TF162 | Spouses | Alpine Falls Ranch
A note from the Task Force Director
This week was filled with firsts for many of the incredible women who were recipients on this Task Force:
Their first time in Montana, first horseback ride, first float down a river, first time hearing elk bugle across the valley, and, for one woman, her first time away in ten years, even as her husband received a last-minute deployment.
These experiences weren’t just milestones; they were moments of renewal, connection, and healing.
I’m deeply grateful to have stood shoulder to shoulder with two remarkable volunteers who made this week possible.
Michelle, a BSB Alum and Veteran, volunteered her time to give back to the very community she’s part of. She rose long before dawn to pick up each spouse in her area and drive them to the airport. Some were hesitant to go, but with a little encouragement (and a few husbands wheeling bags to the car), they boarded that plane. And they were so glad they did.
Christina, volunteering on her first Task Force away from her own five children, began each morning before sunrise, brewing coffee, leading quiet walks with the women, and witnessing elk in rut under the pink Montana sky. Her gift of intentional conversation brought warmth and reflection to each day.
We are also profoundly thankful to Alpine Falls Ranch for hosting this group with such generosity and care. Their team went above and beyond, crafting an unforgettable Montana experience that showcased the best of the best.
And to the patriot and fellow military spouse who fully sponsored this retreat- your generosity made this possible for all seven women. You expressed a desire to remind them that their sacrifice matters. That this week wasn’t simply about being pampered, but about being seen, valued, and restored. You gave them a balm for their souls.
Throughout the week, these spouses poured out their hearts to one another. We laughed until we cried, formed deep bonds, and helped each other rediscover strength that had been quietly waiting beneath the surface.
One woman said it best:
“My peace has been restored, so that I can go bring peace to my home.”
This immensely special group of seven women are among the most beautiful, authentic souls I’ve had the honor of knowing. Their light, and the impact of this week, will continue to ripple far beyond Montana.
To every donor, volunteer, and partner who makes this possible- thank you.
You are not only changing lives; you are restoring hearts.
-Crystal Kramer
Task Force 162 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Crystal Kramer, Task Force Director
Christina Haggerty, Assistant Task Force Director
Michelle
Patriots to Thank
Alpine Falls Ranch
MK Arline
ANTHEM Snacks
Melissa Ferraro
Stone Glacier
Dermatome
FHF Gear
FlasKap
Graplrz
LMNT
onX
“‘Your friends will truly be compasses in a world where decisions may lead you astray. Keep your friends close.’
I tell this to my kids often because I want them to understand that when you’re too close to something, you can’t always see what’s really happening. You need people who can step back, see the big picture, and help you notice when something is off.
That’s exactly what BSB became for me.
As someone who proudly belongs to the ‘wildly independent and can’t ask for help’ club, I didn’t realize how much I needed this week until I was there.
Military wives and moms live in a world that requires strength, but it can also keep us from reaching out.
We run on survival mode, holding everything together while quietly forgetting what it feels like to laugh freely or take a deep breath without a checklist waiting.
Getting away from everyday life gave me space to see things clearly again. Surrounded by women who share similar challenges, I was reminded that connection isn’t weakness. It’s a reset. The week was full of laughter, quiet reflection, and moments that grounded me in the truth that we’re never as alone as we think. From the hikes where moments of silence felt sacred, to the conversations that peeled back layers of guarded strength, everything about it was healing.
When I arrived, I was excited and hopeful. When I left, I felt peaceful, fulfilled, calm, and ready to jump back into my life again.
The mission of BSB is to restore hope to those who remain fighting. During my task force week, hope didn’t come as a grand gesture. It came through small, meaningful moments like shared laughter, understanding tears, and the realization that others truly get it.
The week reminded me that what we do matters.
The life we live, the quiet sacrifices, the pushing through, the constant holding of space for big emotions matter.
Leaving BSB, I didn’t return the same me. I came home as a stronger, more grounded version of myself. I remembered that joy isn’t selfish and hope isn’t naive. They are absolutely necessary.
BSB helped me find my compass again, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.”
-TF162 Recipient
“I am deeply grateful to Big Sky Bravery for an unforgettable five days.
For the first time in my 16 years of marriage to a member of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community, I was truly able to rest, reset, and breathe.
The generosity of the donors and volunteers was overwhelming—humbling in the most profound way—and appreciated more than words can express. The most frequently heard word throughout the week, whether whispered or exclaimed, was simply: ‘Wow.’
After watching my husband, friends, and family members benefit from this program over the years, I had long anticipated the opportunity to attend a Task Force myself. I had heard countless stories of how the intentionality behind the experience—combined with the peace and beauty of Montana—has transformed, and in some cases saved, lives. I’ve witnessed operators and their spouses return home with renewed energy—not just for themselves, but also for their families and their marriages.
Stepping away from the daily demands of work, motherhood, and military family life gave me space to reconnect with myself in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. Years of stress and overwhelm began to lift. I also formed deep, lasting connections with nine incredible women—connections I truly hope will last a lifetime.
I arrived with just one goal: to decompress. What I didn’t expect was to leave with a renewed sense of identity, clarity, and a powerful reminder that the work I do—both inside and outside my home—truly matters.
