TF163 | Big Sky, MT
A note From The Task Force Director.
What could be better than kicking off 2026 surrounded by the best volunteer team in the world (determined by an anonymous four-person vote), a stellar group of the world’s finest operators, and winter in Montana?! Every Task Force is a gift, and 163 continued the long tradition of fast-forming brotherhood, life-long memories, and the rare chance to unplug.
Blessed with fresh daily snow, this crew put in work. South side runs into Shedhorn Grill, North side tree runs, and the novice of the bunch, adapting so fast to instruction that he finished the week in Liberty Bowl. Bell-to-bell laughter, a dusting of smack talk, and the gift of putting down the weight and just experiencing joy. What an amazing week of candid reflection, decompression, and appreciation for each other.
To the staff and donors of BSB, thanks for continuing to share the load in a world where so much is taken for granted. Deeds, not words.
First There,
Jon Gilbert
TF163 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Jon Gilbert, Task Force Director
Jake Olsen, Assistant Task Force Director
Alex Ford
Connor Stine
Patriots to Thank
Ascend Properties
Big Sky Resort
Canyon Adventures
Lone Mountain Ranch
Madison River Brewing
Stone Glacier
Welcome Bag Patriots: Anthem, Darn Tough, Dermatone, FHF Gear, FlasKap, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX, & Wild Society Coffee
“The easiest way to describe my winter Task Force with Big Sky Bravery is that it’s a breath of fresh air, combined with a much-needed mental offload.
Every day in my job, I am surrounded by constant noise, stressors, and expectations. These don’t stop when I get home either. Anyone with a family in this community will tell you these obligations are only multiplied exponentially when you’re off duty. BSB and the physical environment in Montana offer a complete disconnect from this constant flow of responsibilities, and it’s great to be surrounded by fellow operators dealing with the same battles.
The best part is seeing everyone else let their guard down and let the program take over.
For me, being able to reconnect with my passion for snowboarding in some of the best alpine conditions in the world was amazing as well. The volunteers allow all this to happen and do a great job of getting everyone to communicate, so learning and true relaxation can take place. I am really looking forward to taking advantage of the family program as soon as possible, to allow my wife and two boys to experience the benefits of this area and all the Big Sky Bravery has to offer. Thanks again for all that this non-profit does for members and families in the SOF community.”
-Active-Duty SOF Recipient
“Background. As a serving member, I have witnessed firsthand the mental and emotional toll this life can take - often manifesting very differently from operator to operator. When I was invited to join the program at Big Sky Bravery, I was initially unsure what to expect. Having recently felt like I’d been running hot and approaching a bit of a crossroads in life, I was keen to accept the opportunity to attend TF163. I was already aware that BSB has an excellent reputation for supporting service personnel, but I didn’t anticipate just how deeply the week would resonate with me.
Feeling. The overwhelming feeling I took away from the week was one of genuine gratitude and appreciation for what BSB is doing. Mental health is often something that gets buried and left unchecked until major issues surface. In recent years, I’ve noticed a cultural shift within my own unit toward addressing personal issues - albeit slowly. I left Montana feeling as though I had experienced a significant leap forward in how we should be breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. In particular, the small peer group of individuals with similar backgrounds proved key in creating the conditions for open, honest discussion.
Impact. I am deeply grateful for the sense of inclusion and understanding. There was no attempt to “fix” me or rush any outcomes; rather, the focus was on space, understanding, and a genuine sense of brotherhood. I believe that what is not said can sometimes be just as meaningful, especially in the right environment. I also came away with increased respect for the other geezers who attended. Outside of long nights in a shady bar somewhere in the Middle East until sun-up, I have never bonded with members of other units in such an open and frank manner before.
Moving Forward. I will move forward with renewed positivity - head up, gun up. I will also actively champion BSB and the volunteers I have met, whose commitment and authenticity made this experience what it was. Thank you.”
-Active-Duty SOF Recipient
“As a father, husband, and combat veteran from the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every person who made this opportunity possible. Since 2002, I have dedicated my life to serving our country.
Though unnoticed at the start of my career, in retrospect all of these actions have a cost.
Until my week at Big Sky Bravery, I have truly never shed enough of my self-imposed and organizational responsibilities to take a moment to assess and categorize these ‘costs.’ The environment that was crafted during our Task Force (163) by our Volunteers and Recipients provided the perfect conditions to foster productive conversations that could only exist within our community. The camaraderie and vulnerability of both the Volunteers and Recipients allowed for a truthful introspection of my own baggage that I have been allowing to occupy precious bandwidth in my life. These effects have manifested in a myriad of non-positive interactions through ‘normal’ life. The ‘question of the day’ portion of the week will forever have a positive impact on my relationships with my kids, wife, and family. I also gained valuable insight and techniques that will have second-order effects within our unit. The entire week was crafted to allow for these conversations, and I do not think one could exist without the other. The diversity of different ‘vetted’ SOF recipients allowed for the perfect mix to be trusted yet vulnerable enough to share and contribute to the ‘hard conversations.’
I will forever be grateful and in debt to your organization and the volunteers that made this possible.’
-Active-Duty SOF Recipient
“My experience with Big Sky Bravery was truly life-changing.
The week was thoughtfully crafted in a way that made every moment feel like a genuine gift.
I walked away with new friendships that I know I will be seeing again next time in Montana, and I pushed myself further than I imagined - especially when I conquered a black diamond ski slope after professional lessons. Every detail of the program reflects how deeply the team cares about giving back to us, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories they created. I can’t say thank you enough to BSB!”
-Active-Duty SOF Recipient
“Over the last several years, I’ve been gone from home quite a bit. During that time, a lot of the hobbies and passions I had dropped off, and the only real focus came from doing the job. Coming back from trips like that, it’s hard to find the same adrenaline as when you’re gone, and not having a healthy outlet or replacement is oftentimes not great for my mental health.
Big Sky Bravery not only provided a healthy outlet for the adrenaline, reinvigoration of lost hobbies, but also an amazing group of dudes and volunteers with whom to share the experience of the trip, and also the job experiences that keep you up at night.
I am extremely grateful for the experience, and I only wish that more guys from my community who are going through some things will have the same experience. Thank you!”
-Active-Duty SOF Recipient
