TF173 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
Loyal Supporters,
Big Sky Bravery Task Force 173 is complete. We were once again reminded that no matter the variables—conditions, logistics, or the unexpected—the program delivers exactly what it is intended to. The environment provided both challenge and space, setting the conditions for a week that proved meaningful on every level.
Recreational decompression was undoubtedly a notable product of the program; however, the conversations around the dinner table and living room fireplace once again proved paramount in defining our time together. After 173 iterations, our programs continue to evolve and improve, while remaining firmly grounded in the mission that started it all.
Throughout the week, participants were afforded the opportunity to immerse themselves in remarkable terrain under quintessential Montana conditions. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and hospitality extended to our recipients, allowing them to experience a truly special place in a way that encouraged presence, reflection, and connection.
We laud our partners for their enduring support, which consistently extends well beyond the equipment they provide. We also need to recognize the individuals whose time, expertise, professionalism, and affability ensured each day unfolded safely and smoothly.
As you’ll glean from the forthcoming testimonials, this group embodied trust and brotherhood. Each day brought physical challenge and intentional decompression, paired with genuine, open, and humbling conversations that continue to encapsulate the essence of Big Sky Bravery’s mission.
To the participants, their families, and loved ones: thank you for sacrificing your time and relinquishing your preconceptions. “May you all truly understand your worth!” It was an honor to spend the week with you, and I know more awaits around the bend.
To the volunteers, their families and loved ones, and my family, thank you for your continued commitment and dedication to selflessly “Give more than you take.” That gratitude also extends to Echomav/The Honor Foundation, Keller Williams of Montana, and Opportunity Bank, who empower and allow their employees to serve a greater cause.
V/R,
Dustin Barber
Task Force 173 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Dustin Barber, Task Force Director
Mitch Hanson, Assistant Task Force Director
Marshall Suetterlin
Patriots to Thank
Canyon Adventures
Lone Mountain Ranch
Stone Glacier
Yellowstone Club
Welcome Bag Patriots: Anthem, Darn Tough, Dermatone, FHF Gear, FlasKap, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX, & Wild Society Coffee
“The Big Sky Bravery trip was an incredible experience that provided us with the opportunity to reconnect, challenge ourselves, and build meaningful camaraderie through outdoor adventure and shared experiences. From the moment the trip began, it was clear that a tremendous amount of planning and generosity went into making the event possible.
One of the highlights of the trip was the snowboarding at the Yellowstone Club. The mountain provided world-class terrain and conditions that allowed participants of all skill levels to enjoy the experience. Being on the mountain was both exhilarating and freeing. For many of us, it was an opportunity to push ourselves physically while also enjoying the breathtaking scenery that Montana has to offer.
The snowmobile excursion was another unforgettable part of the trip. All the guides were fantastic and ready and willing to push us to our limits. Riding through the Montana backcountry provided a unique sense of adventure and allowed participants to explore an incredible landscape that many of us had never experienced before. The combination of speed, open terrain, and stunning views made this one of the most memorable activities of the entire trip.
The group dinners were equally meaningful. Each evening gave everyone the opportunity to relax, reflect on the day, and spend time connecting with one another. The conversations, laughter, and shared stories during these meals strengthened the sense of camaraderie among the group. These moments were just as impactful as the activities themselves because they reminded us of the strong bonds that exist within the veteran community.
Spending time at the Yellowstone Club was an extraordinary experience. The hospitality and facilities were truly world-class, and the opportunity to visit such a unique location is something many of us would not otherwise have the chance to experience. The generosity and welcoming environment made everyone feel appreciated and valued.
The Airbnb accommodations were excellent and played a significant role in the success of the trip. Having a comfortable and welcoming place where the group could gather outside of scheduled activities allowed everyone to unwind, share stories, and continue building relationships. The shared space helped create an atmosphere that felt both relaxed and supportive.
Overall, the Big Sky Bravery trip was an outstanding experience that combined adventure, camaraderie, and generosity in a way that had a meaningful impact on everyone who participated.
Opportunities like this provide veterans with more than just recreation—they provide connection, support, and a reminder that their service is recognized and appreciated.
