TF172 | Spouses | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
We could not have asked for a more perfect week in Big Sky for Task Force 172. Surrounded by the beauty of Lone Peak, we welcomed five incredible spouses for a week none of us will ever forget.
The mountains greeted us with a mix of snow flurries and warm bluebird days. Most of the women had skied before, but for many it had been years. During our first two days on the mountain, we were fortunate to be guided by Jim Mikulich, whose patience and encouragement helped everyone rebuild their confidence. We started with the basics and by the end were confidently skiing runs together. Jim also treated us to an unforgettable tour of the mountain, including a ride to the top of Lone Peak.
Another highlight of the week was our day snowmobiling in Taylor’s Fork with Canyon Adventures. It was an incredible opportunity to experience the backcountry and see Big Sky from a completely different perspective. We shared lunch and hot chocolate around a bonfire, laughed with our guides, and created memories that will stay with us for years. There were a few mishaps along the way, but these women embodied bravery by getting back on their sleds and finishing the ride strong. The day ended with smiles, laughter, and even a spontaneous dance-off in the snow.
At the beginning of the week, we were strangers. I remember telling the group on our first night that by the end of the week, we would be deeply connected, sharing inside jokes and forming lasting friendships. Many looked at me with disbelief. Yet by the time we said goodbye at the airport, there were tears in our eyes and hugs that were hard to let go.
Each of these women showed extraordinary courage simply by coming. They traveled across the country, not knowing exactly what to expect, leaving families behind. One of the women left her baby at home to join the trip, a decision that takes tremendous courage for any mother. Throughout the week, she remained determined and returned home not only with new friendships and confidence but also with a cooler full of milk for her baby. A quiet but powerful example of a mother’s strength and dedication.
Many of the women shared that their spouses had participated in their own Task Forces and encouraged them to take this opportunity. Hearing how meaningful those experiences were inspired them to say yes to the journey. It also gave our volunteers a strong sense of purpose to create a week just as meaningful, and together, I believe we rose to that challenge.
This week would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our incredible partners:
Big Sky Resort
Lone Mountain Ranch
Canyon Adventures
And of course, our amazing volunteers and donors who believe in the mission of Big Sky Bravery.
Because of you, these remarkable women experienced adventure, connection, and encouragement that will stay with them long after the mountains fade from view. They left Big Sky with not only unforgettable memories, but also renewed confidence, connection, and strength.
Thank you for making this life-changing experience possible.
With gratitude,
Emily Hanson
Task Force 172 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Emily Hanson, Task Force Director
BJ O’Hare, Assistant Task Force Director
Tara Hines
Liv Grubaugh
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
“As a military spouse, life is often defined by sacrifice, resilience, and quietly holding everything together while our soldier is gone. For 18 years, my focus has been on supporting my family and navigating the unique challenges that come with military life, often without taking time to care for myself.
My week with the Big Sky Bravery Spouse Program was truly humbling and life-changing. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, supported, and cared for in a way that allowed me to fully relax and be present, something that doesn’t come easily after years of putting others first.
The experience gave me the rare gift of rest, connection, and renewal.
Every activity was thoughtfully planned, and the peaceful setting made it possible to slow down and rediscover joy in simple moments. I left feeling refreshed, stronger, and deeply grateful for the opportunity.
What made the experience especially meaningful were the incredible volunteers. Their kindness, patience, and genuine compassion were evident in everything they did. They gave their time and energy selflessly, always making sure each participant felt valued and supported. It was clear that their hearts were fully invested in making this experience special for all of us.
I am so thankful for the Big Sky Bravery Spouse Program and everyone who makes it possible.
This week was more than just a getaway; it was a reminder that care, community, and generosity still exist in powerful ways.
I will carry the memories and the impact of this experience with me for a long time.”
-TF172 Recipient
“My experience with Big Sky Bravery was truly life-changing. As a military spouse, I am accustomed to being the steady presence - the supporter, organizer, and quiet strength behind the scenes. I didn’t fully realize how much I had been carrying until I was given the space to pause, reflect, and simply be supported myself.
Every part of the experience was intentional and restorative. We spent our days skiing and snowmobiling through the breathtaking winter landscapes of Montana, embracing both adventure and laughter. We enjoyed relaxing massages that allowed our bodies and minds to finally exhale. Evenings were filled with wonderful dinners and heartfelt conversations that lingered long after the plates were cleared.
What impacted me the most, however, were the friendships formed with the other spouses.
In a world where military life can often feel isolating, I found myself surrounded by women who understood without explanation—who grasped the weight of deployments, transitions, and the constant balancing act we navigate. There was comfort in shared stories, strength in vulnerability, and healing in being truly seen.
The bonds we built in such a short time felt deep, authentic, and lasting.
Somewhere between the adventure and the quiet conversations, my perspective shifted. I began to see my role not only as one of resilience and service but also as one deserving of care, growth, and fulfillment. Emily, Liv, Tara, and BJ listened to our stories without judgment and created a space where comfort and inclusion were the highest priorities. Their compassion allowed me to open up, heal, and realize that I’m not alone in the life of a military spouse.
I left with a renewed mindset and a rejuvenated spirit. I felt lighter, stronger, and more grounded in who I am—not just as a military spouse, but as an individual.
Big Sky Bravery provided more than an unforgettable experience; it offered restoration, lifelong friendships, and a powerful reminder that we do not walk this journey alone.”
