TF170 | Spouses | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
It was an honor to serve as the Task Force Director for this amazing group of military spouses. We spent five unforgettable days in the beautiful mountains of Montana. What began as a group of strangers quickly became something much more meaningful.
From learning to ski to racing across snowy trails on snowmobiles, every day brought new adventure and new connections. For some, this week was about trying something completely new — clicking into skis for the very first time, navigating mountain terrain, or stepping outside of comfort zones in ways that felt both intimidating and empowering. Fears were faced head-on, and confidence grew with every small victory.
For others, it was an opportunity to sharpen and challenge skills they already had. Growth showed up in many forms: in courage, in perseverance, and in the willingness to stretch beyond what felt familiar.
Between the laughter on chairlifts, shared stories over warm meals, and quiet moments taking in Montana’s breathtaking winter beauty, walls came down, and bonds were built. Military spouses carry so much strength, resilience, and grace — often behind the scenes. This week was about honoring that strength, creating space to recharge, and reminding one another that none of us walks this journey alone.
By the end of the week, the strangers we met on day one had become friends we won’t soon forget. We left with tired legs, full hearts, and a renewed sense of community — grateful for the bravery it takes to try, to grow, to conquer fears, and to support one another along the way.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the generous donors who stand behind these Task Forces and make this experience possible. Because of your support, we are able to give these remarkable women a week in Montana that they will carry with them long after they return home. Simply put, none of this happens without you. Your generosity turns vision into reality for our military spouses, and we are endlessly thankful.
To my incredible volunteers — Kristen Carlson, Heather Boyce, and Emily — thank you for showing up with such heart, dedication, and strength. Your steady support and willingness to serve made all the difference. I truly could not have done this without you.
And to our recipients — thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you this week and for placing your trust in Big Sky Bravery. Your resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit are powerful reflections of who you are. It was an honor to share this time together. Each of you will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am deeply grateful for the memories we created under the Montana sky.
Kristi McCain
Task Force 170 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Kristi McCain, Task Force Director
Kristen Carlson, Assistant Task Force Director
Heather Boyce
Emily
Patriots to Thank
Big Sky Resort
Canyon Adventures
Stone Glacier
Yellowstone Club
Welcome Bag Patriots: Anthem, Darn Tough, Dermatone, FHF Gear, FlasKap, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX, & Wild Society Coffee
“Big Sky Bravery gave me the opportunity to spend time with the most incredible women under the most amazing circumstances. My trip was a reminder of how important it is to feel part of a community.
Big Sky Bravery provides support in a way that matters and has real impact.
I am grateful and honored to have been a part of my TF. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am forever changed by the connections I made.
Thank you! “
-Task Force 170 Recipient
“To all the Big Sky Bravery Team,
I cannot thank you enough for the truly amazing generosity shown throughout my week. And, equally, for the opportunity to simply step away, to set down the load we carry, to breathe, to pause and reflect.
As a spouse and busy mom, it can be difficult to get that time away to rest and restore, or to find the time to challenge yourself in new adventures. The week with my Task Force did all the above, and more. Being surrounded by strong, smart and hilarious women who understand, and were vulnerable enough to share both the blessings and the burdens that come with being an active duty military family, provided me so many moments of reflection and new perspective.
Sharing both tears and laughter, pushing ourselves outside comfort zones both physically and emotionally, was so restorative, full of thought, and full of heart. It was an absolute blessing.
I am beyond grateful for all Big Sky Bravery does to put these Task Forces together, and for the wonderful ladies who guided us through the week, caring for every detail of the trip and showing such compassion and encouragement throughout.
As a military spouse, to be a part of this, to feel so appreciated and cared for meant so much; words cannot express. Just as photos don’t do justice to the spectacular scenery of Big Sky, words cannot convey my gratitude.”
-Task Force 170 Recipient
“Attending Big Sky Bravery was more than just a week away in the mountains for me, it was an experience that truly filled my soul.