I haven't laughed or cried this much in years. Whether sitting around a fire, horseback riding, hiking, or floating down a river, every moment was thoughtful and intentional. Every detail mattered—and it made all the difference.
Task Force 162 will forever be etched into my heart.
Thank you.”
-TF162 Recipient
“Words can hardly express the depth of my gratitude for this restorative experience with the Task Force in the beautiful state of Montana.
As a military spouse, life often feels like a constant cycle of holding it all together—juggling responsibilities, navigating uncertainty, and supporting our service members while putting our own needs on the back burner. This retreat was a rare and much-needed chance to step away from the daily grind and reconnect—with nature, with others who truly understand this lifestyle, and with myself.
What made this Task Force even more meaningful was the group of amazing women who attended, including the volunteers. Each person brought something unique and special to the experience. We drew strength from each other—sharing wisdom, laughter, vulnerability, and quiet support. The environment was a true safe space: one where we could speak openly, be heard without judgment, and know we were surrounded by people who genuinely understood. Though we came from different walks of life, we formed genuine connections in powerful and unexpected ways.
The sense of community, acceptance, and understanding was something truly rare and beautiful.
One of the most moving moments came at the end of our time together. We rode UTVs through the wilderness to a remote trailhead, then hiked together up to a peaceful pond nestled in the mountains. That experience felt like a metaphor for the week we had just shared. The path was quiet, reflective—each of us walking together, but also turning inward. When we reached the top, we stood in silence, surrounded by breathtaking beauty, simply taking in the stillness. It was a moment of peace—not just in the landscape, but in ourselves. After a week of personal growth, emotional work, and meaningful connection, we had reached a kind of summit—individually and together.
Surrounded by Montana’s stunning landscapes, I found space to breathe, reflect, and heal. It was more than just a getaway—it was a reset for my mind, body, and soul.
To Big Sky Bravery: thank you. The opportunity wasn’t just a vacation —it created a life-giving experience that I will carry with me for a long time.
You gave us the gift of restoration, and for that, I am deeply thankful.”
-TF162 Recipient
“Crystal, Christina, and Michelle were truly a dream team. This week was a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. It was amazing to feel so well cared for. Going from being the constant caregiver to receiving it was such a needed reprieve. Spending a week getting to know other wives going through the same things and being able to say so many things that most people don’t experience or understand out loud was something I didn’t realize I needed.
This week has revived me to a place where I feel like I can go home and be a better mom and wife.
I’ll forever be grateful for the amazing sponsors who made this week possible. It was incredible in every way.”
-TF162 Recipient
“My time with Big Sky Bravery was nothing short of transformative. Being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Montana allowed me to truly unwind, let go of daily stresses, and open myself to everything this incredible organization has to offer.
From the very beginning, I felt a sense of peace and belonging that I hadn’t felt in a long time, like I could finally take a deep breath and just be.
Throughout the week, we were treated to an amazing lineup of activities that perfectly balanced relaxation and adventure with a spa day, hiking, hot springs, horseback riding, and even UTV riding. Each experience brought its own sense of calm, excitement, and connection. It wasn’t just about the activities themselves, but about the healing that came with them—the laughter, the quiet moments of reflection, and the opportunity to rediscover joy in the simplest things.
What truly made my experience unforgettable, however, were the women I met. The friendships I formed with other military wives became something far deeper than I ever expected. We bonded over shared experiences, stories, and challenges that so often go unspoken.
Knowing that this journey isn’t as lonely as it sometimes feels gave me immense comfort and strength.
Crystal, Michelle, and Christina went above and beyond to ensure we were not only cared for but seen and heard. They created a safe, nurturing space where we could have real, vulnerable conversations about the hardships that come with military life, without judgment, just support. Their compassion made it possible for all of us to open up, heal, and grow together.
By the end of Task Force 162,
I left feeling lighter, stronger, and more connected than ever before.
Big Sky Bravery gave me more than a week in Montana; it gave me perspective, lifelong friendships, and a true support system that I will always cherish. I am deeply grateful to have been a part of this experience and to have these amazing women in my corner.”
-TF162 Recipient
“My week with Big Sky Bravery in the Montana air has impacted me tremendously. Between building connections with women who have or are experiencing similar life challenges, all the new adventures that were had, the many, many laughs, and the incredible volunteers who made the week seamless so I did not have to do or think of day-to-day tasks, and could enjoy life to the fullest, it was what I needed to reconnect with myself. It was the reminder I needed to take time for myself and adventure, and not get lost in the daily schedule.
I left Montana with a full cup, feeling ready and capable to pour into my people.
Thank you, Big Sky Bravery! I will forever cherish this week!”
-TF162 Recipient
“This week with Big Sky Bravery has changed my life. The week started off with meeting incredible women and then ended with teary goodbyes from people who became lifelong friends.
Every activity was the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and pure joy — from horseback rides and sunrise hikes to watch elk, to laughing in the hot tub, floating down the river, and soaking in the fall colors all around us. I’ll never forget the sweet animals we got to pet and feed each day. I feel extremely honored and blessed to be part of something so special.
Montana’s beauty and the outdoors were the perfect backdrop for deep conversations, inspiring words, and igniting hope within myself.
From my heart,
-TF162 Recipient”