The effort and generosity that made this trip possible did not go unnoticed. Experiences like this leave a lasting impression and serve as a powerful reminder that there are individuals and organizations who truly care about supporting veterans. The Big Sky Bravery trip will be remembered as an incredible experience that brought people together and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Thanks,
-TF173 Recipient”
“The retreat was extremely well put together, starting with the initial email exchanges. You guys were very accommodating by booking us on the same flight and flexible to some of the last-minute changes to the flights. Meeting at the airport and going straight to lunch was great because it helped break the ice and gave everyone a chance to go over the schedule in a relaxed setting. The house was more than perfect for the group. The large common areas made it easy for everyone to gather in one place for conversations without feeling cramped. The food situation all week was incredible as well. There were always snacks and food available at the house, especially helpful for grabbing something before heading out to ski or snowmobile. On top of that, the restaurants we went to were outstanding. I can honestly say I’ve never eaten that much great food consistently for an entire week, and those dinners led to a lot of good and meaningful conversations.
Another big highlight was the people who made the trip happen. Dustin, Mitch, and Marshall, you guys were outstanding hosts, guides, and friends throughout the entire experience. From the moment we arrived until you dropped us off at the airport, you made sure every detail was taken care of and that everyone felt comfortable. Even now, it still feels like I could reach out to you and know I wouldn’t be a burden. You guys did a great job helping guide and instruct us while skiing and snowmobiling, and were also great conversationalists who understood when someone wanted to talk and when someone just needed some quiet time. The nightly questions were another strong part of the program; they were thought-provoking and pushed me to reflect on things I don’t normally think about. I also really appreciated the touches of tradition, like getting to talk with people who have been part of this from the beginning, like Ed from snowmobiling. I actually remember meeting Ed about eight years ago, the first time I was there. Overall, the program seems to be on a great path, and I'm personally walking away feeling much better about myself and looking forward to coming back soon. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it and look forward to hopefully bringing my family out to experience it someday.”
-TF173 Recipient
OVERVIEW
The Big Sky Bravery winter program was, in every meaningful sense, world-class — from the people who ran it to the terrain it was built around. This AAR captures what went right, what must be sustained, and what the week meant to me personally. It is written with deep gratitude for every individual who made it possible.
EXECUTION: WORLD-CLASS ACROSS THE BOARD
The program executed at a standard that is rarely achieved in any environment — military or civilian. The team's professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine investment in the participants was evident from day one. Every evolution was deliberate, every logistical touchpoint was seamless, and it showed. This reflects months of hard work from a team that truly cares about the mission.
The outdoor programming was exceptional:
Skiing and snowboarding — outstanding. The terrain, the conditions, and the instruction gave participants an experience they will carry with them long after they leave the mountains.
Snowmobiling — phenomenal. This was the highlight of the program for me. The raw freedom of moving through that terrain at speed is something that cannot be replicated. It was exactly what the week needed.
EVENING PROGRAM: THE HEART OF THE WEEK
If the daytime activities fed the body and the spirit, the evenings fed something deeper.
Mitch, Dustin, and Marshall created something rare — a space for genuine reflection and grounding. In an environment where most men are conditioned to suppress, push through, and move on, they built a deliberate moment each evening to slow down, think, and simply be still.
That is not easy to accomplish with a room full of SOF operators. And yet it happened, night after night.
I cannot overstate the value of what these three men did. They brought authenticity, vulnerability, and a quiet professionalism that set exactly the right tone. The evening sessions were not supplementary — they were essential. They were the connective tissue that elevated a great outdoor trip into a genuinely transformative experience.
This element must be sustained. It is, without question, the defining differentiator of the BSB program.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: WHAT THIS WEEK MEANT
I came into this week with a full plate. Transitioning out of a 25-year military career, standing up The Commando Initiative, and building two other ventures — PCW Consulting and the Global Initiative Group — the weight of that kind of change has a way of following you, even into the mountains.
This week gave me something I did not fully realize I needed: space. Space to breathe. Space to reflect on what I have been, what I am becoming, and why I am doing what I am doing.
BSB reminded me — at a visceral level — why restorative outdoor experiences matter for this community. It is not recreation. It is recalibration. It is the kind of reset that allows men who have given everything to find their footing again, reconnect with who they are outside the uniform, and recognize that there is still greatness ahead of them.
I left sharper, more grounded, and more convinced than ever that TCI is on the right path. If we can deliver even a fraction of what BSB delivered this week, we will change lives.
I am honored to have been here. I will carry it forward.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Programs like this are not built by the visible effort alone — they run on a foundation of behind-the-scenes work that most participants never see and rarely acknowledge.
Kris — thank you. The logistical, administrative, and coordination work required to execute a week like this is invisible to most and absolutely critical. Your professionalism made a difference that was felt throughout the entire experience, even if most could not name the reason things ran so smoothly. I am grateful for it. To the entire BSB team: you set a standard this week. I am watching, I am learning, and I am deeply grateful.
Respectfully submitted,
TF173 Recipient”
