TF171 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
BSB Supporters-
As many of you may know, this winter has been significantly warmer and drier than usual, making the conditions for our typical winter activities challenging. Luckily, there was snow in the forecast for our first day, and that forecast delivered 8” of fresh snow overnight and throughout Monday. To say the excitement was high, not only for our group, but for every skier on the mountain, was an understatement. The turns were smooth, the falls were soft, and the ‘whoops’ of people enjoying themselves could be heard all over the mountain.
Day 1 was followed by a day of charging hard all over the mountain, including two trips to the top of Lone Peak via the new tram on Day 2. 21,000 vertical feet and over 23 miles of skiing were accomplished on Tuesday. Day 3 was, of course, the infamous snowmobiling day, and our guides at Canyon Adventures, Mark and Trae, who are also BSB volunteers, did not disappoint. As always, Mark found us the deepest and softest powder around, and our group spent the entire day carving, jumping, and of course, getting stuck (a lot).
We had incredible meals at Horn & Cantle, Peaks Chophouse, and River House BBQ. The lodging was top-notch and provided a great setting for conversations around a wood-burning stove and an inviting hot tub. The incredible men we welcomed to Montana are some of this nation’s finest and most elite operators.
Through our proven strategy of pushing the limits during the day and opening up for sincere conversation at night, I know these men felt the love, respect, and gratitude that each person associated with Big Sky Bravery hopes they feel. With active tenures of 18, 21, and 22 years in Special Operations, these men had been burning the candle at both ends for over 6 decades combined. This program hit the spot at the exact right time, and the reset button was definitely hit. Stress was replaced with moments of joy and excitement.
Friendships and bonds were built throughout the week, and I’m confident that TF 171 can say, ‘Mission Accomplished’ for the goals of our week. BSB is not just a week-long commitment but a lifelong connection. Thanks to the generosity of continued donations, Big Sky Bravery now has alumni, spouse, and family TF’s that each of these men can come back to take advantage of for themselves, their children, and their spouses. Your financial contributions, combined with the time and effort of the volunteers and BSB staff, are making a direct impact on the lives of this nation's most deserving men and women.
Sincerely,
Austin McPherson
Task Force 171 Director
Volunteers to thank
Austin McPherson, Task Force Director
Braxton Flaming
TJ Ryles
Patriots to thank
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
“When I arrived at BSB, I had been through a lot in recent years, I had done a lot of soul searching. I had a huge injury in 2022 and experienced immense loss 6 months prior to taking the trip.
I knew what was coming as this wasn’t my first BSB TF. So when I got the opportunity to go again, I jumped at it without a moment’s notice. I did so because I knew how much better the TF would make me feel; in that moment, I knew it was exactly what I needed.
Spending the week with the most incredible soldiers, whose organisations I admire, was immensely inspiring. Hearing these men open up about their own experiences and to be able to share mine was truly rewarding. It’s not easy being open with people you’ve just met, especially as a soldier. But the environment that BSB creates makes you feel comfortable and confident to be able to share and answer some big questions.
Being around the incredible volunteers during the TF and staff at the BSB headquarters was one of the most fulfilling experiences. It’s extremely humbling seeing them take time away from their own lives and families to give us the time of day. Time is the most precious thing we can give, and for them to give us their time is truly special; I could not be more grateful. And to the people who donate to BSB so generously, I thank you!
I heard so many times that what we do is incredible and matters. It does, but what BSB is doing really matters! I never joined the military to receive recognition, but the TF made me feel that what we do is appreciated. It makes me immensely proud to have served in the military and helped to keep these people and their families safe and secure.
How do I feel now as I write this? I feel refreshed, fulfilled, and mentally prepared to continue my life and career in a better position. The acid test for any experience is when you ask yourself if you would do it again. I can honestly say that I would do it again in a heartbeat. I couldn’t recommend a BSB TF more, and I will ensure to convey that message to my colleagues whenever I can.
Kind regards,”
-TF171 Recipient
“I have been aware of BSB for a few years now. I have sent individuals within my unit to attend. Each time I pushed the opportunity off with an excuse that I didn’t have availability in the schedule or another guy needed it more. In an effort to understand what we were sending guys to attend, I took the opportunity.
The communication with the volunteers at BSB was great. A week prior to the start of the course, they made sure all questions were answered and all equipment was taken care of. They were super flexible with a last minute change in my schedule due to work requirements.
As the course kicked off, they were great about making sure the TF Members understood the intent and purpose of the program. It is not within our nature to step aside and let the logistics and required tasks be handled by someone else. The ability to spend time resetting physical and mental friction points while backside set up is handled was appreciated so much. I can’t say thank you enough to all the effort of BsB and the volunteers for cultivating such an incredible few days to take time to decompress.
The quality of individuals I was surrounded with was inspiring. I felt extremely lucky to have volunteers who were extremely successful in their own lives yet humble in every way they interacted with the TF members. The TF members were great. It was great to hear of their experiences and perspectives throughout the week together.
I return to my unit with the experience to pass on to teammates. I have perspective of how helpful a week at BSB can be for individuals who have been at this job for some time and what it can do for their families. I appreciate so much the effort to look after the wives and families of TF members as well. They truly bear most of the weight and stress from the experiences throughout a career.
BSB TF week will be a week that can help stabilize a career that has been through some years of wear and tear. Will do the same thing for you mind and body. Thank you so much and thank you for looking after the families.”
-TF171 Recipient
“I recently had the privilege of attending a weeklong Task Force with Big Sky Bravery, and it’s hard to put into words what the experience meant to me.
I’ve served in Special Operations for 21 years. For most of that time, my focus has been on the mission and my family. Taking care of others has always come first. This was the first time in a long time that someone told me to slow down and focus on myself, and then actually made that possible.
Our group was small and intimate: two other SOF operators and three volunteers. The volunteers didn’t come from a military background, and I think that made the conversations even more meaningful. They brought different perspectives, asked honest questions, and created space for real discussion. There was no pressure to perform or pretend. Just open dialogue, trust, and time to reflect. Being around other men who understand the weight of long-term service, while also hearing insight from people outside that world, helped me see things differently.
During the week, I skied and snowmobiled in the Montana backcountry. The setting alone was serene and powerful. The wide-open skies and mountains gave me room to breathe in a way I haven’t felt in years. Skiing and snowmobiling weren’t just fun activities; they were outlets. They helped me release stress I didn’t fully realize I was still carrying. Like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders.
Over the course of the week, I felt myself mentally reset. I was able to confront some of the struggles that 20 years of service can leave behind. For the first time in a long time, I felt genuinely cared for and supported without needing to give something in return. That’s not a feeling many of us in this community are used to.
I’m leaving with a renewed focus on taking care of myself. For years, I’ve poured everything into the mission and my family, often at my own expense. This experience reminded me that investing in my own health — mentally and physically — isn’t selfish. It makes me stronger. By taking better care of myself, I’ll be able to give a better version of me to my family and continue serving the military at a higher level.
None of this would be possible without the donors and sponsors who believe in what Big Sky Bravery is doing. Their generosity creates the space for operators like me to step away, reset, and return home better than we left. What may seem like a week in the mountains is, in reality, a lasting investment in families, teams, and the force as a whole.
I left Montana refreshed in both mind and body, with a clearer outlook on life and stronger bonds with the men I shared the experience with. What I gained during that week will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
