other SOF spouses I had never met before, I found myself in a remote cabin surrounded by beautiful landscapes and a sense of peace I hadn’t realized I was missing.
The week was packed with so many memorable adventures: zip lining through the trees, skeet shooting, horseback riding, learning to fly fish on the Yellowstone (and being able to brag about catching more than my husband did), pushing myself further than I knew I could on our hike to a beautiful mountain top lake and even some line dancing! We were also treated to incredible meals and even a spa day, all of which left me feeling pampered and extremely seen.
Beyond all the amazing activities was the opportunity to spend time with a group of women who truly understand what my life is like.
We shared stories, found a lot of similarities, had many laughs and a little time for self reflection. All of this while being pampered and doted on like none of us has ever been before. As someone used to handling everything all the time, it was difficult to settle in to being taken care of at the start of the week but was a wonderful experience.
My time in Montana thanks to Big Sky Bravery reminded me how important it is to take time for myself, recharge and heal.
I am incredibly grateful to Big Sky Bravery and its donors for the opportunity of this experience. It wasn’t just a vacation, but a truly memorable gift that I will never forget.”
-TF161 Recipient
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to take part in a Big Sky Bravery spouse Task Force. It was an unforgettable week and an incredible gift, with every detail thoughtfully taken care of, all in the most beautiful setting. From learning new skills, to pushing myself beyond what I thought I could do, each moment stretched me in the best way.
The women I had the privilege of sharing this experience with were inspiring in their own unique ways, and I am grateful to know them.
Being able to connect with others who truly understand the challenges of this military life made me feel connected and encouraged from the very beginning.
The leaders of our Task Force were incredibly kind, encouraging, and selfless -- they made us feel seen and valued. Saying goodbye to them at the end of the week felt like saying goodbye to family.
I am deeply grateful to Big Sky Bravery for investing in us and for honoring not only our service members, but also the families who stand beside them.
I left this trip with not only amazing memories of adventures that took me out of my comfort zone, but also with renewed confidence, perspective, and friendships. Thank you!”
-TF161 Recipient
