TF176 | Big Sky, MT
A note from the Task Force Director.
BSB Supporters,
Task Force 176 started with a question mark hanging over it. Two days before our participants arrived, temperatures in Bozeman had climbed above 80 degrees. Up at Big Sky, the mountain was melting. Conversations among the volunteer team shifted from logistics to contingencies, and optimism for the recreation side of the week was, at best, measured.
Montana had other plans.
The skiing turned out to be surprisingly good — better than any reasonable forecast had given us the right to expect. Montana does that. It humbles you and then rewards you, often in the same breath. A special thank you goes to Mark, Ed, and the Canyon Adventures team, who called in favors and ended up getting sleds all the way to the snow.
But as anyone who has been a part of this program knows, Big Sky Country is only part of the story.
The conversations were deep, honest, and meaningful — the kind of exchanges that don't emerge on command, but that this program has a unique way of fostering. Around the dinner table and in the quiet stretches between runs, we were reminded exactly why Big Sky Bravery exists.
From the volunteer side, this week reinforced something that never quite loses its weight, no matter how many TFs you've been a part of. These participants are extraordinary men. They give everything and ask for nothing in return. They carry burdens that most people will never understand, and they do it quietly. To be in a position to serve them — even for a week — is a privilege that is genuinely difficult to put into words. You simply have to be there to feel it.
BSB is not just a week in the mountains. It is a reminder to these men that the people they selflessly serve have not forgotten them. Quite the opposite, they’ll do everything they can to simply say, thank you.
To the participants and their families: thank you for your sacrifice. It was an honor to spend the week alongside you.
To the volunteers, the donors, and everyone who makes Big Sky Bravery possible: thank you for continuing to give more than you take. I’m continually humbled to be a very small part of the organization and so very grateful to each and every one of you.
V/R
Mike Vint
Task Force 176 Director
Volunteers to Thank
Mike Vint, Task Force Director
Jeff Wolfgang, Assistant Task Force Director
Craig Francis
Charlie Johson
R.P.
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
“To the organizers and supporters,
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the recent getaway/decompression trip in Big Sky, Montana.
To say it was just a ‘trip’ is an understatement; it was a profound and life-altering reset that I believe is essential for members of the Special Operations community.
From the moment I arrived, the intent of the program was clear. Every detail was meticulously planned to help us decompress, relax, and reconnect with ourselves and new teammates. The exhilarating days spent skiing, snowboarding, and riding snowmobiles through the stunning Montana landscape were a perfect release. The all-inclusive nature of the trip, from the activities to the incredible dinners, removed every possible stressor, allowing us to be fully present.
However, the most impactful part of the experience was the environment of trust and camaraderie that was cultivated. The nightly discussions, guided by thought-provoking questions, created a space for vulnerability and honesty that is rare to find. I found myself sharing things with a group of strangers—now brothers—that I had never voiced before. It was in those moments of shared experience and raw emotion that the true healing/decompression happened.
I want to extend a special and personal thank you to everyone who made this possible. To all the benefactors, the volunteers I never met, and the countless people working behind the scenes, your support does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated. Most importantly, seriously to Mike, Craig, Jeff, Charley, and R., thank you for your direct leadership, guidance, being ‘men of character’, and for creating an unforgettable experience. Simply, these guys are just great and exceptional dudes that I hope to never lose contact with.
I left Big Sky with more than just memories of an amazing trip. I left with a renewed sense of purpose, my ‘cup being refilled’, and a feeling of profound peace. This program is more than a getaway; it is a vital tool for mental and emotional resilience.
Thank you for providing one of the most amazing and emotional weeks of my life. I have met one of the best groups of guys I have ever known, and I cannot recommend this experience highly enough to my fellow SOF members.
With sincere thanks,
Task Force 176 Recipient”
“I've had the privilege of visiting Montana for 20+ years to visit family. Each time, upon arrival from the fast-paced work and home life, I am transported to a calmer, more accepting, and more gracious environment. Participating in TF176 was no different, and in fact was the most enjoyable experience I've ever had in Montana. The volunteers did an amazing job of keeping us busy, yet relaxed, the entire week. We made the best of less-than-optimal snow conditions and were able to piece together great days of skiing and snowmobiling in the Big Sky area. The camaraderie, empathy, and respect developed between the recipients and volunteers of TF176 over a few short days is nothing less than remarkable. The program allowed me the reset that I was looking for and established lasting bonds amongst my group. I look forward to endorsing this program within my unit, and hopefully contributing to the BSB program in the future as a volunteer.
Thanks for everything,
Task Force 176 Recipient”
“Before attending BSB, I was skeptical that a week away would have a meaningful impact. I had spent years focusing on work and responsibilities while putting personal reset on the back burner, especially after multiple deployments. The week proved to be valuable. The structured activities and time outside, combined with discussions among peers, created space to step back, gain perspective, and refocus. It also provided a chance to connect with others who understand the demands of this line of work. I’m grateful to the donors, staff, and volunteers who support this program. Their effort made the experience worthwhile, and I returned better prepared and more focused.”
Task Force 176 Recipient
“I’ve wanted to experience BSB for some time, having heard so many great things—and it truly lived up to them.
I’d like to say a big thank you to BSB for the invitation. Mike, Craig, Jeff, and Charlie took great care of us and ran the week better than I could have expected.
I didn’t realize how much I needed this week until I was there. Thank you to all the donors who make this possible.
Kind regards,
Task Force 176 Recipient”
