TF175 | Female SOF | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
Civilians and Warriors,
I knew the second we greeted the recipients at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport that this week would be one for the books. And it was! It started with one recipient in particular who hugged me like I was her sister that she hadn’t seen in years. Then one, after another, they opened their arms and let us strangers in. I’m always in complete awe that these women say YES to the invite, and YES to the unknown adventure, some just learning a few days before that they were headed to Montana.
So in our luxury lodging in Big Sky, under the eyes of Elmer the moose, we got our week underway with a homemade dinner and healthy conversation. This set the tone for opening up without judgment, sharing heartfelt thoughts and heart-crushing grief. With the right balance of questions and listening, we started forming our bonds.
Warmer conditions made for decent skiing and a bluebird sunny day to ride the tram to the top of Lone Peak; Mostly beginner skiers, recipients were guided by the one and only gentle soul, Jim Mikulich. For two days he used his expert teaching skills to get them all going down greens and blue runs. One highlight was watching the avalanche dog demo mid-mountain on our second day. Hard days of skiing were followed by more home-cooked meals, hot tub sessions, and deep conversation matched with joyous laughter.
Snowmobiling on dirt and ice at Taylors Fork was an adventure for sure, but up on the ridge we had enough snow to carve out some rippin’ fun. This memorable day was topped off with the Auric Room and sleigh ride dinner at LMR - we barely had enough snow for the sleigh to go! None of us will forget the candle wax ball making at the dinner table, followed by bellowing out “FRESH BREAD!”
We wrapped up our week with massages, more daytime conversation, coffee in town, and shopping at Montana Supply. The evening “questions of the night” and following conversations are always my highlight, watching the strongest of women be vulnerable and trust the volunteers sitting before them. Every night ended with authentic hugs and thank yous.
So, as I reflect upon my 4th Task Force, here is what I know to be true. Female warriors can be brave and still be broken. The most successful women can still feel grief and love simultaneously. The most dedicated warfighter can be sensitive and sweet, yet laser-focused and locked in.
TF 175 was full of youth and wisdom. We laughed, we cried, and we shared. We vowed to stay connected. Big Sky Bravery touches the souls of active duty service members at the deepest level, and this Task Force radiated hope and connection.
Robin White
Task Force 175 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Robin White, Task Force Director
Amber Sartain, Assistant Task Force Director
Shannon O’Hare
Genevieve Kaliher
Jen Alpard
Patriots to Thank
Big Sky Resort
Canyon Adventures
Lone Mountain Ranch
Stone Glacier
Welcome Bag Patriots: Alpine Dental, Anthem, Darn Tough, Dermatone, FHF Gear, FlasKap, Graplrz, LMNT, Melissa Ferraro, onX, & Wild Society Coffee
“This week was a very precious opportunity to slow down and focus on building lasting connections through introspection while enjoying the natural beauty of Montana. I'm grateful for the chance to meet other women with similar mindsets who were willing to be vulnerable and develop such close friendships over the week, and I am so thankful for the generosity of BSB and the intentionality with which the program is coordinated to cultivate those relationships. It was beautiful to see the growth throughout the week, not only of our tangible skills like skiing and snowmobiling, but also of self-awareness, perspective, and community among this group of women. Thank you for this time together!”
-Task Force 175 Recipient
“What a life-changing experience. The outdoor activities, of course, were phenomenal--things and locations I would never have access to or be able to afford myself--but the part that deeply impacted me was the human connections, the vulnerable discussions, and the opportunity to work on myself while completely removed from the demands of work and home. I'm so incredibly grateful to have gone through this program and to leave with a support system in place.”
-Task Force 175 Recipient
“This week gave me the reset I didn't know I needed. It was fun, restful, and the human element reconnected me to who I was when I started my SOF journey.
I'm better for having this experience.
Thank you.”
-Task Force 175 Recipient
“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to spend some real quality time with these ladies. I feel more centered, grounded, and supported after the week. The combination of physical challenge, nature, and the candid and vulnerable nightly discussions really helped me think through some of the challenges in my life. I could not have asked for a better experience and have already started telling everyone I work with that they should look into the program.”
-Task Force 175 Recipient