-TF172 Recipient
“Leading up to the trip to Big Sky, I felt so nervous to be the one to leave our three young children for the first time since our oldest was born almost seven years ago. With the unpredictable military training, short-notice trips, and then deployments, I always felt the need to be the consistent presence for our kids, which I am so grateful I get to do, but at the same time am equally grateful for my husband realizing how amazing of an opportunity this was and encouraging me to go. And boy did I need it.
From the moment we got off the plane in Bozeman, Emily, Liv, BJ, and Tara were compassionate, understanding, fun, encouraging, generous, kind, and just all-around good people to lead our group of recipients.
Walking into the warehouse at Big Sky Bravery and meeting the team was truly so humbling. As spouses, we usually don’t receive a lot of recognition- nor do we need it, but from the minute we walked in, I felt this immense amount of pride and gratitude. I found myself tearing up as I walked around meeting the people, looking at the team flags, photos and memorabilia and just talking to good Americans who are so eager to support, recognize, give back and appreciate the sacrifices made by the special operations communities. I truly have never felt more appreciated than this week being with all of you.
Not to mention, was pushed out of my comfort zone physically, mentally and emotionally in ways I did not even recognize I needed. From re-learning how to ski, having the chance to be on a snowmobile (and meet wonderful Ed), to sharing our individual stories and hearing the strength of the other women, made the adventurous side of me emerge, which has gone unknowingly suppressed for some time because of the wonderful demands of motherhood and other aspects of life.
I left Montana feeling revitalized, appreciated, heard, and seen, and also so proud of the other recipients and THEIR sacrifices each and every day.
I think we all learned valuable life lessons and left with new, better versions of ourselves. Thank you does not seem to do it justice for the life-changing memories and support Big Sky Bravery has shown my husband, myself, and our community. Truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering generosity and the absolute trip of a lifetime.”
-TF172 Recipient
“I didn't know what to expect prior to heading out to Montana. Once I spoke to Emily, my anxieties were put to rest, and I knew I'd be in great hands. She had a natural, calming, and supportive presence that served as a constant reassurance for me throughout my entire trip.
As the wives of service members, we're often the ones managing our homes, families, meals and activities. For the first time since marriage, I didn't have to manage a single thing.
At first, I felt out of my element letting others handle all the logistics of our day-to-day; I quickly realized I could sit back and let my guard down because Emily, BJ, Tara and Liv would take care of me. These ladies are absolutely amazing. I have never seen four women interact so fluidly and selflessly and to think it was all for the benefit of five women they were meeting for the first time. They listened, shared stories, asked thought-provoking questions, cheered us on as we learned new skills, and reminded us to pause and take in the beauty of Big Sky. Most importantly, they created a safe space that allowed for insightful reflection.
Each person we met along the way showed a genuine interest in us and in giving us the appropriate space to decompress. It was a little overwhelming to realize that everyone was going to go above and beyond for us. I can't pretend to imagine how much work goes on behind the scenes, but I am certain each employee, volunteer, and donor wanted us to have an amazing week and put forth a great amount of effort to ensure we did. Upon returning home, my husband and I shared a new sense of connection, which has been fueled by meeting so many of the same contributors at BSB headquarters and on our snowmobile and ski excursions.
I finally understood the "it factor" that BSB possesses that simply cannot be explained, only experienced.
This week was full of reminders that we are amazing women with capabilities beyond what we immediately recognize.
We are not just living in the shadows of our husbands' careers.
To be surrounded by eight other women that continue to show up, enjoy life, and rise after a fall has been indescribably inspiring. Each of the volunteers and the recipients on my task force have taught me many lessons that I will carry with me through life. They helped me find ‘carefree me’ again!
To say this experience has been life-changing is a gross understatement. It has changed my perspective on the world and the people in it.
It has allowed me to refocus on aligning my actions with my intentions for how I want to show up in this world, particularly how I want to show up for my family. The past week was a reminder that our mental health and time to reflect and decompress are absolutely necessary to my family's long-term well-being. Quite simply, BSB has changed me.
With tears of gratitude,
-TF172 Recipient”
“To Big Sky Bravery, its donors, my fellow amazing recipients, and my incredibly giving, inspiring, strong team of volunteers, Emily, BJ, Tara, and Liv, thank you from the very bottom of my heart. Words could never express my gratitude for this opportunity and the outpouring of agape love this team showered upon us. My time in Montana was exhilarating, breathtaking, restful, adventurous, challenging, awe-inspiring and emotional, all wrapped into a week of truly unforgettable memories.
From the moment we landed in Bozeman, we were met with the welcoming, smiling faces of our incredible volunteer team, calming our nerves with their easy presence. The week far exceeded any expectations I had. The setting in beautiful Big Sky, Montana, could not have been more perfect – just taking in the view around me was a spiritual experience.
The adventure breathed new life into me – restoring my energy and passion for life and leaving such a deeply profound impact on me.
I challenged myself to try new things, to fall and get back up, and to take those stories and lessons back to my kids and husband in hopes that they see their mom and wife as someone who welcomes adventure and doesn’t quit when things get hard.
I went back home with such gratitude – to BSB, to my husband, whose enduring sacrifice made this opportunity possible for me, and to the volunteers and donors who really see the sacrifices our families make on behalf of our country and freedom.
I was blown away from start to finish. BSB, its donors and volunteers are the embodiment of selflessness. They cared for us in the most meaningful ways, providing outlets for adventure, for connection, and for respite from the challenges we face holding down the home front. After being the recipient of such selfless generosity, I’ve been inspired to find ways that I can be of service to others – a cycle I know Big Sky Bravery will continue to inspire with their mission. Thank you, BSB!”
-TF172 Recipient
