TF169 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
Task Force 169 started out as many others do: A group of volunteers prepping for the week well in advance, getting the gear ready to go on the day of, and then going to the airport to pick up a group of men that start out as strangers. That is where the similarities ended for this unique Task Force.
As we watched these men descend the airport escalator, we saw smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes. After we got luggage loaded up and gear stowed, we set off for the wilds of Big Sky, Montana. The ride up through beautiful Gallatin Canyon is where the week’s theme really kicked off. Spirited conversation and jovial bantering started right away, and it seemed that everyone was very quickly at ease with one another. It was a truly enjoyable ride and would set the tone for a wonderful week.
Montana, like other states, has had a less-than-stellar winter with snowpack that is below average and temperatures above normal. Even with that, we rounded the corner on Lone Mountain Trail that gave us the first good and up-close view of our home mountain, and there was a collective gasp of exasperation. It was beautiful. Our new friends were taken aback at the majesty of it all and started talking about how much they wanted to be on the mountain, exploring the terrain.
And explore they did. By the end of the first day, thanks to expert instruction by Jim Mikulich of Big Sky Resort, all of us were making turns down blue runs in a controlled and enthusiastic manner. We skied from open to close and had an absolutely epic first day on the snow. Day two was a similar format, minus the instruction. The day started off with our whole team on one of the first chairs up the mountain. We took a leisurely first run to get warmed up, stopping a couple of times for photos and admiration of not just the mountain we were on, but the enormity of the Spanish Peaks that were so close we felt like we could almost touch them. Like the day before, we called it just prior to the mountain closing, reminiscent of the recess bell ringing to go back to class. But instead of hitting the social study books in class, we retired to our home for the week, where our “question of the night” spurred some introspection and deep conversations accompanied by a home-cooked meal and an evening of rest, rejuvenation, and reflection. One recipient made the comment about it being the “Perfect Day.”
But the rest came to an end the next morning as we departed for Buck Ridge on some snow machines, compliments of Canyon Adventures. Despite the snow not being as plentiful as we would like, our amazing backcountry guides found some untouched snow to truly test our capabilities. We carved, we climbed, we conquered. Then we ate, again courtesy of the Canyon Adventures mobile “food truck” pulled up the mountain behind a snowmobile. A big bonfire greeted us when we arrived, with smells from grilled burgers, hot dogs, and hot chocolate. By the end of the day, huge smiles complimented worn out muscles and a sense of accomplishment earned through hard work (likened to “wrestling a refrigerator”) and bountiful play.
We capped off our week of activities with a third and final day of skiing “bell to bell” at Big Sky Resort. By this time, all involved were accomplished skiers able to tackle much of the terrain that Lone Mountain had to offer. The Big Sky Bravery volunteers on this task force continually commented on the level of proficiency on the snow that each of the participants demonstrated and the speed with which they picked it up. It was a wonderfully active week from the moment we got on the snow. Truly a week to remember.
Special thanks to my fellow volunteers, Mike Hilbert, Kris Poirier, and Scott Alpard, for their dedication to making it a relaxing and memorable experience for our recipients, as well as their culinary expertise in the kitchen to make sure everyone ate well. Also to Canyon Adventures for their continued dedication to making sure the recipients have a wonderful time on the snowmobiles. To Big Sky Resort for their support of BSB. And especially to our wonderful, selfless donors who make Big Sky Bravery possible. Without them, we would not be able to offer the much-needed and deserved proactive support to the Special Operations Community.
V/R,
Ron Culver
Task Force 167 Director
Volunteers to thank
Ron Culver, Task Force Director
Kris Poirier, Assistant Task Force Director
Mike Hilbert
Scott Alpard
Patriots to Thank
Ascend Properties
Big Sky Resort
Canyon Adventures
Lone Mountain Ranch
Stone Glacier
Welcome Bag Patriots: Anthem, Darn Tough, Dermatone, FHF Gear, FlasKap, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX, & Wild Society Coffee
“Before this opportunity, If you would have asked me if just one week was enough to reframe my mindset and reset my focus, I would have been doubtful, but having just come back from a week well spent with BSB, my answer has definitely changed.
Like many members of the SOF community, I’ve experienced firsthand the slow drift of my hobbies being replaced by work and the requirements of the job, and less time being allocated to taking time for myself so that I can refill my tank and continue giving my best for those who depend on me.
I am immensely appreciative for the donors, the BSB staff and volunteers that make this whole program possible, with a special thanks to Ron, Kris, Mike, and Scott who were with us all week and gave not only their time and effort, but were also instrumental in engaging us in thought-provoking conversations that brought us all closer together during the week and helped us mentally reset, which was much needed for us all.”
-Task Force 167 Recipient
“I’ve wanted to attend BSB for quite a while, but have always prioritized time with my family or work over attendance. As I have grown older, I realize that it’s important to take time for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty glass. With this in mind, I threw my name in the hat and attended BSB after returning from my 12th deployment.
This was the reset I needed!
I felt the generosity of the people that donated and in turn felt their support for the work that I do overseas.
The outdoor activities of BSB focused my mind on the present, and the people, both volunteers and attendees alike, were able to discuss their experiences and reflect on personal growth.
It was with this reset that I returned to work rejuvenated and ready to tackle the next problem the nation sent my way.
Thanks to the BSB volunteers and the generous donations that made this past week in the mountains of Montana possible!
#Merica”
-Task Force 167 Recipient
“Through nearly two decades of active service, I can’t think of a more impactful week than my experience with BSB.
Our community is especially hesitant to take a knee, take a breath, or take a look inside. BSB has crafted a space and experience that allows for and encourages a tight-lipped community to open up and unload baggage they might not have been aware they were carrying.
Living through the GWOT generation, we have heard ‘Thank you for your service’ more times than I can remember. My time with BSB was the first time I have ever FELT that sentiment, which is a humbling and life-changing experience. To BSB staff, volunteers, and donors: you are changing and saving lives.”
-Task Force 167 Recipient