The first interactions were greeted with genuine warmth and care that you could feel instantly. The entire week was planned so thoughtfully.
It was clear we were not just recipients. We were valued, seen, and deeply appreciated.
As a special operator’s wife, that feeling means more than I can put into words.
I think what impacted me the most was the deep conversations we had together. There is something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by other women who understand your life. The sacrifices, the strength and the quiet burdens we often carry.
This retreat reminded me that I’m not alone. It reminded me that being understood by others is something so powerful. Not only did I leave feeling incredibly refreshed emotionally and spiritually, but I also left with nine other women that I can confidently call my true friends.
This will forever be a core memory in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Big Sky Bravery.”
-Task Force 170 Recipient
“My time with BSB exceeded every expectation. From the minute I arrived, the BSB team created a welcoming and nurturing space. They created space for me to breathe, recharge, and reconnect with myself and others. It was truly an unforgettable experience, one that I will forever be grateful for.
I am walking away from this beautiful experience with a new outlook on life and relationships.
I was reminded of how strong we are as individuals and as a family unit. My time with BSB also gifted me an amazing support system that I am lucky to have. A reminder that we always have someone somewhere. We are not alone; we are seen and supported. Thank you, Big Sky Bravery!”
-Task Force 170 Recipient
“I said yes to Big Sky Bravery, not knowing what I was walking into. My husband called me one day and said, ‘Do you want to go skiing in Montana?’ And I immediately said ‘yes!’ never mind that I had never been on skis in my life or even heard of Big Sky Bravery. But this was so much more than a ski trip, from the moment I arrived I felt kindness, camaraderie, and excitement.
I’m a homeschool mom, and the last few months, between op tempo and life in general, have left me feeling overextended and snippy. Though, as I think about it, it’s been a culmination of the last 15 years as a military spouse, half of which have been in the special operations community, and includes 7 moves and countless trips and deployments.
When I was a teenager I was fearless, full speed ahead. But being a military spouse I have naturally fallen into a support role, for my husband and my children, holding down the fort and watching rather than doing. During this week with BSB I got a little of my own back, I was granted the opportunity to learn a new skill from excellent ski instructors and be filled with joy as I experienced snowmobiling for the first time, which is where I found that fearlessness again. The encouragement I received from all the volunteers was incredible; they were constantly cheering me on and helping me to accomplish the goals I set for myself. I cannot begin to describe the excitement I felt every day as we embarked on a new adventure.
Emily, Heather, Kristen, and Kristi cared for us spouses in such intentional ways. I didn’t make a plan or even clear a dish while I was there and, while a bit strange at first, that was so freeing. I had time to think and truly relax for the first time in years. Our evening discussion questions were thought provoking and everyone listened and genuinely cared about each answer.
This experience was once in a lifetime and I will never forget it, I’m so incredibly grateful that I was invited to participate. Thank y’all so much!”
-Task Force 170 Recipient
“I had heard great things about the Big Sky Bravery retreats, but I was still completely blown away by the quality of the experience and the care I received this week. It truly had it all: spectacular scenery, a luxurious resort, delicious food, fun activities, new experiences that challenged us, relaxing moments, magical places, deeply moving conversations—and above all, new friends who understand the unique challenges of being a SOF wife.
Raising a large family through back-to-back deployments and TDYs has been taxing for both my husband and me, and it has taken a toll on our mental health. For me, that meant feeling completely depleted and like I didn’t matter.
Big Sky Bravery made me feel more valued and appreciated than anything else in our 18-year military career.
The volunteers went above and beyond to ensure we felt special, safe, and truly loved.
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and want to thank everyone who helped make it possible—especially the donors. Your support means more than I can put into words. I will carry the memories from this retreat with me for a lifetime. I’m coming home lighter, happier, and deeply renewed, and that is an incredible gift.
Thank you all!”
-Task Force 170 Recipient
