TF174 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
Wintertime in Montana can be as unpredictable as the modern world is today. With the unrest in the Middle East settling in during our week prior to Task Force 174, our recipients gained some much-needed decompression, engagement, and brotherhood. As the anticipation for this Task Force began to build, the excitement started to set in as the plans came together. We knew this one was going to be extremely special as it was a smaller group than many of the previous Task Forces. But with smaller teams comes more companionship and deeper, meaningful connections. This was no different for TF174. From the very beginning, we knew this group was going to be special.
The week started out with springtime conditions as it was a bluebird day for arrivals and the 1st two days of skiing. The accommodations in Big Sky were first-class, and we settled in for what was going to be our first of 5 amazing meals and nights together. This Task Force was blessed to have volunteer Chef Travis Whitt leading the menu plans and meal prep for our group. He did not disappoint as we feasted on slow-roasted brown sugar pork carnitas, extremely juicy prime rib sandwiches, and capped the week off with perfectly cooked rosemary filets drizzled with a tasty peppercorn sauce. Sous chef Chris Rigg took orders like a champ from chef Travis, and the meals came together perfectly. Both our recipients and volunteers were well taken care of the entire week with great food and beverages.
Skiing the 1st two days brought amazing spring skiing with temps in the high 40’s with bluebird conditions. We were blessed to have the #1 ski instructor at Big Sky Resort and fellow BSB volunteer, Jim, join us for the 1st day and help our team learn how to ski. Both Chris and Travis not only are amazing volunteers, but they are world-class skiers who know the slopes of Big Sky very well. And as is the case for most task forces, our levels of skiing varied. For some, it was there 1st time skiing and for others, it was another amazing day on the slopes. But for all of us, the challenge of new terrain, new bumps, and new friendships took shape. These experiences with new individuals is what creates the magic of Big Sky Bravery. Whether it’s riding up the tram to the top of majestic Lone Peak or encouraging each other as our legs began to fatigue throughout the day, Big Sky Bravery gives us the opportunity to stretch both our physical capabilities and our mental fortitude.
Day 4 brought us to Canyon Adventures with fresh snow on the mind as the weather switched from spring back to winter warnings! With world-famous snowmobile guides Mark, Trae, and Eric, TF 174 took off into the Taylor’s Fork area searching for new powder and new challenges. This day becomes the highlight for many individuals. Teamwork and adventure tend to carry the day during our time in the backcountry of the Gallatin Valley. The roaring engines of our Polaris machines are about the only thing that could have drowned out the laughter and fun that comes with this experience. We finished off the day with a great meal with new friends at The River House, a well-deserved massage for the recipients, and authentic conversation sitting around the fire before calling it an evening.
The final day brought 14” of fresh powder to Big Sky, and Task Force 174 did not let it go to waste. We hit the slopes early, skied through lunch, and finished off the week with some great live music and card tricks at the Whiskey Shack! The final night is always the highlight for me as we get to look back and reflect on the time we had together, the true and genuine friendships we have built amongst what were complete strangers 4 days ago, and express our gratitude for our country and the amazing heroes who help keep us safe!
In the future, when I think back about my time with Task Force 174, I will always remember authentic conversations, genuine laughter, and true friendships. I want to thank the recipients for their openness and willingness to let us into their lives, even for just a short 5 days. I am also so grateful for my fellow volunteers who made this week so meaningful!
As you all integrate back into your day-to-day lives and jump back into work, please do not ever forget that we appreciate what you do and that you are always worth it!
With sincere respect and gratitude,
Jeremy Swenson
Task Force 174 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Jeremy Swenson, Task Force Director
Chris Rigg, Assistant Task Force Director
Travis Whitt
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
“In my 19 years as an active-duty service member, I have never experienced an environment where you can truly disconnect from the demands of the job and simply breathe for a few days. Yet Big Sky Bravery provided exactly that.
From the moment we arrived, the level of professionalism was obvious. Everything was organized, well-thought-out, and executed with care. But beyond the logistics, what stood out most was the heart behind it. Every person involved, from the volunteers coordinating activities, to those preparing meals, to the donors who made the entire event possible, played a role in creating an atmosphere where us service members could relax, recharge, and simply enjoy the moment.
For many of us, opportunities like this are more meaningful than people might realize.
Spending time skiing, snowmobiling, and connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of military service gave us a chance to decompress in a way that’s hard to describe/replicate back home.
What impressed me most was that every contribution mattered. Whether it was a major donor supporting the event or a volunteer baking cookies for the group, you could feel the genuine appreciation and care behind every detail.
Big Sky Bravery isn’t just an event; it’s a reminder that there are people across the country who truly value and support the men and women who serve.
I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and for every person who made it possible.”
-Task Force 174 Recipient
“When I was offered the opportunity to attend a Big Sky Bravery, I was somewhat incredulous. Partially because of how new I am to our community, but also due to the biases that I had coming in. I thought that I had very little to gain from an experience such as Big Sky - that I didn’t need the connection with the volunteers, that I didn’t need the time away from work, and that I didn’t have anything on my shoulders to ‘unload’.
I could not have been more wrong.
As soon as we met with the volunteers - Jeremy, Chris, and Travis - I could tell that these were men who I could connect with on a fraternal level, and from whom I could learn invaluable lessons about fatherhood, emotional resilience, and life in general. Every subsequent day and night, the value of these connections was made ever more apparent as we skied, rode, and talked together. Our conversations ranged to everything from basic ‘dude stuff’, to the roles we played in our kids’ lives, to the theological foundations that shaped who we were as men. I went to bed every night after our conversations and a full day on the mountain physically and mentally exhausted but fulfilled in a way I had not experienced in years.
Throughout the week I discovered how much I needed this reset.
For me, Big Sky Bravery brought the most important things in my life back into focus.
It cut through all the mundane drudgery that distracted me from the foundational aspects of my life and gave me a minute to breathe. I’ll be eternally grateful for the connections that I made with Jeremy, Chris, and Travis and I’ll always remember the week we shared and the experiences we had.
If you ain’t wrecking you ain’t riding.”
-Task Force 174 Recipient
